Action Guide - Visiting Nurse Service of New York

Action Guide
Seniors do not suddenly
appear out of the blue popping into our neighborhoods.
As our neighbors, they have
acquired an education, and a
work history. They have
created and nurtured families,
bought homes, and participated in faith communities
and civic organizations.
Aging is different for everyone, which makes for unique
community resources and
assets that are broad and
diverse.
The AdvantAge Initiative is
aimed at opening people’s
minds to new ways of thinking about people of all ages
and the community.
1
Introduction
Table of Contents
2. Introduction
3. Vision, Mission and Guiding
Principles of AdvantAge
Initiative
4. Vision, Direction and Action for
Central Indiana
4. Social and Civic Engagement
• Senior involvement
• Preferred community
5. Mental and Physical Health
• Access to health care
• Preventive care
• Senior friendly healthcare
services
• Research and education
8. Meeting Basic Needs
• Social safety net
• Financial independence
• Options for senior housing
• Transportation and mobility
10. Independence
• Access to resources
• Transition planning
• Safe and accessible housing
• Safe and accessible
transportation
• Public policy and private
enterprise
14. Trends – What is our Future?
16. Leadership Group
2
People in all phases of life have much to contribute to the vitality of the community – ideas, willingness to work, wisdom, resources, time, etc. The more
everyone participates in community life, the more everyone benefits.
The AdvantAge Initiative aspires to the creation of a new mindset in the community, as a necessary requirement for changes in policy and practice. This initiative is about people changing their vision of how the community interacts and
how older persons interact as full participants in the community. If the ideas
from this movement appear in public, philanthropic and corporate plans and
programs, it will have succeeded.
While this movement is ongoing, success will be achieved if there is:
• Raised awareness of aging creatively
• Recognition of older adults in and of the community
• The community demonstrates concern for older persons
• Personal planning around later stages of life occurs
The AdvantAge Initiative is a project of the Center for Home Care Policy and
Research of Visiting Nurse Service of New York involving 10 communities
throughout the United States. Indianapolis is one of the sites, and the local initiative is under the auspices of CICOA, supported by the local Leadership Group.
What Is In This Action Guide
This action guide is a blueprint for change for the community.
It is for all persons – young, old; corporate leaders, small business owners,
self-employed; users of social services and leaders and workers in the social services; wealthy, middle class, poor; elected officials; philanthropists, religious leaders
and their congregants.
In this guide we:
• Share a vision of what this community can be like if it is aging friendly
• Identify what we can do to achieve this vision
• Suggest who can collaborate to do this
Our intention is not to be
Optimizies
Promotes
prescriptive, but to expand the
Physical & Mental
Social and Civic
Health and
dialog and activity around makEngagement
Well Being
ing our community aging
friendly. Our vision and sugAn Elder
Friendly
gested actions revolve around
Community
four areas – social and civic engagement, physical and mental
Maximizes
health and well being, basic
Addresses
Independence for
Basic
needs and independence.
Frail & Disabled
Needs
We have also included the vision, mission and guiding principals of AdvantAge Initiative in Indianapolis and some of the trends related to
aging that will significantly impact our community in the next twenty years,
What You Can Do to be Engaged
The Action Guide is a way of thinking and a call for action. An action can be
as simple as thinking about what you or your organization is doing and doing it
in a more senior friendly way. Or it may be adopting a proposed action in this
Action Guide and implementing it. Implementation can be done by an individual, an organization or collaborative effort. Most important is that the whole
community starts doing something. . . takes action.
Next Steps for the
AdvantAge Initiative and the Community
Over the next year, we would like the community to begin to increase its
dialogue about how to make Indianapolis a senior friendly community to commit to action as part of this process. The AdvantAge Initiative will be sharing
with the community the results of a survey recently conducted with seniors. The
survey will 1) highlight areas of need and strength in the community and 2)
serve as a source of dialogue about how to make Indianapolis more senior friendly.
The AdvantAge initiative will also provide tools for helping people develop implementation plans.
Old age is
not for sissies
The Vision
The AdvantAge Initiative is a movement that advocates for an aging friendly community in the public, philanthropic, educational and corporate/business arenas.
Mission
• The AdvantAge Initiative emphasizes meeting basic needs, supporting
mental and physical health, promoting civic engagement and providing
opportunities for independence.
• The AdvantAge Initiative is a stimulus for community change and recognizes the worth of all people in the community, independent of age or
condition.
• The AdvantAge Initiative seeks to influence public, corporate and philanthropic policies to improve the quality of life of our citizens.
Guiding Principles
• What is good for older persons is good for the community.
• Life’s latter years (as other periods of life) are a time of opportunity, self
actualization and contribution.
• All persons of any age want to live at their most independent level.
• All people require access to basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, transportation).
• All people of any age need access to adequate physical and mental health
care.
• Seniors have a store of accumulated wisdom and experience, and positive
relationships with the community.
“Even if all I want to eat is a hotdog, I want to decide what I eat.”
3
Vision, Direction
and Actions for Central Indiana
Building a Vision of Social and Civic Engagement
Our vision for the future of central Indiana is that:
The community honors its seniors and promotes their full participation in the life of the community.
We know we have achieved this when:
1. Seniors participate in activities that promote their full spiritual, mental, and
physical well-being.
2. Seniors are involved in solving social and civic problems.
3. There is an increase in the number of older adults participating in community activities.
4. The community calls on the wisdom of older adults.
5. Indianapolis is perceived as a “preferred community” by older adults.
They give. Americans age 65
Broad directions and possible actions:
and older are more likely to
give and give in larger amounts 1. Senior involvement – Increase senior involvement in solving social and
civic problems.
– on average they give $460
more than younger donors.
Possible ways you can take action:
Contributing social capital as
• Eliminate damaging stereotypes of older adults and promote positive
well as cash gifts, senior citizens
senior roles.
have helped build the 1200
• Recruit seniors for positions in community policymaking.
• Insist that all policy and planning bodies have representation from all
churches, temples, mosques,
populations including seniors.
and synagogues in central
• Publicize opportunities for seniors to engage in community problem
Indiana and the 600
solving groups.
neighborhood organizations,
the hospitals, schools, character Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA, Consortium
for Creative Aging and Retirement, Cultural Tourism Initiative, Marion
building groups and civic
County Mental Health Association, problem solving and planning groups –
clubs.
churches, civic groups, service clubs, arts groups, neighborhood groups,
government, associations, United Way of Central Indiana, disability
advocacy groups such as ATTAIN.
4
“You have to go help somebody. People get depressed because they don’t do anything.”
2. Preferred community – Become a preferred community for seniors.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Publicize, circulate, and implement The AdvantAge Initiative Action
Guide.
• Encourage business and economic groups to support the creation of a
senior friendly community.
• Convene an annual summit to focus on the accomplishments and
contributions of our older adults and the senior friendly status of the
community.
• Adopt corporate policies that support elders.
• Adopt city policies that support elders.
• Adopt public, corporate and philanthropic institutional policies that say
“what is good for elders is good for all.”
Some who can do this: All of the entities mentioned elsewhere in this document.
Building a Vision of Mental and Physical Health
Our vision for the future of central Indiana is that:
The fragmented aspects of our health care system are integrated;
the focus of care is prevention of disability and optimizing function
and independence as opposed to solely treating disease; seniors and
all people take individual responsibility for their health and are
supported by education programs which address wellness, wellbeing, and positive role opportunities. Providers have special skills
pertaining to the care of older adults and an ethos of involving
seniors in care, treating them with respect. Seniors have options of
care, residence and providers of services, and they know how to
access care.
They work. Sixteen percent
of those 65 and older are still
in the workforce, while 50% of
seniors not in the workforce
want and need work.
We know we have achieved this vision when:
1. Barriers have been removed to increased access to health care, both mental
and physical.
2. Public and private insurance coverage includes preventive care for seniors.
3. There are more senior friendly health care services available.
4. There is community support for quality healthcare for older adults.
5. Seniors assume individual responsibility for their health.
“I thought I would just sit in a rocking chair when I got old, but here I am busy as ever.”
