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Elderly Services Program helps 105-year-old live at home
 Freda of North Bend receives care at home through the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program. She turned 105 in February
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When we think about the aging of America, we think about Boomers. But one of the fastest growing segments of our population is people age 100 and older. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2050, more than 1 million Americans will be at least 100 years old.
Increasingly, the "oldest old" are aging in place or at home with relatives, not in institutions.
The Elderly Services Programs (ESP) all have many clients who are age 90 and older. In Hamilton County last year, nearly 13 percent of the 7,992 older adults enrolled ESP were age 90+ and 43 were age 100 or older.
Recently, we sat down and talked to a local centenarian -- Freda of North Bend.
At 105 years old, she has heard the question many times -- What's the secret to living such a long life?
Her answer is simple: "Eat, sleep and do what you want to do."
Born in Cincinnati in 1904, Freda remembers the days when people got on trains to go to work, rode around with friends in open-air trolleys, or crossed the river on the Anderson Ferry -- without their car.
She grew up in southwestern Hamilton County along the Ohio River and never left, except to travel the country with her husband, Raymond Sr., and their friends during their retirement. She loves Cincinnati, including its famous pizza and chili.
Freda worked for 14 years at the Methodist Publishing House on Plum Street, taking a break to raise her two children, and retiring as billing supervisor in 1962.
Her husband and her friends are gone now, but she still lives within the folds of her big family which includes two children, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
After living in the home she shared with Ray Sr. for 74 years -- a home her grandmother built -- Freda finally moved in with her son Ray Jr. and daughter-in-law Carole after a stroke started to make it difficult for her to get around. She was 103 at the time.
She didn't have to move far though. Ray Jr. had just built a home up the hill in North Bend. And she was able to bring some sentimental things with her, including a 15-year-old Tropicana rose bush her husband had planted. It was spring when we met Freda and everyone was anxiously awaiting the shrub's first blooms.
Though Freda, Ray and Carole enjoy each other's company, the move has presented some challenges. Ray and Carole are both in their 70s and are not able to provide all the care Freda needs. Carole served as the mayor of Addyston for more than 20 years and knew to call Council on Aging to get help.
Through Council on Aging and the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program, Freda got a hospital bed so it would be easier for her family to help her in and out of bed. Through the program, she receives two hours of personal care each week and six hours of respite care every Saturday give Carole and Ray a much-needed break.
"I don't know what I'd do without it, to tell you the truth," Carole said. With grandchildren in the home most days of the week, it's difficult for Carole to get out and do things for herself or the family. Because of ESP, she can get out on Saturdays to do the things she needs to do and know that Freda is safe at home.
Even at 105, Freda still has plenty to keep her busy. She rises early to read the paper over coffee. During the day she tends to Lollabelle the cat, supervises her son's gardening, and might even help with math homework.
Freda tells Carole, "I've had a good life. I want to stay right where I'm at."
More Information:
Elderly Services Programs
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