As we all continue to age, the question of how to ensure a fulfilling and healthy life for older adults becomes increasingly important. Recent research, including a comprehensive analysis by the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI), underscores the pivotal role of societal engagement in promoting well-being in old age.The Foundation of Well-being: Good Relationships The cornerstone of a fulfilling old age lies in cultivating meaningful relationshipswith others and with society at large. The MHI survey of adults aged 55 and older across 21 countries affirmed this, with purpose in life and meaningful connections emerging as vital factors in promoting the health of older adults worldwide. Personal fulfillment and social bonds were frequently cited as key motivators for work or volunteering, underscoring the intrinsic value of engagement.The Health Dividends of Societal Engagement Engagement in societal activities emerges as a powerful catalyst for older-adult health. Those who participate experience a notable boost in overall perceived health, according to MHI survey data. This aligns with extensive academic research, revealing six key health benefits of societal participation: reduced mortality rates, decreased cognitive disability, lower functional disability and frailty, decreased loneliness and depression, increased physical activity, and heightened meaning and quality of life.The Harvard Study of Adult Development stands as a compelling testament to the pivotal role of relationships in healthy aging. Good relationships emerged as the strongest predictor of happiness and health in old age, affirming the profound impact of meaningful connections.Breaking Down Barriers to Participation Despite the evident benefits, numerous barriers hinder older adults from active engagement. Outdated beliefs regarding age, isolated efforts across sectors, inequitable access, gaps in structural support, limited data, and an under-researched landscape all contribute to this challenge. Addressing these barriers requires a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and infrastructure, extending across social, physical, and political realms.Societal participation holds the key to unlocking a vibrant, healthy future for older adults. By breaking down barriers, empowering older individuals, encouraging collaboration, and investing in support structures, we can pave the way for a more inclusive, engaged society. The collective effort of governments, employers, communities, and older adults themselves is essential in building a world where aging is synonymous with purpose, fulfillment, and vitality. Together, we can usher in a new era of healthy, purposeful aging for all.About the Author: Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services, a local nonprofit with a mission to empower people as they age, through serving compassionately, connecting communities, and supporting independence.  

Every parent knows the urgency of waiting for the arrival of a newborn. They have nine months to plan and prepare. There are purchases to make: furniture, stroller, car seat, informational books, and such. Work plans and childcare often must be arranged. Significant planning goes into this important life event, but what about the other end of life, the later years?More than 90 percent of all moves to a senior living facility are driven by a crisis: a fall, reduced mobility, poor diet, cognitive challenges, and other illnesses. And families are often caught in the gap between an effective response and feeling ill-prepared. Unlike the blissful parents of newborns, the caregiver of an older adult may feel caught off-guard, stressed, and confused.Among Minnesota seniors still living independently in their own homes, over 90 percent of their care is handled by family and friends, often with little or no experience and understanding of whats required of a caregiver. Its the classic on-the-job training, with plenty of potential mistakes to be made without adequate preparation. While taking care of a loved one is a valuable and honorable role, it can be an overwhelming and exhausting responsibility without adequate support services.Thankfully, Minnesota families facing senior care decisions have helpful resources available. Experts are available to help you better understand the care needs and help you connect with the support thats right for your situation. Local nonprofit Senior Community Services www.seniorcommunity.org, is one such resource.The range of services includes assistance with resources, hourly consultation, family meetings, needs assessment of the senior, and caregiver coaching (similar to the format of life/career coaching). All of these services are designed to reduce caregiver stress and improve the caregivers ability to provide care longer, in a way thats healthier for them and the senior for whom they care.Studies have shown that services to support caregivers can allow them to delay nursing home placement for loved ones. This is so important because seniors prefer to live independently for as long as possible at their own homes in the communities they love. And, frankly, the cost of staying at home is usually much less than living in a more restrictive senior care community.Like planning for a newborn, getting the best information ahead of time when the situation starts to change can help avert a senior care crisis. If an older adult struggles with household chores, maintaining a nutritionally balanced diet, and making the best healthcare decisions, an effective care plan with the right support services eases many challenges in a respectful and dignified way. As the familys helping role increases, the appropriate caregiver services can better equip them to care for the older adult as well as for themselves.Just like arming parents-to-be with the resources they need to parent, we all benefit by taking care of the caregivers and ensuring support is in place for aging adults. Lets reimagine aging so that our community is as accommodating of the needs of seniors as it is for children. A place where walkers and wheelchairs are as welcome as bikes, strollers, and scooters. A community where all generations can enjoy the best of this time we call the later years, with less stress and more promise. Are you ready?About the Author:Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services, a local nonprofit with a mission to empower people as they age, through serving compassionately, connecting communities, and supporting independence.

Elder financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly appropriates money or belongings from an older person for their own personal use. While this financial exploitation takes many forms, including online scams, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) the vast majority of reports involve perpetrators who are related to or in a trusting relationship with the victim.NAPSA reports financial abuse of elders is costing older Americans and their families billions every year, though occurrences are thought to be grossly underestimated, with only 1 in 44 elder financial abuse cases even reported. This suggests were only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the actual devastation older adults and their families are experiencing the wake of abuse. So why are the majority of cases going unreported? The abuser is a trusted family member or caregiver Even if the victim becomes aware of the abuse, choosing to pursue a case against a loved one may be an impossible and heartbreaking decision for many older adults, especially if they are dependent on the abuser in some way. Many abusers have provided some form of assistance or caregiving to the older adult and can convincingly argue they are owed compensation, while the truth is they have abused the victims trust for personal financial gain, with little regard for the victim. The abuse takes place little by little over time Financial abuse often occurs over months or years. It can be a slow, steady process of siphoning off small amounts at a time through check requests, bank withdrawals, wire transfers, recurring credit card payments, etc. The perpetrators are methodical and measured. They dont ask for or take amounts significant enough to trigger suspicion in financial institutions or be questioned by family members or friends of the victim. Unfortunately, by the time the abuse is discovered, there may be little chance of reversing the financial damage. Shame and fear As with many acts of abuse, the victim may feel a great deal of shame. If taken advantage of, older adults often worry that relatives will feel they can no longer take care of their own financial affairs. With financial exploitation there is often an illusion of consent on the part of the victim, but its propped up by manipulation, deception, or blatant misinformation. Despite this, the victim may fear they will be seen as mentally unfit for allowing themselves to be exploited and that reporting the abuse will lead to a loss of independence or autonomy. They dont know how or where to report the abuse to In the wake of a financial violation, finding resources can be an overwhelming task, further complicated by a lack of trust because of the abuse. But reporting financial abuse is imperative to gain knowledge of how abusers operate and to understand the full scope of the damage they cause in order to enact the measures necessary to break the cycle.If you think you or a loved one is a victim of elder financial abuse, contact these trusted organizations to find resources and file a report:justice.gov/elderjustice National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-8333728311The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center 1-844-880-1574elderjusticemn.org 651-440-9312