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Edward F. Ansello , Ph.D. Virginia Center on Aging, and

The Gift of Time: Aging and Lifelong Disabilities Presented at New Perspectives on Aging, University of New Hampshire, 6 October 11. Edward F. Ansello , Ph.D. Virginia Center on Aging, and

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Edward F. Ansello , Ph.D. Virginia Center on Aging, and

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  1. The Gift of Time: Aging and Lifelong DisabilitiesPresented at New Perspectives on Aging, University of New Hampshire, 6 October 11 Edward F. Ansello, Ph.D. Virginia Center on Aging, and Virginia Geriatric Education CenterVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA 23298-0229(804) 828-1525eansello@vcu.edu www.vcu.edu/vcoa

  2. Things are seldom as easy as you’ve been toldNor as difficult as you’d feared The Chronicles of Ed

  3. Topic Outline 1. The democratization of aging 2. The geriatric imperative 3. Aging being enveloped by disability, because of difficulty with "aging" 4. The unknown aging dividend 5. Lagging public policy and the role of coalitions as de facto policy 6. Assisted autonomy as a modus operandi 7. Keys to effective coalitions

  4. The Democratization of Aging • The province of the wealthy • Medians in 1900 & 2000 • Retirement in perspective • Aging is a construct, experienced amid and influenced by the norms, limitations, expectations, and horizons around us.

  5. The Geriatric Imperative • Post-reproductive nonconformity • Within-group variance • Individuation • 1 to the 100th power

  6. Aging and Lifelong Disabilities • Aging being enveloped by disability, because of difficulty with "aging" • Similarities between systems: marginal/undervalued; underfunded; reliance on caregivers, etc. • Differences between systems: chronological vs. functional; person- centered vs. program-driven; large numbers of unidentified clients; non-affiliations

  7. The Unknown Aging Dividend • Tim Obrien (The Things They Carried): story truth vs. happening truth • We've been "problem" driven, e.g. ,warnings about the “Silver Tsunami” • Facts-knowledge-wisdom; conflict resolution; focused exploration of potential benefits (vs. costs)

  8. Public Policy on Aging with Lifelong Disabilities • Lagging public policy and the role of coalitions as de facto policy • Newness of aging with lifelong disabilities; historical non-intersection and different priorities of the systems • Differences between currently older and younger with lifelong disabilities

  9. Assisted Autonomy • History of “autonomy” and laissez faire indifference • Illusion of "independence“ • Assisted autonomy as a modus operandi • Getting assistance that the person needs and can direct

  10. Keys to Intersystem Coalition Building: (1) Starting Neutral broker non-threatening matchmaker Spark a champion or zealot Specific problem issue(s) to be addressed Incentive perceived benefits Focus clear cause or purpose

  11. Keys to Intersystem Coalition Building:(2) Proceeding/Succeeding Objectives achievable through specific tasks and activities Approvals top-down and bottom-up sanctions in writing Ownership members must see the coalition as “theirs” and attend Fit compatibility with other like-minded individuals and groups

  12. Keys to Intersystem Coalition Building: (3) Continuing Resources modest but adequate funding or pool of in-kind Real Members must be more than just people appointed because they fit a category Executive agency heads, directors, managers, advisory councils, as well as service providers Channeling members convey content back to their agencies, reinforcing partnership (minutes, e-mail)

  13. Coalitions in the South • Maryland and Virginia (three keys) • Florida (organizational) • North Carolina (organizational) • Texas (processes) • Alabama (results)

  14. Partners I, II, and III Projects: The Integrated Model of ServicesMaryland and Virginia,1986-1997 • