Aging in America: Highlights from the ASA conference & where do we go from here?
Hello KIRC family!
Today’s update will be a case of delivering a ‘good news-bad news’ scenario.
BUT- I’m going to go out on a limb and say there is reason to have a positive outlook and focus on the GOOD.
As you know, Keeping it REAL Caregiving joined professionals from all over the country who work within the field of aging for the 2022 American Society on Aging conference held this past week in New Orleans, Louisiana.
I encourage all of you to check out the ASA website to find information on aging services, resources, webinars and more.
The good news
After attending the conference, I can tell you there are thousands of people working to improve services, health care, housing, diversity, and funding for programs designed to support us as we age.
The reality is… we are ALL aging every moment of every day, so these issues impact all of us.
Folks working to change the status quo range in age, ethnicity, gender and various fields of study.
For instance, KIRC had the pleasure of meeting a woman who has spent decades working in the field of aging. She is a key member of the International Federation on Ageing.
Valerie L. Levy is a powerful advocate and educator, on both the national and international levels.
We had a chance to chat and she reminds us, ‘Aging well is a right, not a privilege.’
Valerie L. Levy/ASA On Aging Conference, New Orleans
Here’s a brief excerpt of her credentials:
Valerie L. Levy has more than 45 years of experience and leadership in the field of ageing in the public sector. At present she represents IFA at the United Nations (since 2003) in New York as a member of the UN NGO Committee on Ageing (COA). She serves on the COA’s sub-committee to Establish a Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons and is a COA liaison to the UN NGO Committee on Human Rights. She was Co-Chair of the UN International Day of Older Persons, 2009.
She served for 33 years at the New York City Department for the Ageing (DFTA), the largest Area Agency on Ageing in the U.S., planning, implementing and administering programs and services to New York City’s 1.3 million older persons.
The bad news
We have a LONG way to go to make sure that all families have the support they need to care for themselves and aging loved ones.
And this includes:
Access and affordability for health care for all Americans
Diversity and inclusion within organizations providing care services
Recognizing the needs of members of the aging LGBTQ community
Fighting ageism in employment and media perceptions
Creating sufficient affordable housing for an aging population
Motivating lawmakers to pass legislation which recognizes caregiving as a national priority
Efficiently and effectively incorporating technology to assist an aging population
KIRC published an article for AARP in 2018 on the tech and aging topic.
This week I saw plenty of tech-driven products on display at the conference. In my humble opinion, many did not appear designed with input or guidance from caregivers or elders, as many did not offer ‘practical’ applications.
Taking matters into our own hands
Earlier this week, we heard from one former Louisiana state representative who basically told us, DO NOT count on the federal government to be your savior for funding and solutions within the aging sector, including caregiving.
If you missed the article – read it here:
*Do you have any idea what is in your wallet or if it will be enough?
After sitting in on various sessions during the conference, I have to say, I agree with him. Turning this ship will require all of us to raise our voices and work together to demand something better.
Julia Yarbough/Keeping it REAL Caregiving: ASA On Aging 2022, New Orleans
What next?
There are many takeaways from the conference. I don’t want to overload you in one sitting. But, we have LOT’S of work to do!
Be sure to join the KIRC family – 💛 share it with your circle of family & friends
KIRC wants to dig out and share as many tools, information, guidance and resources as possible to help everyone understand and navigate the world of caregiving.
To ensure KIRC can continue to grow and perform this work, you are invited to join the next phase of the KIRC movement.
We’re excited to announce that starting next week, Keeping it REAL Caregiving will begin offering exclusive content for Premium Subscribers.
With a paid subscription you’ll have access to:
Interviews and video segments from the ASA conference
Video interviews with experts in the field of aging
Invitations to exclusive webinars
Private Coffee Chat & Support Hour sessions
Exclusive Q&A live sessions with your host, KIRC.
I hope you’ll support this effort as we continue educating and raising awareness! Look for more details coming up this week.
News from around the web
And finally, since travels have taken us to Louisiana twice in recent weeks and given the number of storms which strike the region, I found this bit of information quite telling.
It goes straight to the heart of comments mentioned earlier from one of the ASA keynote speakers regarding how much (or little) government entities may care (or not care) about constituents.
Check out this article from New Orleans City Business, regarding proposed new rules from nursing homes in that state. Here’s a brief excerpt:
The proposal from Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration to tighten up rules for nursing home hurricane evacuations would prohibit state records about how well those plans are executed from being released publicly.
Yes folks… we have much work ahead of us. JOIN KIRC as we work to raise awareness and advocate for improvements!
Until next time~
*Looking to catch up on KIRC stories, 🔎 find them on Bulletin
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