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I’ve spent the bulk of my career focused on building strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery in several health care sectors, including homecare. I’m a self-professed “nuts and bolts” kind of guy where small tweaks can often make big changes.
But I’m focused on the big picture as well. And something came into my view recently that is sure to make a significant impact on our industry.
That is, how we talk about aging.
As a society, we often don’t like to talk about aging and all the things that come along with it. That may be why we experience pervasive ageism and a negative connotation to growing older.
A recent conference sponsored by the trade publication Advertising Week attracted members of creative industries such as marketing, technology and culture to bring key issues and ideas to the forefront. This four-day event with more than 800 speakers drew thousands in the advertising industry.
I noticed that AARP was involved in two prominent sessions: “The Rise of the 50+ Tech Consumer” and “Why Ageism Must Be Part of the DE&I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Discussion.” Martha Bourdreau, AARP’s chief communications & marketing officer, was joined on the stage by Kristin Flanik, who is president and CEO of the advertising agency power BBDO NY.
First of all, congratulations to AARP for bringing these topics to the forefront. It is fantastic that ageism is being addressed by the advertising industry, which tends to ignore older demographics because they are not considered “target markets.” As they wrote in their session description, those over 50 make up 47% of the U.S. population and drive more than $8.3 trillion in annual economic activity. Clearly, the aging demographic should not be ignored.
But the aging population is hindered by stereotypes in advertising. It wasn’t that long ago that E-Trade received negative reactions to its “This Is Getting Old” commercial during the 2018 Superbowl. The following year, Fast Company noted that ads geared toward older consumers tended to be condescending at best and offensive at worst. More recently, author Ken Dychtwald addressed the continuation of ageism in advertising in an AARP article, saying “ads that show contempt for older people are still far too common.”
That’s why I appreciated a recent article in New York Magazine’s recurring column, “The Strategist.” Staffers put together a 57-question survey for Strategist readers 65 and older. Included were questions about their most beloved clothing brands, their most coveted electronics and the gifts they love to use.
Guess what? They are busting stereotypes! They are interested in looking good and feeling good. Sixty-one percent shop online at least once a week. The stationary bike is a big post-retirement buy. Hoka and Nike are mentioned as prominent shoe brands. They debate the merits of Kindles vs. iPads.
This doesn’t sound like the end of the road for an aging population. And that’s great, since we know that by 2035 there will be more people 65 and older than those 18 and younger for the first time ever.
Those of us working on the front lines with an older population should pay attention to these trends and share them broadly. We are the ambassadors of the aging process, which is why we’re in a great position to influence how we talk about aging. Here are some ways to do it.
1. Change the language. Take a look at “Words Up: A Guide to Inclusive Language,” a report from an advertising agency that tackled numerous aspects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), including ageism. After addressing stereotypical ads, they came up with a series of words that should be welcomed and those to avoid:
Adopt these words: “older,” “an elder,” “mature,” “wise,” “seasoned,” “experienced”
Avoid these words: “old person,” “golden years,” “elderly”
Personally, I’m on a mission to eliminate the use of term “elderly.” Getting older is part of life. “Elderly” connotes an affliction, not a life stage.
2. Focus on later semesters. Our SYNERGY HomeCare gerontologist Dr. Macie Smith refers to aging as “another semester in life.” Think about high school and college. Weren’t our last semesters so much better than the early ones? Aging is part of life’s education. Our clients are still learning, doing, growing, caring and loving. Let’s work to always share these examples. And we should always be trying to learn from them, and then share their wisdom, as we all work to show these later semesters should be welcomed, not feared.
3. Embrace positivity. Unfortunately, many of us are dealing with older people who have physical and cognitive concerns. But that shouldn’t stop us from saying wonderful things about our clients and what they have achieved—and are achieving—in life. Let’s emphasize the joys we bring our clients, the joys they bring us, the pleasures in their days and the things they’ve done and learned. During our “SYNERGY Effect” ad campaign, we focused on how we “propel lives forward.” We all do that every day. Let’s make sure we share it.
