Agency on Aging Area 4’s Post

🕰️👵 Navigating Aging: Are We Failing Our Elders? 🕰️👵 As COVID-19 continues to impact our society, we're faced with a pressing question: Are we doing enough for our vulnerable older population? Despite high death tolls and the clear risks faced by seniors during the pandemic, significant reforms in eldercare remain stalled. 🚨 💔 The absence of widespread outrage and action signals a deeper societal problem: ageism. While we value our individual family members, as a society, we often fail to address the collective needs of older adults. 🔍 A paradigm shift is overdue. Older adults aren't merely recipients of care; they are invaluable contributors to our communities. It's time to challenge ageism and pursue integration rather than isolation for our elders. Because when they thrive, so does our entire community//https://lnkd.in/g_v3xjQK #Ageing #SeniorCare #Covid19Impact #EndAgeism #tpctn #inhomeconciergecare

Unveiling the Ultimate Guide to Age-Friendly Communities. Discover the Secrets Revealed in Polco’s Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults (CASOA) and USAging Data. Currently, the older adult population is growing to become a larger percentage of the US population than ever before. There are ways your organization can build a better community that supports its aging population. Hear insights on the new Older Americans Act regulations from USAging's Public Policy Director, Olivia Umoren, MPH in hand with Polco's Principal Research Strategist Michelle Kobayashi on how building an age-friendly community is more than just a goal – it's a commitment to inclusivity, well-being, and vibrant living for all ages. By creating spaces that cater to the needs of older adults, we foster a sense of belonging, enhance communication, and strengthen community bonds. #LocalGovs can work together to ensure that every member of their community can age gracefully and thrive in a supportive environment. Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q02x0zCF0 #AgeFriendlyCommunity #AgeFriendlyCommunities  #Inclusivity #Inclusion #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityDevelopment #AAA  #TransformingCommunities #SocialChange #EqualityForAll #BuildingBetterTogether #Empowerment #CommunityEngagement #SocialImpact #CreatingConnections

"It's important to understand and ask older adults, 'How do you want to be communicated with? When should you be communicated with, and what types of information should we be providing?'" – Michelle Kobayashi, Principle Research Strategist, Polco. #AgeFriendly communities benefit us all! In this #webinar recording and show notes article, USAging joins Polco to discuss what it will take to create communities that best support #OlderAdults. Do you agree? I love to see your thoughts too. #AreaAgencyAging #Aging

PolicyMap, Inc.'s blog from Magdalen Andreoni, "Navigating the Silence: Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults," delves into the pressing issue and explores its profound impact on the well-being of our elderly population. Explore how data-driven insights, such as those provided by PolicyMap, are crucial in identifying at-risk communities, informing targeted interventions, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for older adults. Read the full blog to learn more about this critical topic. #SocialIsolation #Loneliness #OlderAdults #DataDrivenSolutions #CommunitySupport #PolicyMap

As states face the growing challenge of supporting their aging populations, innovative solutions are more crucial than ever. We’re proud that GetSetUp is featured in Route Fifty for our role in helping older adults stay connected and engaged through technology. Our partnership with the New Jersey Division for the Aging has empowered over 17,000 older adults to embrace digital skills, participate in community life, and access vital services. With over 94,000 classes offered, we’re making a tangible difference in combating isolation and enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Is your state looking to enhance services for older adults? #GetSetUp can be a valuable partner in driving digital literacy, workforce engagement, and social connectedness. 📘 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d6GVq6U5 #DigitalEquity #AgingPopulation #SocialImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #HealthEquity #DigitalLiteracy COUNTY OF UNION, DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION ON AGING California Department of Aging Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Illinois Department on Aging Aging in Arizona HEALTH & SENIOR SERVICES, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF

The Administration for Community Living invites all of us to a June 10 webinar on the 1st EVER Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging “We encourage all sectors of American Society, communities, and individuals to join is in considering the steps they can take to advance our vision of an America that values older adults, embraces aging, and recognizes that all people have the right to live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society.” Learn more about the Strategic Framework and the National Plan on Aging and how to get involved: REGISTER for the June 10 webinar https://lnkd.in/ec_UwARA #AgingInPlace #sharingresources #FutureOfAging #customizedaging #modifyormove #universaldesign #reframingaging #livability https://lnkd.in/gtPmuJWp

