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On October 17, a delegation from Ota, Japan, met with members of Wellesley Neighbors (WN) to discuss new ideas for taking care of an aging population. The Japanese population is aging faster than that of any other country in the world, according to Foreign Affairs Magazine. Japan is grappling with a shortage of caregivers, increasing cost of care, and lack of available activities for seniors.
WN is part of the worldwide “village movement,” started by Boston’s Beacon Hill Village. Like other villages, WN offers activities, services and support for older adults who wish to age in their homes and communities.
Ota has been a sister city to Salem, MA, for more than 25 years. It sends an annual delegation of city councilors to various U.S. cities and was referred this year to Wellesley by the executive director of Beacon Hill Village. The delegation met at the WN office with WN executive director Joyce Wadlington, past president Margot Lansing, and board member Ann Swanson.
“It was a very fruitful meeting,” said Ms. Wadlington. “We responded to the group’s questions about the services and support we provide, our social and educational activities, volunteers, methods of communication, and other topics.” She added that WN welcomes seniors of Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Weston and Dover. They are invited to call her (781-283-0417) or visit www.wellesleyneighbors.org for more information.
