The White House's Aging Czar (er. Leader) Kathy Greenlee
When I think of Czars, I think of Russia. I wish we'd stop calling our public officials czars . . . Anyway, I copied the word from Matt Sedensky, Associated Press reporter on aging, who recently interviewed Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging in the Department of Health and Human Services. Pictured above to the left, she's the country's top political appointee on issues facing an aging America.
A couple of key points from her remarks:
- "Aging is such a unifying topic," she said. [She's so right, we're all doing it.]
- Among the issues Greenlee is most passionate about is keeping seniors in their homes and communities, if they choose, and out of nursing homes, which most want to avoid.
- "To move forward and expand community services, we have to have a whole lot of things happen in each individual state." [Minnesota is primed to lead the nation on long-term care innovation; we've led in health care before, and I have no doubt that if we put our minds and willpower together, we'll be a state that can show the way for the rest of the country in aging.]
You can read Matt's full interview here.
The CLASS Act: Senator Kennedy's Last Act
“We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we make,”
- Senator Ted Kennedy
Before Senator Kennedy died, he contributed The CLASS Act, legislation that would empower people with long-term care needs. By including that legislation in health care reform, Congress can honor the Lion of the Senate and make a future that is improved for those of us living in it.
Onward.
Hurricane Hazel, the 88-year old mayor of 6th largest city in Canada
Hazel McCallion has been mayor of Mississauga Ontario, population 668,000, since 1978. When she was re-elected in 2006 for her 11th consecutive term, it was with 98% voter approval. She is affectionately known as "Hurricane Hazel" by the media and supporters alike for her fresh, outspoken style and no-nonsense approach to politics. Her method is grounded in the belief that a city ought to be run like a business. Thanks to this business model approach, Mississauga is one of the few debt-free cities in Canada. Hazel sees her Christian faith as a guide to her concern for the public good, as well as the source for her physical energy. She likes to be independent and take care of her household herself: "I do my own cleaning, grocery shopping, gardening…the assumption is that people in my position have others doing all these things for them but I like to be self sufficient. Housework and gardening are great forms of exercise and keep one humble."
Enjoy this YouTube of her Honor, Mayor McCallion - she evens plays hockey!
~Helen Rickman
New Ideas for Long-Term Care: Kathryn Roberts and Howard Gleckman Discuss
Listen to the Minnesota Public Radio discussion on long-term care with Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts and Howard Gleckman, author of Caring for Our Parents and senior researcher at The Urban Institute.
Senator Klobuchar and other Policymakers Talking Long-Term Care
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A sign of the age wave: Policymakers are beginning to talk about long-term care. Senator Klobuchar is hosting a series of town hall meetings in Minnesota on the subject to discuss recent bills she's introduced. Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts (pictured above with the Senator) participated in yesterday's discussion in Saint Paul.
Also, as we discussed earlier, Minnesota Gubernatorial candidate Paul Thissen has made the age wave a key part of his platform. You can see his recent video here.
Jack LaLanne Was Right, By Dr. Patrick Roden
No, very few of us can have a body like lifetime fitness buff Jack LaLanne, but Dr. Patrick Roden at the blog Home By Choice says Jack is right when it comes to aging in place . . . Don't forget the body.
A Marijuana Collective in a California Senior Community
It's been more than a dozen years since California became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use. In some California cities, cannabis dispensaries are springing up like, well, weeds.
But in more conservative communities, patients have a harder time finding legal marijuana. That difficulty has led a group of seniors in Orange County to start setting up a pot collective in their luxury retirement community.
You can access the National Public Radio story here.
My Mother's Death Panel
Very insightful post - My Mother's Death Panel - related to the national health care "discussion" (shout fest) from Larry Minnix, president and CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. He blogs at The Future of Aging.
Thoughts from an 80 year old Facebooking Great-grandmother
According to Inside Facebook, an independant blog for industry analysts and online marketers, women over 55 are the fastest growing demographic on the social networking site Facebook. A recent study indicates that the WWII generation is most likely to use a social networking site (SNS) for the purpose of staying in touch with friends and family. 30% of the older users of SNS are there "for fun" vs. 61% of Gen Y (15-29 year olds). 90% of SNS users from the WWII generation use Facebook vs. other sites like MySpace or Twitter.
So what do older users of SNS think? I had a conversation with my mom Nickie, a Facebook newbie and 80 year old great-grandmother.
What prompted you to join Facebook, Mom?
Nickie: One of my grandchildren insisted I join in and I felt flattered. She set me up remotely which was amazing to me.
How often do you log in?
Nickie: Not very often, mostly because I feel awkward about getting in. I think I just need more practice and to take my time.
In what ways do you use Facebook? I do a little chatting and more reading others' comments.
What's been your biggest surprise about Facebook?
Nickie: The amount of communicating others do. Facebook for the most part seems to be surface communication without depth. Facebook vs. face time? Yes. But, on the other hand, those away from their friends or family, must appreciate the link to others without having to write an out and out letter or make a phone call.
Do you anticipate more friends of your generation hopping aboard?
Nickie: I really don't think so. I think those who use email, really enjoy & prefer it.
In general, how do you feel about the role of communication technology (computers, cell phones) in your life and in society? They are all very useful, but I do believe they are not used wisely by many, many people. Even when communication with others in-person is available, many seem to withdraw and concentrate on the device at hand. It seems almost like an obsession.
How did you celebrate your 80th birthday, Mom?
Nickie: I took my first hip-hop class. And I'm so glad I did! It was great fun.
~Helen Rickman
Euthanizing Older People Conspiracy Message is Wackiness . . . Let's Get Real on Real Issues
We have to get real and focus on real issues, such as The CLASS Act, which would help people live as independently as possible.