VERO BEACH — “This is more of a friend-raiser than a fundraiser,” said Steve Dorrance, Treasure Coast Community Health Foundation (TCCH) executive director, welcoming a roomful of guests to a luncheon at the Quail Valley River Club Monday afternoon.
The luncheon featured guest speaker Harry Getzov, author of the best-selling book, gOld, The Extraordinary Side of Aging Revealed Through Inspiring Conversations.
“Treasure Coast Community Health has been around a long time, but people on this side of the river know very little about the organization,” said Dorrance, who has been actively working to bring attention to the vital services they provide.
Thanking event sponsor Robby Brackett, Dorrance said luncheon proceeds would help purchase an ultra sound machine at one of their facilities. He also recognized Sue Tompkins, Impact 100 president, and noted TCCH had just that day begun to implement digitized dental records, a process made possible through the $100,000 Impact 100 grant received this spring.
“As demand grows, the pool of money is diminishing,” said Dorrance, adding the number of patients served has grown from 8,192 in 2008 to an estimated 17,000 in 2011. “It’s the business of healthcare. There is no ultimate health care safety net. If you get sick and you cannot afford health care, you may die.”
Through its state-of-the-art facilities in Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere, their goal is accessible and affordable health care for everyone. Core programs include medical and dental care, behavioral healthcare and pharmaceutical services. Their pharmacy in Fellsmere was the first one ever in that city.
“I get to speak about stuff that I love; I love senior citizens,” said Getzov after his introduction.
Through what he calls Eldercation, Getzov is endeavoring to shift the focus from negative connotations educed by the word ‘old’ to its more positive aspects.
“There are a lot of seniors headed our way. This was the first year baby boomers turned 65 years old.”
Getzov embarked on the Eldercation project following careers as an attorney in the entertainment industry and in the field of Elderlaw. He had what he calls an epiphany after listening to an account related by an elderly man of his experience storming the beaches at Normandy.
Sixteen hundred interviews later, the Eldercation project evolved into his book. In its first part, Looking Back – A Life Lived, seniors reflect on lessons learned throughout their lives, and in the second part, Today – On Being Old, they share insights on dealing with age related issues.
Getzov entertained with stories from memorable conversations and words of wisdom from a few of his many interviewees, who ranged in age from 70 to centenarians.
Snippets included gems such as, “I don’t hurry and I don’t worry,” “Get rid of whatever gives you aggravation,” Develop courage; nobody is born with courage,” “Learn how to balance your bankbook,” and “Love what you do for a living.”
When asked how they felt about getting older, Getzov related that one man noted how time speeds up as you age, but most were continuing to enjoy life to its fullest. He said an ancillary theme to his Eldercation project is encouraging everyone to have real, face-to-face intergenerational conversations.
“If I can just get people to make that little shift, and maybe view senior citizens a little differently, I will have done something really powerful.”
