The Gray Revolution
Recently, I was fortunate to attend a concert at our local Panida Theater featuring legendary folk-rock musician Jim Messina.
Apart from the apparent generational appeal to the over-60 crowd, seeing what can only be described as a sea of gray in that venue was striking. To find someone under 40 was like hunting for a unicorn. With all the clapping, singing, and swaying of the audience members, one certainly could experience the fountain of youth welling from deep within each concert attendee. It struck me that evening just how much our little village and the surrounding area lean heavily toward being a “retirement age” community, the likes of which one mostly associates with cities in Florida and Arizona.
With all of the aging “rockers” in our community, I wondered how many of us pictured ourselves making it to this age and which of us were living the life we expected to be living when we reached the “golden years.” Was this the life we imagined?
Embracing the present and adapting to change is a key factor contributing to life satisfaction at this stage of life. Denying that one is aging or pretending to be young does not seem to work out for most of us, despite our best efforts. Shifting how we work and play to accommodate limitations is our new reality or biggest challenge to overcome.
In the interest of supporting decision-making in this later stage of life, the Geezer Forum is hosting the ELTC Law firm regarding tips and recommendations for managing finances and decision-making in later years. It is never too early to think about ways to prepare for the unexpected. While it is easy to put off these conversations, it is important to make these decisions in advance as opposed to moments of crisis.
The Geezer Forum will be held Tuesday, May 13, at 2:30-4 p.m. at the Umpqua Bank Building in the community room of the Marigold Bistro and Café, 414 Church St. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. proudly sponsors the Geezer Forum. For information about services and activities, come visit us at 820 Main Street, call 208-263-6860 or check us out at sandpointareaseniors.org.
Lisa Bond is the executive director of Sandpoint Area Seniors and the new leader of the Geezer Forum.
A New Age and the Face of Aging
It hit me just this week that the days are longer, meaning I can finally put away my winter gear and take off my snow tires.
Yes. Spring is officially and visibly here. With that shift comes the opportunity to get back to our favorite spring and summer outdoor activities. Many of us 55 and over are ready to start hiking, kayaking, biking, and hitting the outdoor pickleball courts to combat the lingering “winter blues.” Outdoor concerts are revving up, and festivals will fill the weekend schedules for several months now.
Most of us are aware that spending time outdoors has a positive impact on our sleep habits and immune health. When we can engage in large-muscle outdoor recreational activities with friends or family, our mental health also improves.
I love kayaking. If I could spend every reasonably mild weather day out on the water, it would likely never be too much for me. It nourishes my spirit and brings joy to my life. Flexibility and balance are essential for navigating a kayak. Connection to the water with its unique moods — the sounds, smells, and visual experience — brings solace and adventure to my not-so-ordinary life.
The reality is that no matter how we envision our lives as we get older, many of us, including myself, find ourselves in situations we never imagined or anticipated. Some of this is by choice, and some by circumstance. However, regardless of the reason, our ability to adapt to life changes is primarily determined by the choices we make following an unanticipated life interruption.
How well do you adapt to change? What brings you joy when the days seem long, and the night does not provide adequate sleep?
This month for the Geezer Forum, we welcome Beryl Ryan, RN, who will share her story and journey with Tapping, a form of acupressure and mindfulness rooted in ancient traditions. With over 40 years of experience in the health field, Bery shares her love for humanity and sincere desire to share the tools which can provide relief from anxiety, physical and emotional pain and much more.
Join us Tuesday, April 8, at 2:30 p.m.at the Marigold Bistro and Café (Umpqua Bank Building)
Also, Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc has joined forces with Live, Give 7B from April 14-18. With roughly 60 nonprofits, SASi takes advantage of the opportunity to support local donor generosity in 7B — Bonner County. For more information, check out the webpage at 7B Gives. If you're interested in activities or support for our local Senior Center, please visit us at sandpointareaseniors.org.
Geezer Forum Continues Under the Direction of Sandpoint Area Seniors, inc.
