Aging Matters, Savannah, GA 1999
Partners:
The paper published an 11-part series on the issues faced by the region’s growing elderly population, beginning in September of 1999 and continuing through the summer of 2000. The coverage became a prime example of unraveling a community’s “master narrative.”
A Pew-supported survey of 740 Savannah-area residents helped frame the topics for “Aging Matters,” along with a series of small focus groups, each with about eight participants. The series explored how and why people age, health and long-term care, legal issues that arise as people age, the political impact of a growing senior population and the financial impact of aging.
Each installment included stories about people who’ve remained active and involved as they aged and found positive aspects to the process. The series also included resource guides on each issue explored and invited community participation in the conversation. Online message boards and chat rooms, special call-in lines and continued focus groups gave readers outlets to discuss problems and offer solutions.
The series inspired Savannah-area legislators and community groups to take action. After an installment on seniors who are primary caregivers to grandchildren, Savannah’s congressmen and state senator inaugurated a series of Saturday morning discussion groups to determine what services government could provide. Stories on nursing home care prompted the city’s state representative to introduce legislation requiring higher ratios of nursing home staff per patient. And senior citizens centers, advocacy groups and hospices reported an increase in volunteer help.
The series won the Batten Award in 2000.
Contact:
Dan Suwyn
Managing Editor
Savannah Morning News
PO Box 1088, 11 W. Bay St.
Savannah, GA 31402-1088
Phone: (912) 652-0322
Email: dsuwyn@savannahnow.com
Rexanna Lester
Executive Editor
Savannah Morning News
PO Box 1088, 11 W. Bay St.
Savannah, GA 31402-1088
Phone: (912) 652-0300
Email: rexanna@savannahnow.com