4. Say something. I was on a video conference recently and one of the participants on the call said, “I was in a store and this old cashier lady…” I stopped the call and politely said, “Why did you say ‘old cashier lady?’ Isn’t it great that she’s able to live her life and still work?” Sure, it’s not easy to correct someone, but we should all do it.
I’ve concluded that even though I’m not a marketer, I am in marketing. The interactions we have every day provide us with great insight in the positives of aging. Let’s commit to showcasing them.
If you have any questions, please call Synergy HomeCare - Boulder 303-465-4663.
If you live in the Pittsburgh area or youve visited here, you understand what people mean when they say the city blends the best of small-town friendliness with the benefits of big-city living.That welcoming atmosphere is also part of what makes Steel City an attractive retirement destination. It offers all the three Cs culture, cuisine, and cost of living in great supply. In this article, weve compiled a list of the top 5 reasons that make Pittsburgh one of the best places to retire in Pennsylvania.#1 Comfortable Cost of LivingWhen deciding whether or not Pittsburgh is the right place to retire for you, its important to consider the financial aspects of the city. Whats the general cost of living, and how does it compare to other locations? Does Pennsylvania tax retirement income?The short answer? Choosing senior living in Pittsburgh, PA, is a smart financial move. In general, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is lower than the national average, and the city, along with the entire Keystone State, offers some notably tax-friendly advantages for retirees. Most retirement income including Social Security income and payments from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are tax-exempt. Pension income is also exempt from taxes, and when it comes to taxable purchases, from groceries to golf clubs, the states average total sales tax rate is among the 20 lowest in the country.#2 Dont Miss AttractionsIn addition to being kind to your bottom line, retiring in Pittsburgh, PA, presents a world of opportunities for seniors to explore, experience, and grow. Youve earned your freedom and your free time, and the metro area is a place where you can make the most of both! Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium These two attractions are definitely not a one and done experience. With 77 acres to explore, youll want to visit the zoo and aquarium regularly to browse beautiful, well-designed exhibits that foster understanding, respect, and appreciation of wildlife. Its a wonderful experience for both adults and children perfect for a days adventure with the grandkids. State Parks If you love the great outdoors, rest assured, Pittsburgh has plenty of wonderful state and municipal parks to enjoy close to home. Whether youre into boating, hiking, biking, kayaking, or even camping, getting your fill of fun will be less than a half-hours drive. Carnegie Museum of Art Known as the first contemporary art museum in the country, Carnegie Museum of Art likes to refer to its collection as the Old Masters of Tomorrow. Its one of the Pittsburgh regions finest examples of culture and is beloved not only for its 30,000 art objects, but also for its superb interactive programming that allows patrons to engage with the collection. Very cool. The Andy Warhol Museum Artist Andy Warhol hails from Pittsburgh, PA, and The Andy Warhol Museum celebrates his career with the worlds largest collection of his artworks. In fact, its one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums anywhere. Whether youre a lover of pop art or not, you cant help but be mesmerized by Warhols bold, colorful pieces.#3 Marvelous CuisineFoodies looking to retire in Pittsburghyoure in luck. Pittsburgh dining options score high when it comes to variety, quality, and downright deliciousness. Pittsburghers (yes, thats what theyre called) hold certain dishes in high esteem, including pierogis, square-cut pizza, smiley-face cookies, potato patch fries, chipped chopped ham, and pepperoni rolls. Be sure to put the Strip District on your dining list, too, where you can enjoy the whole gamut of eateries before heading to Station Square for high-end riverfront shopping.Looking to spend time dining close to home? Luxury retirement communities like Friendship Village of South Hills offer the best of both worldsstellar on-site dining and close proximity to the citys downtown restaurants.#4 Excellent Health CareThe Pittsburgh region and its residents are fortunate to have the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for health care. Its one of the top medical facilities in the country, an important benefit for seniors. For over 15 years, UPMC has ranked among the top 20 best hospitals in America according to U.S. News & World Report hospital Honor Roll. In addition to the flagship hospital, it boasts 40 hospitals in the system, along with 700 clinical locations, including outpatient sites and doctors offices. Living in the Steel City, youll never be far from superior health care.#5 Superb Senior Living at Friendship Village of South HillsThe 5th top reason for retiring in Pittsburgh, PA, is having the pleasure of living in a welcoming community with a resort-like feel and a wonderful carefree attitude. Thats the life that awaits you at Friendship Village of South Hills. You can enjoy an active, vibrant lifestyle and reside in a beautiful independent living- LinkOpens in New Tab apartment. And youll have peace of mind knowing youve chosen to make your home in a Life Care- LinkOpens in New Tab community that offers higher levels of care if and when your health needs change.A Great Life Awaits You in Pittsburgh Theres so much to love about retiring in Pennsylvania. When you become a resident of Friendship Village of South Hills, all the wonderful experiences the Steel City has to offer will be close at hand. If youd like to learn more about life in our welcoming community, simply complete the form below or click here and well be in touch.
