Costs of living on the rise for senior citizens
By Greg Rayburn \ Staff Writer \ grayburn@arkansasnews.com
Friday, August 29, 2008 10:54 AM CDT
Consumer indexes recently published in national news show the cost of living spiraling higher than it has in decades.
For younger people, finding an extra part-time job can help compensate.
But how are senior citizens coping?
“When you get into your 70s and 80s, you only have so many options,” said Don Hindman, director of the Jack Evans Senior Citizens Center.
Hindman said recent spikes in gasoline, food, utilities and health care costs are beginning to weigh heavily on many senior citizens here.
“About 75 percent of the senior citizens who come here live on Social Security,” Hindman said. “Many do not have retirement benefits.”
Hindman said senior citizens in central Arkansas are feeling the squeeze.
“I’m not only hearing about it,” he said, “I’m seeing it with my own eyes.”
Hindman said he is seeing fewer senior citizens take part in trips the center sponsors twice a month. On trips to places such as Murry’s Dinner Theater in Little Rock and restaurants such as Red Lobster in early July, Hindman said, fewer seniors are taking part.
Hindman said the cost of going out to eat is rising.
“It used to be they could expect to spend $6 for a meal,” Hindman said. “Now they need to bring $8 or $10.”
Hindman said he knows some seniors are coping with rising energy bills in dangerous ways during the hot summer months, such as reducing the use of their air conditioners.
“I’m hearing some are raising their thermostats from 72 degrees to 75 or 76,” Hindman said. “I know one person who said they are going to keep it at 80.”
Hindman said some turn off their air conditioners and stay at the senior center during business hours.
“Some stay here during the day and play cards and other games,” Hindman said. “And I know what they are doing. It’s their way of trying to keep their electric bill low.”
But one service the center has provided since the mid-1990s remains free and continues to be popular — the Wednesday bingo game.
Hindman said he’s seen a slight increase in participation.
“Today we had 93,” Hindman said. “We have anywhere from 85-95, on average.”
What makes the bingo popular isn’t just the price but the lunch and fellowship that go along, he said.
“For many of them, it is their weekly outing,” Hindman said.
Vivian Fish of North Little Rock said she has attended the bingo games for many years and enjoys the fellowship and fun.
Clara Kuttlewell of North Little Rock said the price is affordable and she loves the company.
“I’ve been coming for five years, and I love it,” Kuttlewell said.
Vi Begley of Sherwood said she has played bingo at the center for a dozen years and appreciates the free entertainment and how Hindman manages the games.
“He is well organized but gives us the freedom to make it fun.”