5
Building a Vision of Mental and Physical Health, continued
Broad directions and possible actions:
1. Access to health care – Increase senior access to healthcare, both
mental and physical.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Increase availability of geriatric services.
• Improve accessibility of insurance coverage for long-term care.
• Promote community programs that connect people with mental and
physical health problems to health care services.
• Develop and expand creative approaches to greater access to affordable
prescription drugs.
Some who can do it: AARP, all area hospitals, Citizens Action Coalition,
CICOA, Indiana HospitalHealth Association, Indiana State Medical
Association, insurers, IU School of Medicine, Marion County Health and
Hospital Corporation, United Senior Action, neighborhood health centers,
state and local mental health associations, disability advocacy groups such
as the Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD).
A significant share of
seniors will need help.
Fifteen percent of Marion
County residents report some
inability with the activities of
daily living because of a
physical or mental health
condition.
2. Preventive care – Increase the availability of preventive care for the
elderly.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Actively promote the reporting of prevention and disease data by
physicians and other providers to establish a community health profile.
• Advocate changes in Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance reimbursements for prevention and wellness measures, geriatric assessments,
and care management services.
• Actively promote preventive care and socialization among seniors (e.g.,
exercise programs, routine physical check-ups, diet)
Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA, community
centers, hospital-based senior programs, hospital and health provider
nutritionists and physical therapists, media, Marion County Department of
Health, OASIS, senior centers, disability advocacy groups such as the
Alzheimer’s Association, YMCA.
6
“In your mind, you’re not 92. You’re years younger.”
3. Senior friendly healthcare services – Help providers of healthcare
services become more senior friendly.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Increase the number of centralized health facilities for multiple doctor
appointments.
• Increase the number of health facilities appealing specifically to seniors
(e.g., hospital centers for senior health)
• Identify what seniors want from providers of healthcare services and
educate providers on how they can change.
• Expand geriatric medical education.
Some who can do it: Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana
HospitalHealth Association, IU School of Medicine, Insurers, Marion
County Health Dept.
4. Research and education – Build community support for quality
healthcare for older adults.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Promote more research and education of current and future providers on
aging issues for mental/physical health and quality of life.
• Rally support for public policy changes to improve the quality of
geriatric care.
Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA, information
and referral organizations, IU Center for Aging Research, Marion County
Dept. of Health, disability advocacy groups such as Cerebral Palsy.
Technology applications will
change the nature of home
care; video-medicine,
emergency response systems,
wander/locators will ease the
need for full-time on-site
caregivers. These efficiencies
may allow pay increases for
human caregiving.
“To still make choices. They would just be mitigated by my changed circumstances.”
7
Building a Vision of Meeting Basic Needs
The vision for the future of central Indiana is that:
All older adults have their physical and social needs met to ensure
an adequate and satisfactory quality of life in accord with their
needs and desires. Food, shelter, transportation and socialization
are available and accessible.
We know we have achieved this vision when:
1. The social safety net provides for income adequate to obtain basic nutrition
and affordable, barrier free housing.
2. New options for senior housing that promote a high quality of life for
seniors are available.
3. All seniors have access to affordable transportation.
Broad directions and possible actions:
1. Social safety net – Ensure that the gaps in the social safety net for older
persons are closed.
Two working adults will
mean fewer people at
home to be caregivers of
dependent adults or
children. Five percent of the
85+ cohort have no living
siblings or children.
8
Possible ways you can take action:
• Identify the needs of older persons as an organizational priority.
• Advocate for public policymakers to support the needs of older persons.
Some who can do it: AARP, The Blueprint to End Homelessness, Citizens
Action Coalition, CICOA, Community Centers of Indianapolis, faithbased communities, federal, state and local governments, The Family
Strengthening Coalition, Family Violence Community-wide Plan (Domestic Violence Network), Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc., The Hispanic
Center, Indianapolis Senior Citizens Center, philanthropic organizations,
information and assistance organizations, Urban League, United Way of
Central Indiana, United Senior Action disability groups such as ARC of
Indiana.
