IN WHICH I’M ENLIGHTENED

I like to learn stuff, cause there’s lots of stuff I don’t know. (Don’t tell my family, but they may have an inkling.) Anyway, I learned lots of stuff last week, when I was invited to moderate a panel of visiting experts in the field of Aging. They were gathered as featured speakers to highlight the ATX Aging & Innovation Summit, hosted by Austin-based AustinUP, in the brand new Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center.

AustinUP is a community alliance committed to making Central Texas a place where older adults can live full, engaged lives. Teresa Sansone Ferguson is their dynamic Executive Director. Austin Mayor Adler’s Office has said, “AustinUp is doing exactly what the Mayor’s Task Force on Aging envisioned—convening, advocating and connecting people and ideas to improve aging in Austin.”

I knew I was going to need to become better informed if I was to best serve the conference and these outstanding panelists. I first thought of what my similarly vintaged friend, comedian and beloved entertainer Kerry Awn might say, “I like old people. I are an old people.” Somehow that seemed insufficient. I dug deeper and realized how much stuff I didn’t know. I learned:

…That relative to Austin’s SMSA…while our overall population grew nearly 40% in recent years, the number of us over the age of 55 doubled that pace.

…Today, the Austin area has the nation’s fastest growing population of people between 55 and 64, and the second fastest-growing population of people 65 and over.

…Already, about 30% of our area residents are over age 55, and soon we’ll have more older adults than children in Central Texas. Yet policy priorities, funding and opportunities for older adults are greatly inadequate.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

This outstanding panel brought expertise and encouragement to several aging-related themes. And collaboration was the common denominator. Suzanne Adatto, who is now establishing programs in Central Texas with the Honor organization, is focused on helping home-care agencies to upgrade the design and delivery of their outreach services. Ed Arsenault, based in New York, is working through the ReServe organization to establish a Central Texas base that will help the government, business and nonprofit sectors identify and connect with seniors who still have the capacity to make a difference. Finally, Jennifer Hammer, based in Washington, D.C., led a discussion of innovative housing solutions for seniors. Her organization, Silvernest, helps people stay in their homes and teaches folks the benefits and challenges of home sharing.

A packed house listened attentively, took notes and asked great questions. I encourage Mosey readers to look up these programs and consider their possibilities. Thanks, AustinUP! Good stuff to know.

AGING IS WHAT WE MAKE IT

I’ve posted this favorite photo before, and will again. I fell in love with these delightful adventurers when I encountered them on the Ferry to Bainbridge Island. In my ever-shy respectful manner, I barged up, introduced myself, told them they were an inspiration to me and I had to have their photo. They couldn’t withstand my charm. Or, most likely, they just wanted to quickly be rid of me. Regardless, I keep this image to remind me not to go quietly into that aging night.

Without knowing, we can guess that life has not always been kind to them. Because that’s life. Some have lost partners, most are dealing with various health issues. But they refuse to sit quietly with black armbands and victim attitudes while there is still life to be lived… with what they’ve got left. A great lesson for all of us.

LET’S ENCOURAGE OUR FRIEND IN THE MIRROR TO JOIN THEM

What a totally delightful image. Of Willie and the Dalai Lama in a moment of good fun, friendship, trust and love. They both are aging, have health issues, but know they have a higher calling. In these times of too much distrust, social, political and cultural anxiety, we can use this image to remind ourselves of the good in our world. We can imagine donning our ceremonial robes to gird ourselves in the spirit of these two beloved gentlemen, then extending our hands and hearts to make a positive difference in the lives of our families, friends and communities. That’s the way to age gratefully and gracefully…with always a soupçon of mischief. May the Gods of Our Understanding bless us in this journey.

LET’S MOSEY!