“What’s next for us?” “Changing expectations for aging!” Jan Hively. Ph.D. HIVEL001@umn.edu Moscow 2016

Perception: “Aging is a big problem” Focus of public officials and service providers is on meeting the needs of the frail elderly Tradition of seeing seniors as dependents Fear of increasing longevity – pensions and medical costs

Actually, older adult productivity is a “vital force” for communities Valuable unpaid work includes volunteering, teaching and caring for grandchildren, caring for the sick and/or disabled In communities where there are fewer young families, older adults are filling in and providing leadership to keep the community going

Shifting focus from needs to strengths: Productive Aging Survey 2000 Ages 55 – 84, in rural communities: “How are you doing? What are you doing?” Feeling good ! 3/4ths. “active and healthy” Over 90%, satisfied with life – in charge of life Productivity producing social/economic benefits 40% working for pay, 60% volunteering, 45% caring for grandchildren, 40% caring for sick/disabled

Core Values for Positive Aging as stated by older adults in “Seniors Lead” Forums Self determination is central to civil and human rights Self-sufficiency should be encouraged and supported Seniors should be included and recognized as a community resource Ageism is a pervasive form of bigotry that must be addressed

Steps to Realizing the Potential for Positive Aging Seeing the potential – for positive aging and what’s important to achieve it Developing age-friendly communities that support positive aging Engaging older adult leaders (role models and advocates) to overcome barriers & create pathways to positive aging

Step 1. Seeing the potential 21st century Brain Research Understanding the capacity of the brain We produce new brain cells right to the end Life experience interacts with the changes in the brain to expand practical (social, emotional, etc.) intelligence in later life Positive brain changes happen because of aging, not in spite of it!! But if we are not psychologically ready, nothing will happen. We’ve got to “turn the light on”

Step 1. Seeing the potential: Lifelong Learning We are both teachers and learners lifelong In the U.S., 78% of ages 55-70 would like the “do-over” chance for more or better education 90% of age 50+ agree that they want to learn: To keep up with what’s going on (93%) For spiritual or personal growth (92%) For the joy of learning something new (91%) Broad range of options, starting with “Wisdom Ripening”

Step 1. Seeing the potential: Wellness Exercising the 6 dimensions of wellness! Physical – nutrition, walking, dancing Mental – puzzles, reading, learning Social – clubs, discussion groups, building community Emotional – laughing, loving, arguing, creating Vocational – crafts, homemaking, paid or unpaid work Spiritual – reflecting, meditating, gerotranscendence Opportunities for creative expression “Creativity is like chocolate for the brain.” Gene Cohen, The Mature Mind, 2005

Step 1. Seeing the potential Productive Aging Older adults involved in meaningful work are more healthy and more satisfied with life Retirees engaged in productive activities are more satisfied with their retirement, unless involved exclusively with caregiving Motivation for work in retirement is primarily for fulfillment & challenge rather than $ “Encore Careers” movement in the U.S. is changing expectations for life after “retirement”

Hunger for meaningful work In the workplace: “I just do the same thing over and over.” “There’s no room for creativity.” “It no longer matches up with my interests.” In retirement: “I stay busy but I miss getting something accomplished through team effort.” “Work was my life, and now I have no life.”

What is “Meaningful work”? “Meaning” subject to diverse, personal, individual perspectives Requires mindfulness – focused effort Produces results Attracts positive reinforcement Matches up with passions and skills Stimulates learning

Why work? Why volunteer? From survey of older adults Need the money Uses my skills Fills the time Gives me identity Provides social life Makes me feel younger Enjoy working Volunteer: Feel responsibility See the need & have time Uses my skills Feel appreciated Gives me self-respect Provides social network Provides valuable service

“Meaningful work” “Meaning” subject to diverse, personal, individual perspectives Requires mindfulness – focused effort Produces results Attracts positive reinforcement Matches up with passions and skills Stimulates learning

Step 2. Developing Age-Friendly Communities Vital communities are places where people of all ages and abilities are actively engaged Focusing on strengths – Recognizing strengths and sharing strengths (assets) Supporting self-determination, community participation, and high quality of life

Step 2. Belonging to an Age-Friendly Community My Town of Yarmouth Massachusetts is a member of the World Health Organization’s Age Friendly Communities Network: Supporting vital/active aging lifelong Maximizing opportunities for wellbeing, participation, and security Empowering self-determination and quality of life

Step 2. WHO: Developing eight Age-Friendly Community assets Outdoor spaces and buildings Transportation Respect and social inclusion Civic participation and employment Communication and information Housing Social participation Community and health services

Step 2. Age-Friendly Communities need more older adult leadership More volunteers for non-profit & public agencies strapped for resources More caregivers More advocates to ensure Age-Friendly Communities More tutors and mentors for needy youth More leaders!

Step 3. Engaging Leaders What’s next for us? Identifying and sharing our strengths! Helping ourselves, each other, and our communities Social interaction with a purpose Doing the work that is needed Networking!

Step 3. Develop peer leader networks Examples co-founded by Hively: Vital Aging Network Monthly meeting Website & e-newsletter Seeing new opportunities Interest groups Advocacy leadership education www.vital-aging-network.org Artsage Artists teach creative expression Showcase for older adult creativity: dance, theater, visual arts, crafts, writing Work with memory care www.artsagemn.org

Hively Peer Leadership Networks, continued SHIFT Started with weekly meetings in coffee houses for people age 45+ seeking meaningful work Website with e-newsletter Now – Monthly forums, Peer Circles with counselors for life planning, Interest Groups (all volunteers) Midternships – trying out new occupations Time Bank – exchange of services (no money) www.shiftonline.org

Step 3. Cultivate and connect advocacy leaders for positive aging around the world www.passitonnetwork.org

Subscribe for free newsletter www.passitonnetwork.org Country Liaisons (including Gulnara Minnigaleeva in Moscow) share programs & progress Program guides freely added and shared for local adaptation New Join button leads to Redstring’s worldwide digital community – videos, face-to-face group meetings, issue groups, guidance for programming.

International Coordinator, Pass It On Network Jan Hively (Janet M Hively, PhD) HIVEL001@umn.edu Co-Founder and U.S. Liaison, Pass It On Network Moira Allan moiraallan@yahoo.fr International Coordinator, Pass It On Network