“To me old age is always 15 years older than I am.” –Bernard Baruch
2. Financial independence – Create and support actions that encourage
financial independence among seniors.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Advocate for social legislation to increase social security benefits above
the poverty level and to expand coverage to those previously not covered.
• Develop a plan to help people integrate retirement with work.
• Initiate a pilot program created by employers to demonstrate creating
jobs for retirees.
• Advocate for policies that educate and protect older adults from predatory lending practices and other fraudulent activities.
Some who can do this: AARP, CICOA, Consumer Credit Counseling,
Corporate Community Council, Human Resources Association of Central
Indiana (HRACI), Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Indianapolis Black
Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Home Care Task Force, United
Senior Action.
3. Safe, accessible and affordable senior housing – Actively encourage the
creation and growth of safe, accessible and affordable senior housing.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Stimulate allocation of planning funds for senior housing options.
• Expand existing efforts to increase affordable housing stock (i.e., Fall Creek
Place)
(Also see #3 on page 12, Choices for safe, accessible and affordable housing,
under Building a Vision of Independence for additional actions.)
Some who can do it: Ball State University School of Architecture, Builders
Association of Greater Indianapolis, Community Development Corporations,
Department of Metropolitan Development, federal, state and local governments, Indiana Housing Finance Authority, Indianapolis Neighborhood
Resource Center, philanthropic organizations, United Senior Action.
Seniors are homeowners.
Homes are often their largest
asset and expense. Over 76%
of seniors own their homes,
some 43,000 dwellings in
Indianapolis. The median age
of occupancy is 24 years —
half more, half less; these
owners has built stability.
87% of people 65 and older
have lived in Indianapolis for
thirty years or longer. Their
payment of property taxes over
a median 24 years has built
schools, public libraries, public
safety institutions.
“As for me, except for an occasional heart attack, I feel as young as I ever did”. – Robert Benchley
9
Building a Vision of Meeting Basic Needs, continued
4. Safe and affordable transportation – Actively encourage the creation of
safe and affordable transportation.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Expand area-wide access to affordable transportation, not just access to
limited locations or routes, for all seniors regardless of income.
• Assist seniors in finding other modes of transportation when they can no
longer drive.
(Also see #4 on page 13, Safe and accessible transportation and mobility,
under Building a Vision of Independence for additional actions.)
Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA, City of
Indianapolis, federal, state and local governments, Indianapolis Department
of Transportation, IndyGo, Metropolitan Planning Organization, transportation providers of all kinds, United Senior Action, disability advocacy
groups such as Noble of Indiana.
Building a Vision of Independence
The vision for the future of central Indiana is that:
A significant portion of
The community values independence. Seniors create and manage
this older population lives
their own schedules according to where they live and what they
alone and even drives.
Older drivers will be a
common presence on our streets
and roads. Their mobility
needs will be an important
part of community planning.
Having sufficient options for
those who are no longer able or
who choose not to drive will be
a key challenge. For nine
percent of the city’s elders daytime transportation is a
problem.
10
want to accomplish. Resources are available for all residents to live
as independently as possible.
We know we have achieved this vision when:
1. The public is aware of and knows how to access information, services
programs, and opportunities.
2. There is adequate planning for the transitions of aging, e.g. from paid work to
another way of living.
3. The community provides and maintains the infrastructure such as roads,
sidewalks, lighting, signage, housing, and transportation that is safe and
accessible for people of all ages.
4. Public policy and private enterprise initiate creative options for living arrangements and long-term care of seniors.
“I stay a little sharper and continue learning, enriching my life. I’ll work as long as I can do it.”
Broad directions and possible actions:
1. Access to resources – Create ways for seniors and caring others to learn
about and make use of services, programs and opportunities.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Organize a city-wide single point of entry for information on resources for
seniors.
• Support the 211-phone line for centralized access to services information,
senior centers and programming; develop booklet, web and phone access.
• Continuously inform seniors about a variety of programs that promote
life-long learning and volunteerism.
• Encourage those who provide services and programs to seniors to offer
discounts and incentives.