Fall is upon us and it brings no shortage of fun festivities. At Friendship Village of South Hills, were looking forward to all that the changing of seasons brings.The Beauty of Fall in Upper St. ClairOn the list of our favorite things about living in a Mid-Atlantic state like Pennsylvania, getting to experience four distinct seasons would have to be near the top. Autumn in St. Clair can be quite stunning. Fall serves as a transition from the hot, lazy days of summer into the holiday season and winter months ahead. From the start of the season in September until the end of the season in late November, we get to experience the days start to cool down and get shorter while the foliage erupts into a glorious blaze of color.In addition to the changes in weather and our natural surroundings, fall also brings back-to-school season, the return of fall sports, and some very special holidays including Veterans Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Yes, theres a change in the air and plenty to celebrate, so weve rounded up some of our favorite fall celebrations and activities below. What (and how!) you choose to celebrate is up to you.Fall Festivities Around PittsburghIf youre interested in getting out and about to take advantage of this new season, there are plenty of fabulous events happening around Pittsburgh this fall. Drive-in theaters. Drive-in theaters are making a comeback. And what better season to enjoy an outdoor movie than fall? With a number of drive-ins around the greater Pittsburgh area showing different films throughout the fall, youre sure to find a movie that sparks your interest. Leaf peeping. Take in the peak of fall foliage at some of our best local parks and sites. Stick to spots in our neighborhood like Clair Park or the Upper St. Clair Waterfalls, or venture out a bit more and explore places like Schenley Park, Raccoon Creek State Park, the Cathedral of Learning or Fallingwater. Doors Open Pittsburgh. Spend a Saturday learning about the architecture of some of our citys historic buildings as well as newer ones in this annual event. Wine tasting cruise. Enjoy a beautiful fall evening with a different point of view from the river! Savor wines of Italy and the sights of downtown Pittsburgh during a wine tasting cruise. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is a delight any time of year, and this fall is no exception. With performances of Beethovens Fourth Symphony, Mendelssohns Scottish, Tchaikovskys Fiery Little Russian, Griegs Beloved Piano Concerto and an evening of swing music inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, the season is filled with music to tickle your ears. Light Up Night. Close out the fall season with Pittsburghs annual Light Up Night as we prepare to usher in the holiday season. How to Celebrate Fall at HomeIf youd prefer to stick closer to home, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the changing seasons. Foliage gazing. While there are plenty of beautiful places around the state to take in the changing autumn colors, theres no need to get in a car at all. Take in the festive foliage with a simple stroll around the neighborhood. Football fun. For many, fall isnt complete without football. Whether cheering on the Steelers or your favorite college team, an in-person watch party or virtual tailgate with friends and family is a fun way to celebrate one of the highlights of the season. Seasonal baking. If the turning seasons have you thinking about warm baked goods or the flavors of pumpkin spice, a little autumnal baking can help set the stage for a beautiful fall day. Share your treats with friends and family or keep them for yourself we wont tell! Festive decorating. If your home is your happy place, you can get it and yourself into the fall spirit with a little seasonal fluff and buff. From door wreaths and welcome mats, to throw blankets and pillows or a vase fall blooms, help usher in this season with small changes around your home that make you happy. Celebrate Fall at Friendship Village of South HillsWhether you hit the town or prefer to stay close to home, celebrate fall with a community of friends at Friendship Village of South Hills in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania. From the >seasonally inspired menus in our restaurants, to our on-site events and group outings, our residents will be making the most of fall all season long.Schedule an in-person or virtual visit to learn more about life at Friendship Village of South Hills. Please fill out the form below or give us a call at 724-941-3100.