There are some very obvious trends that lead me to push for changing the way I design in general. As a profession I would contend that we don't design adequately enough to allow for aging-in-place. The population of older Americans with physical and cognitive limitations will increase sharply over the coming decades. We are increasingly likely to face physical challenges that present very real obstructions to living independently. It is estimated that nearly 70 percent of people who reach the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care. With growing old comes a much greater risk of isolation.  Many older adults who have a  disability have limited access to their communities with millions of older people living in outlying areas, no longer driving, and lacking in adequate access to transportation services. Moreover, older adults—particularly women—are increasingly likely to live alone, with single-person households making up 40 percent of all households in their 70s and fully 60 percent of households in their 80s. These householders often have disabilities, medical conditions, as well as limited financial resources. We need to provide for allowing older adults to remain in their homes by providing adequate access between inside and outside, means for independent travel in their communities, and promoting socialization with friends and family. #aginginplace #longtermliving #landscapedesign #planning #accessibility #siteplanning #seniorhousing

There is more to recording and documenting the experiences and contributions of the elderly in society than just the need to preserve history. Although capturing personal histories and cultural heritage is important to ensure valuable knowledge and traditions are passed down to the younger generation, the world needs data to inform policies on older people. It is through collecting data on the elderly that policymakers and organisations can understand their unique needs and challenges and be able to generate and implement effective policies and programmes. Our article explores examples of information on older people required to formulate effective policies for their well-being: https://lnkd.in/ewJ-ipUz #B2BPublishers #SocialImpact #CommunityImpact #SustainableLiving #SDG3GoodHealthandWellbeing

Needed: Reimagined Support for Our Aging Population I have the pleasure of participating in the AARP Academy and this week we tackled something that has been weighing on my mind. The deepening need for comprehensive care for our elderly, starting with housing. As America grays, the traditional family structure has evolved. Children are encouraged to pursue their passions, often leading them away from their hometowns. This shift has diminished the once-common practice of multigenerational living, contributing to a rise in the number of seniors without homes - unhoused. It was interesting to learn that contrary to popular belief, drug use, mental health issues, or a preference for the sun is not the primary cause of being unhoused. The root issue is the lack of affordable housing. And, California ranks low, 49 out of 50 in housing affordability! Are you aware the percent of people aged 55+ who are unhoused has skyrocketed from 11% in 1990 to nearly 50% today? According to this podcast, particularly vulnerable are the last of the baby boomers (born between 1955 and 1964), who have been battered by recession, the war on drugs, and dwindling government support for affordable housing. Many in this group have spent their lives in physically demanding jobs (often 2 or more) and have lacked the opportunity to become homeowners. Imagine the strain of living on a fixed income in a rent-increasing apartment, or the struggle of having lived paycheck to paycheck now no longer having the ability to work. These circumstances are compounded by challenges like lack of sleep, security concerns, lack of nutritious food, difficulty accessing healthcare, and inadequate transportation. Each is a contributing factor to chronic illness and increases the risk of becoming unhoused. (Tangentially, check out CalAIM in California). Here are some critical questions to ponder and ask your community leaders: 1. Are there safe, accessible, and affordable housing options in your community for people at all life stages? 2. Would you consider building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property for extra income or as additional living space for yourself or your family? 3. Is your current residence equipped to support you as you age? 4. Do you have a nearby support network that could provide care if needed as you grow older? 5. Are there suitable downsizing options within your community should you choose to stay close to home? The need for elder care is a growing concern that demands immediate attention and action. As we contemplate the future of elderly support, let's engage in meaningful dialogue and take decisive steps towards creating a compassionate, inclusive society. #AgeFriendlyCA #AARPCA https://lnkd.in/gHdapcEY

Data from research organizations and aging advocacy groups is clear: More older Americans want to age in place in their own homes, as opposed to living in dedicated care facilities. To get a better grasp on this preference, Chicago-based National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate station WBEZ recently featured a dedicated aging-in-place segment. WBEZ spoke with experts and community members about why more older Americans are opting to remain in their homes as they grow older. #aginginplace #livinginplace