Some who can do it: Arts Council of Indianapolis, Central Indiana Association
of Volunteer Administrators (CIAVA), CICOA, Consortium for Creative
Aging and Retirement, Information and Referral Network, League of Indianapolis Theatres.
2. Transition planning – Help people embrace new stages of life.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Help people integrate their retirement with individual areas of interest,
e.g. volunteering, learning in new areas, or using acquired skills and
knowledge in new ways.
• Make life-long learning programs more readily available to the elderly.
• Start educational programs targeted toward K-12 to help young people see
and plan for the different stages of life.
Some who can do it: AARP, Butler University, business associations, CICOA,
Community College of Indiana, Consortium for Creative Aging and
Retirement, Corporate Community Council, Elderhostel, Human Resource
Association of Central Indiana (HRACI), Indianapolis Black Chamber of
Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Senior Center, Indianapolis Urban
League, IUPUI, Marion College, Martin University, OASIS, retiree organizations, such as Telephone Pioneers, school systems, service clubs, University
of Indianapolis, United Way of Central Indiana, VISTA.
Tomorrow’s retirees are
likely to have significant
discretionary income.
Older persons constitute the
largest single segment of the
leisure travel market. Activities
with grandchildren will
increase (seniors spend more on
toys than any other market
segment). Hobbies, home
modifications, individual
pursuit of long-time favorites or
dreams will increase with
longer, richer lives; special
interest groups or organizations
will grow around these
interests.
“A person is always startled when he hears himself seriously called an old man for the first time.”– Oliver Wendell Holmes 11
Building a Vision of Independence, continued
3. Choices for safe, accessible and affordable housing – develop creative
housing choices.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Stimulate development of adult foster care entrepreneurs.
• Expand assisted living housing in Center Township
• Stimulate the development of intergenerational neighborhoods.
• Create elder friendly housing designs.
• Work with the city government and developers to revitalize older neighborhoods so that they have a full range of services – businesses, social services,
and education.
• Advocate with the state legislature to support senior housing, tax credits,
housing trust fund, etc.
(Also see #3 on page 9, Safe accessible and affordable senior housing, under
Building a Vision of Meeting Basic Needs for additional actions.)
They move. The younger
Some who can do it: Ball State University School of Architecture, Builders
Association of Greater Indianapolis, Community Development Corporations,
Department of Metropolitan Development, federal, state and local governments, Indiana Housing Finance Authority, Indianapolis Neighborhood
Resource Center, philanthropic organizations, United Senior Action.
cohort, 60-65, is moving out of
the county altogether, many to
4. Safe and accessible transportation and mobility – Develop a transportation network that is senior friendly and is based on mobility patterns
developments that appeal to
of seniors in the community.
seniors—zero lot lines, security
patrols, scheduled maintePossible ways you can take action:
nance.
• Establish affordable ways to travel for all seniors regardless of income.
This move of approximately
1,000 seniors out of the county
in the last decade has cost the
Marion County economy at
least $15 million a year.
12
• Expand city-wide area to affordable transportation, not just access to limited
locations or routes, for all seniors regardless of income.
• Ensure that the public transportation system is available within a two-block
radius and/or at the doorstep for those who cannot walk.
• Refine how the bus system works to minimize transfers required.
• Encourage cab service in areas not adequately covered now.
• Promote automobile safety with older adults.
“Old age is not a disease – it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments,
trials and illnesses”. –Maggie Kuhn
• Assist seniors in finding other modes of transportation when they can no
longer drive.
• Do a transportation plan for suburban and rural areas not adequately
serving the elderly now.
• Advocate discounted public and private transportation.
• Make walking easier by having the right things in place (such as usable
sidewalks, winter lighting, crossing time at crosswalks).
(Also see #4 on page 10, Safe and accessible transportation and mobility,
under Building a Vision of Meeting Basic Needs for additional actions.)
Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA, City of
Indianapolis, federal, state and local governments, Indianapolis Department
of Transportation, IndyGo, Metropolitan Planning Organization, transportation providers of all kinds, United Senior Action, disability advocacy
groups such as Noble of Indiana.
5. Public policy and private enterprise — Establish creative options that
enable independence.
Possible ways you can take action:
• Legislate state and local tax incentives to encourage senior friendly housing
development, care-giving by the family, and long-term care insurance
purchase.
• Promote the development of new and creative living arrangements.
Some who can do it: AARP, Ball State School of Architecture, Builder’s
Association of Greater Indianapolis, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA,
Evergreen Institute, federal, state and local governments, Hudson Institute,
Indiana Association for Assisted Living, Indiana Association of Homes and
Services for the Aging., Indiana Home Care Task Force, Indiana Housing
Finance Authority, Indiana General Assembly United Senior Action, and
disability advocacy groups such as Noble of Indiana.
Growing old is no
more than a bad
habit which a busy
man has no time
for.
–Andre Maurois
While boomers are netwise, fewer of current
elders are on-line. Many
are getting there via children
and grandchildren, rather
than directly, but most seniors
today believe the new
technology is passing them by.
Yet seniors with access tend to
be high users.
“Of all the self-fulfilling prophecies in our culture, the assumption that aging means decline and poor health is probably
13
the deadliest.” – Marilyn Ferguson
TRENDS —
What About Our Future?
There is no “official” retirement age. There is no longer a social security penalty on retirement earnings. The “new seniors” will be even more demographically diverse than preceding cohorts. They will be in and out of the labor force
and have more “life-stage, life-events” (divorce, remarriage, births and deaths,
kids in college and daycare, etc.) than earlier seniors.
Financial Resources of Our Seniors
Women will continue to
outnumber men, with the
gender-gap slowing among
early cohorts, but growing to
four to one at age 85+.
The continuing trend to a service economy in Marion County and surrounding counties will likely benefit seniors with disposable income, and make for a
greater variety and choice of service providers and vendors. Early retirees, and
out-placements of corporate re-structuring, are possible employees and entrepreneurs in the senior service system.
While 15% of Marion County seniors are in the labor force, most people tend
to drop out of work at the first economic opportunity; half of men 60-65 are not
now in the work force. Retirement age for full Social Security benefits is no
longer age 65, but rises gradually to 67 over the next 25 years. The median
income nationally for those 65+ is $23,000 (200% of poverty for 2 persons).
Most senior assets are likely to be in their homes; nearly 76% are owners, 85%
without mortgage.
Dealing with Disability
Regardless of financial wealth, and its distribution among seniors, the passage
of time is correlated with the inability to perform the tasks of everyday living.
Poor diet and lack of exercise also correlate with disability.
People with disability will need care. Government planning must press for an
efficient use of public funds for what most people want: care at home. Such care
will become even more effective with increasing use of technology, monitoring
and communications devices. By large majorities, seniors do not want to leave
their homes as they age, yet may need some assistance to stay at home.
The Oldest Old are Growing the Fastest
Persons unable to perform activities of daily living will need the help of another person. Most of those with such a need are 85 and over. They are also the
fastest growing age segment of the population, rising 26% since 1990 in Marion
County. On average, the 85+ population will grow by 1000 per year in central
Indiana during the decade to reach 34,000 by 2010.
14
“Independence is being able to maintain myself, do for myself.”
Emerging Empty Nesters
Emerging empty nesters may increase the trend to downsized homes, smaller
units, shared amenities, less upkeep, greater accessibility. Nearly 90% of seniors
living with another live with a spouse; nearly 40% of elders 65+ live alone. Younger
cohorts 60-65 are moving to areas with appealing housing: zero lot lines, security patrols, scheduled maintenance. Less time for upkeep makes more discretionary time for learning, serving, recreation, travel, all of which are growing
options for today's and tomorrow's seniors.
Continuing Involvement
Today’s seniors are more highly educated and desire to continue educational
activities of choice: 49,000 elders 65+ entered US colleges in October 2000.
Deepening early or existing interests and expanding into new ones will present
new opportunities for educational activity (Elderhostel, OASIS, Shepherd Centers, Third Age, etc.). Even higher levels of education among seniors will mean
more highly educated employees and volunteers with needs for challenging experiences. Recognition of life-time wisdom and formal certification will draw
older workers and other elders into formal and informal learning centers. They
are voracious consumers of television and pages of reading material, but they
tend to pay more attention to the written word than other media.