When cooler weather approaches, it's time to prepare your home to ensure safety and comfort during the winter months. This helps seniors, who are at a higher risk of falls and other seasonal hazards. Here's a list of safety-related home improvements that seniors should complete or have someone else complete before winter sets in.Addressing Slip and Fall RisksColder weather often brings icy and slippery conditions, which can increase the risk of falls. To address these risks, start by inspecting and repairing walkways and driveways. Fix any cracks and level uneven surfaces and consider adding non-slip treatments to reduce the risk of slipping. Installing handrails and grab bars can provide additional support and stability, especially in wet or icy conditions. Key locations to consider include bathrooms, near the toilet and shower, and on staircases, both indoors and out. It's best to have these professionally installed to ensure they are secure and properly positioned.Good lighting is critical to prevent trips and falls indoors. To improve visibility, use brighter bulbs in areas where seniors frequently walk, such as hallways and living spaces. Adding nightlights in key areas like bathrooms and bedrooms can provide guidance during nighttime visits.Tree and Landscaping HazardsWinter weather can also create hazards outside your home, particularly related to trees and landscaping. Overhanging branches can break under the weight of snow and ice, leading to property damage or personal injury. To mitigate this risk, trim back any branches that hang over your roof or walkways. If you have large trees, consider hiring a professional, as they have the right equipment and expertise.Clogged gutters can cause water damage or lead to the formation of ice dams. Clear out leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Installing gutter guards can help minimize future clogging.Loose items can become dangerous projectiles during winter storms. To keep your outdoor space safe, store lightweight furniture and decorations in a shed or garage. Secure heavier items to prevent them from being moved by strong winds.Fire Prevention ImprovementsFire safety is crucial, especially in cooler weather, when heating appliances and holiday decorations are used more. Start by replacing old carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.Check the expiration dates on all detectors and replace any outdated ones. Install new batteries in all units to ensure they're functioning properly.Regular maintenance of heating systems can prevent fires and ensure efficient operation. Schedule professional maintenance for your furnace, boiler, or other heating systems. Clean vents and filters to remove dust and debris that could potentially start a fire.Emergency preparedness is critical for safety, and fire escape plans must be reviewed and practiced by all members of the household. Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.Its Important to Keep Seniors SafeCompleting these safety home projects before cooler weather arrives can make a significant difference in protecting your home and loved ones. Investing a little time now can help prevent accidents and emergencies later on. Don't wait until winter is here. Act now to secure your home against seasonal risks. If you need assistance with any of these tasks, Senior Helpers Greeley is here to help. We proudly serve Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Estes Park, and Longmont. Contact us today to make your home a safer place. For more information, please call 970-373-3858.
At SYNERGY HomeCare, "CARE" stands for Coordinated And Responsive Engagement. We provide an integrated total solution to meeting your specific care needs. Whether for family members, friends or for yourself, you can be assured of the very best and highest quality care available. As loved ones experience the physical and emotional effects of aging, such as memory-related disorders (dementia and Alzheimers), chronic or acute illness or physical injury; our highly skilled caregivers are there to provide safety, comfort, and dignified assistance. We provide peace of mind and ensure that life at home will continue to be as independent and safe as possible.Call us now, at (303)465-HOME, to learn how our comprehensive CARE approach can help those with supportive needs, continue to live in their own home for as long as they like.