Aging Options and Building Teams

A colleague and I recently presented at the Environments for Aging Conference ’09 (http://www.environmentsforaging.com/ME2/Default.asp), held in Boston. This was one of the first conferences I’ve attended where there was a huge spectrum of different professions, from geriatricians to architects to senior service providers to landscape designers. Yet, all had a shared focus: How to achieve a better quality of life as we age.

I heard a lot of compelling speakers. Some of the most interesting, however, touched at some point on two issues: First, the professions (including service providers) need to get out of their individual silos and work together as creative, interdisciplinary TEAMS in looking for aging “solutions.” Only in this way will we be available to develop some really innovative ideas about how to create new models for healthful communities and neighborhoods at all stages of life, especially as we age. Second, as in some of the healthcare discussions at large, there was strong recognition for the growing role of the individual consumer’s (or customer’s) preferences for care and other resources, including housing. People, thankfully, are no longer simply regarded as “patients” but seen as more active participants or partners in the management and quality of their own life course. This gives all of us a strong reminder to listen closely to our audience, no matter what their age or condition.

On the other hand, there was still an awful lot of use of the term “Seniors.” I still don’t know what that means or who, exactly, fits into that. It still seems like you get there only by default, with no choice. With more and more people living well into their 90’s, we’ve seen new “official” classifications like the “Young Elderly” and “Old Elderly” emerge. I can’t say I like those any better. And despite everything, the last time a Senior was cool that I can recall was in High School or College – nothing after!

Any ideas on what naming works, and the impact it can have?