Lisa Bond, left, and Paul Graves, right, pose for a photo announcing that Geezer Forum will continue under the direction of Sandpoint Area Seniors, inc., after the long-time elder advocate announced plans to move to Oregon to be closer to family.
Beloved long-standing community leader, Paul Graves, has made the decision to leave the area to be closer to his family in Oregon.
His early endeavors as mayor, minister and elder advocate are but a few of the contributions he has made to our small community. Graves' departure may have required the Geezer Forum, running for over a decade in this town, to fold and cease to exist.
However, through many conversations, brainstorming and dreaming it has been decided that the Geezer Forum will continue under the guidance of Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. With SASi’s longstanding presence in the community and attunement to the needs of the area's aging community, it is a perfect match.
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 2:30 p.m., Graves' farewell and final Geezer Forum being at the helm, we will together celebrate him as he passes the torch to SASi director Lisa Bond.
“We are excited to welcome the Geezer Forum and look forward to continuing to bring education, fun, and connection to the Sandpoint area community,” Lisa Bond, SASi director, said.
Both the Geezer Forum and Sandpoint Area Seniors have been separately serving the aging community in meaningful ways for several years.
Geezer Forum will continue to meet at Marigold Café (formerly Tango) on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
By Katie Begalke, Community Resource and EnVision Center
Aging is a universal journey, yet it comes with unique challenges that many of us don’t anticipate until we, or a loved one, are facing them firsthand. In Bonner County, where 25.7% of the population is aged 65 and older, seniors make up a significant part of our community. Their needs—ranging from healthcare access and financial security to social connection—are growing. That’s why we sat down with Lisa Bond from the Sandpoint Senior Center and Paul Graves, founder of the Geezer Forum and Elder Advocates, to explore the work being done to support our aging population and what’s next for these initiatives.
For years, Paul Graves has been a dedicated advocate for seniors, starting both the Geezer Forum and Elder Advocates to address the pressing concerns of aging adults and those caring for them. These forums have provided a space for meaningful conversations about everything from legal planning to end-of-life care, helping seniors navigate their evolving needs with dignity and support.
One of the biggest challenges seniors face nationwide—and here in Bonner County—is financial stability. Many struggle with fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, and housing affordability. In addition, physical aging presents obstacles that can make it harder to maintain independence. Common concerns include mobility issues, access to reliable healthcare, and finding support for daily living tasks.
As life expectancy continues to rise, more seniors are living longer, but they are also facing new hurdles that require community-driven solutions. That’s where the Sandpoint Senior Center and the Community Resource EnVision Center come in. With Paul stepping back, Lisa Bond and the Senior Center are stepping up to ensure that the work he started continues to grow and serve those who need it most.
The Next Chapter: The Geezer Forum Podcast - Listen to the first podcast on Spotify
A key part of this transition is transforming the Geezer Forum into a podcast hosted at the EnVision Media Center. This will not only preserve the vital conversations Paul has fostered but also expand their reach, capturing and documenting the stories of our aging population on air. By doing so, we can ensure that seniors' voices are heard, their wisdom is shared, and their concerns are addressed in ways that make a lasting impact.
Beyond storytelling, the Rural Resource Program will continue to provide practical support, helping those 50+ maintain their independence and stay in their homes longer. Whether it’s connecting seniors with financial assistance, housing support, or social services, the program ensures they have access to the resources they need to thrive.
At the heart of these initiatives is a simple but powerful truth: our community is stronger when we support one another. The transition of the Geezer Forum, combined with continued efforts to assist seniors, represents a commitment to making Bonner County a safe and secure place to age with dignity. We are proud to be part of a movement that champions our elders, amplifies their voices, and ensures that they receive the care and support they deserve.
Join Us in Celebrating This Milestone
We are incredibly grateful to Paul Graves for his years of service and dedication. As we move forward, we invite you to stay engaged—whether by tuning into the upcoming podcast, participating in discussions, or simply taking the time to have these conversations with the elders in your life.
