1 A Global Exchange for Positive Aging Jan Hively, Ph.D.

2 The old story of doom and gloom... The world is aging, with Booming growth of people “coming of age.” Longevity is expanding, generating the huge growth of people ages 85+ Overwhelming needs are expanding, way beyond the capacity of service providers

3 The 21 st century story of innovation, creativity and hope... We have growing knowledge about the assets (strengths and capacities) of older adults New technologies support both lifelong independence and community access Older adults are organizing to care for themselves and each other

4 The time is ripe for elders to step up and change the culture of aging worldwide, guiding the shift from a needs-based consumer society to a collaborative society.

5 The Pass It On Network is a peer-to-peer Internet platform for the free exchange of ideas and low-cost programs initiated by positive aging advocates worldwide.

6 The Story Behind It 2007: First Positive Aging Conference, Florida Jan Hively, PhD – Vital Aging Network, SHiFT Network, Encore Purpose Prize Fellow Moira Allan, International Journalist – 2Young2Retire Europe, Le Cercle des Seniors Actifs 2009: Gerontology Conference, Paris “They’re talking down to us about us! We can speak for ourselves!”

“We are the ones ” Plan for international network of older adult leaders 7

2010 – 2012: EVAA European Voices for Active Aging Conversations with older adults & civic leaders countries with World Café Europe, European Commission funding & regional partners Project funding from the European Union 8 Prague Zivot 90 Age Friendly Cities Bonn BaS Civic Engagement Bologna AIP2 Work after 50+ London Age UK Changing the Perception of Aging Bilbao Innobasque Social Innovation Strasbourg 2Y2R Wellness + Movement

EVAA Findings: Engagement lifelong! Meaningful work Spreading innovations Positive aging 9

Response – Pass It On Network website

11 The goal is a vibrant Global Network Free access to innovative, low cost programs on a multi-lingual internet platform Organized by and for older adults sharing their strengths and know-how To help themselves, each other, and the community Capitalizing on what works and saving money

12 Mutual Support - Project Examples: Old ‘Up AGE to age Caring Collaboratives Vital Communities Toolkit Aging Your Way

13 Meaningful Work - Project Examples: SHiFT Network Make>SHiFT Men in Sheds Midternships Encore Action Networks

14 Lifelong Learning – Project Examples: Project Renewment Lifework after Retirement Wisdom Circles Boomers and Beyond Little Free Libraries Advocacy Leadership for Positive Aging

15 We Offer a Worldwide Leadership Network: International Coordinator – Moira Allan, Paris Advisors - leaders of the global Positive Aging movement, led by Jan Hively, PhD Country Liaisons – spreading programs for Positive Aging in their native language to and from active aging leaders and partner organizations

16 Country Liaisons Organizers from 33 European countries plus Russia, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Japan, China, India, Canada, and the U.S.

17 Who Benefits: Older adults – gain inspiration and confidence – “I could do that!” Partner organizations – outreach for follow up Service Providers – gain informed consumers and allies for wellness Investors – gain access to worldwide network of older adult leaders

18 Requirements for Success and Expansion: Culture shift – encouraging older adults to shift from passive consumers to proactive participants Universal access and use of technology Investors/sponsors with similar values who see a strong vested interest in supporting the exchange Pass It On is unique – as a network by older adults, for older adults. We are ripe for an investor organization to adopt and take to scale.

19 Short term needs: Annual funding from investors: Platform development $ 10,000 (interactive website, social media) Full-time Coordinator$ 36,000 Country Liaisons and Advisors$ 40,000 (communications, travel) ________ $ 86,000 Contacts to help meet 2015 goals: Increase Country Liaisons to 50 Increase innovative programs to 100 Support for upgrading website, social media, development

20 Scaling up strategies: Barnacling Training Adapting “The answer has to come from grassroots initiatives not requiring government structure or massive funding. The Pass It On Network is an outstanding model for the new catalysts for innovation that draw from grassroots, peer-to-peer energy and are technology enabled.” Richard Adler