ow much does it really cost the average senior to retain his or her house, sustain health and maintain independence in the community? The University of Massachusetts and Wider Opportunities for Women are spearheading a national project that is funded by the Retirement Research Foundation to measure, objectively, the true living costs of the average elder.

The standard will take into account costs such as health care, transportation, housing, food, taxes and the costs of longterm care. Using several states, including Massachusetts, as models, the project will develop a prototype and calculate a standard that will be adopted in all 50 states.

According to Laura Henze Russell, program director, in order to ensure that the work of the project is informed by the experiences of those who work directly on elder advocacy issues, a national advisory council has been formed. Cathy Cranston, director of planning and community development at HESSCO Elder Services in Sharon, has been chosen to represent Massachusetts on this collaboration. Meetings of the committee will take place in Washington several times a year to refine the work of the project and develop the standard that will be used as a tool for public education and to guide public policy.

HESSCO Elder Services is dedicated to finding solutions to help those older than 60 take full advantage of their later years. The goal is to make it easier for older individuals and their families to access a system of health and supportive services. HESSCO Elder Services helps older individuals of all means, backgrounds and health conditions.

Copyright by Community Newspaper Co. and Herald Media.

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