Shirin Vakharia of Marin Community Foundation presents at AAI’s 6th Convening.
From Program Director Linda Jackson:
The highlight of last month was the Aging Action Initiative’s 6th Convening.
We had a full room, dozens of new people, and beaucoup de enthusiasm for the sessions.
Our six Convenings have attracted nearly 500 people. They represent over 130 agencies, nonprofits, and organizations in Marin; 24 agencies have sent three or more people to at least one convening. Our reach is growing because people understand the value of what AAI brings to the work of an age-friendly Marin. Here are some “best parts” comments from this year’s evaluation forms:
- I was inspired by the four individuals who opened the day. An entertaining and introspective start to the event.
- So much concern & energy re. making Marin a healthy, secure, safe place to live.
- Meeting new people; learning about what’s happening in community for seniors and how I can get involved more.
- Opportunity to network; blend of public, community, and health perspectives.
- Lens on Aging Equity — questions and discussions at our tables.
- Reframing aging to be more effective in talking about issues facing older adults.
AAI educates! The morning began with ‘listening in’ to four Marin residents reflect on aging. Read Terri Dowling’s comments on growing older here.
Most of the day was dedicated to learning, thinking, and talking about equity. Laura Eberly of YWCA SF & Marin led two sessions about our own equity-related experiences and perceptions, and about the structure and outlook of our own organizations. You can learn more about the work and offerings of the YWCA at www.ywcasf-marin.org. This history lesson through the eyes of an African American is most insightful: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw_mRaIHb-M
Shirin Vakharia of Marin Community Foundation moderated a session titled “Bringing Home More than a Tee-Shirt” about the just-concluded national American Society on Aging conference. Not all of us were able to attend the conference in San Francisco, so we brought it back with a panel discussion of highlights and table talks about what people learned. What did we talk about?
- Livable Communities: housing, transportation, open space
- Integrated health care models, social determinants of health, and LTSS + CBOs
- Stigma-resistance and denial and the need to reframe public thinking for acceptance of supports and services for older people
- “Solo aging” — people without kids who are now without family or spouse support
- Isolation and health impacts
- Caregivers: Housing and finding caregivers, workforce/immigration concerns, services in rural communities
- Hospice/palliative care in home
In addition to equity and the ASA conference, we also talked about ageism and reframing, or revising the way we talk about older people, and the benefits and challenges of growing older.
AAI advocates! The last session of the Convening was all about the four issues we are focusing on this year: housing, aging-in-community, economic security, and transportation. Here are some of the inspirational protest signs made in the afternoon:
- Work Here. Live Here. Stay Here.
- End Social Isolation – Visit a Neighbor
- Reframe our Game to Everyone’s Gain!
- Livable wages for caregivers now!!!
- Keep Older People Mobile
AAI promotes service collaboration! The whole day was about this — 74% of attendees reported making at least five new connections and a third of attendees met more than 10 new people.
Thanks to all who came and shared and connected! This is one of the reasons AAI came into being — to make the most of our connections so we can do the most for older people in Marin.
See you around Marin~
P.S. Miss the Convening? Email support@agingactioninitiative.org with your name and organization to request access to panel summaries and presentations.
