The Aging Ahead Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) is made up of volunteers who advocate on behalf of older Missourians. In this special series, you will have a chance to meet the delegates who represent you. We invite you to reach out and share your thoughts on policies impacting your ability to age well. If you’d like information on joining the SHL, please contact Jan at jkeith@agingahead.org or 636-207-4206
Meet Dale Nichols!
Interviewed by SHL Delegate Tom Eyssell (eyssellt@umsl.edu)
This interview was performed via Zoom with North St. Louis County SHL Representative Dale Nichols.
How long have you been a member of the Silver-Haired Legislature?
I’ve been a member for eight years.
What caused you to join the Silver-Haired Legislature?
About forty years ago (when I was forty years old), I was complaining about government, and decided that, rather than just sit around and complain, I would get involved. I became involved in fund-raising, attending political meetings, and talking to politicians. I took my kids to Jefferson City to meet legislators, and began to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. I met Ralph Queen [a former member of the SHL] and became an alternate. After two years, I became a Representative.
How long have you lived in Maryland Heights?
My wife and I have been here for ten years.
Tell us a bit about your background – what did you do before retiring, what interests do you have these days (apart from senior advocacy)?
I was at Hunter Engineering in a variety of executive positions, the longest as a Cost Manager. I started there in 1975 when it was a relatively small firm, and worked there for thirty-four years. In addition to my work with the Alzheimer’s Association, I have volunteered as a docent and then Business Manager at the Lutheran Museum. I am currently participating in a Senior Driving Study to assess the impact of aging on driving ability, as well as a study on senior cell phone use.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing seniors today?
Five issues concerning seniors today are:
Nutrition, Home upkeep, Depression, Transportation, Voting, Prescription drug costs
What would you like to say to someone interested in joining the SHL?
Everybody talks about rights, but not enough about responsibilities. We all have a duty to help support senior, and being in the SHL is one way to get involved and do your part.