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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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”

8. Step 1. Seeing the potential: Lifelong Learning
We are both teachers and learners lifelong
In the U.S., 78% of ages 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”

9. 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

10. 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”

11. 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.”

12. 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

13. 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

14. “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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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!

19. 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!

20. 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
Artsage
Artists teach creative expression
Showcase for older adult creativity: dance, theater, visual arts, crafts, writing
Work with memory care

21. 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)

22. Step 3. Cultivate and connect advocacy leaders for positive aging around the world

23. 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.

24. International Coordinator, Pass It On Network
Jan Hively (Janet M Hively, PhD) Co-Founder and U.S. Liaison, Pass It On Network
Moira Allan
International Coordinator, Pass It On Network