Technology
Like the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the technology revolution
will gradually, but completely, transform culture. Boomers grew up with television. By the time the entire generation reaches 65 in 2030, boomers will have
spent much of their working lives exposed to and inventing technology that
never existed before. Technological improvements will reduce organizational administrative costs, and allow new products and services, limited only by imagination, interest and circumstance.
Many seniors will want
and need to continue
involvement. Engaging this
valuable resource will be a
challenge to the community.
Education, voluntary service,
or a new service-learning for
older people are ways the
community will benefit from
the wisdom of older adults.
“I want to get around. Whatever it takes. An electric scooter—that’s a tool. If it gets me where I want to go, I’m mobile.” 15
Acknowledgments
Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York City, New York
Evergreen Institute on Elder Environments, Bloomington, Indiana
Strategies for Tomorrow, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
AdvantAge Initiative
THE LEADERSHIP GROUP
Father Boniface Hardin, Co-Chair
President
Martin University
Jane Henegar
Deputy Mayor
City of Indianapolis
James Vento
President
Easter Seals Crossroads Rehabilitation Center
Helene Cross, Co-Chair
President and CEO
Fairbanks Hospital
Jennifer Hobbs
Resource Consultant
Continental Office Environments
Timothy Bender
Attorney
Bingham McHale
Irene Wegner
Assoc. State Director for Community
Development
AARP – Indiana State Office
Monty Hulse
Executive Director
Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center
Suellen Jackson-Boner
Executive Director
Governor’s Planning Council for People with
Disabilities
Byron Jensen
Vice President, Workforce Services
Goodwill Industries
John Cannaday
Program Integrity Manager
Community Centers of Indianapolis
Charles Kindermann
Retired Executive Director
Indianapolis Senior Center
Joseph Carey, Retired
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Kristen LaEace
Family Strengthening Coalition Coordinator
United Way of Central Indiana
Steven Counsell, M.D.
Director, Geriatrics
Wishard Health Services
Rev. William Murphy
Retired Executive Director
Franklin United Methodist Community
Gayle Cox, Ph.D., Retired
Professor Emeritus
Indiana University School of Social Work
Yvonne Perkins
Director, Economic Development
Citizens Gas & Coke Utility
Rosemary Dorsa
Executive Vice President
Central Indiana Community Foundation
Ervin Picha
Retired President and Chief Executive Officer
Noble of Indiana
Kathy Frank
Geriatrics Program Administrator
Indiana University School of Medicine
John Pipas
President and Chief Executive Officer
Visiting Nurse Services, Inc.
Sherry Gray
Director of Government Programs
ADVANTAGE Health Solutions, Inc.
Paul Severance
Executive Director
United Senior Action
John Hall
Manager, Neighborhood Relations
Health & Hospital Corp. of Marion County
Sheldon Siegel, Ph.D., Retired
Dean Emeritus
Indiana University School of Social Work
Roscoe Harkins, Retired
Indiana Commission on Aging
Todd Stallings
Executive Director
Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care
Kristin Harris
Director of WorkOne East
Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc.
16
Keith Stillinger
CICOA Board Chair
F. K. Stillinger & Company
David Weinschrott
Director, Planning & Research
United Way of Central Indiana
Betty Wilson
Executive Director
The Health Foundation of Greater
Indianapolis, Inc.
Nelle Worthington
Volunteer
CICOA
Senior Health Insurance Information Program
OTHER:
Robert Adsit
Director of Planning
CICOA
Duane Etienne
President and Chief Executive Officer
CICOA
Betty LeClare
Director of Development
CICOA
VISITING NURSE SERVICE OF
NEW YORK SITE COORDINATOR:
Esther Zuckerman
AdvantAge Initiative Site Coordinator
Visiting Nurse Service of New York
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
PROJECT CONSULTANTS:
Jane Clay
Associate in Training and Community
Development
Evergreen Institute on Elder Environments
CONSULTANT:
Camilla Hull Brown
Principal
Strategies for Tomorrow, Inc.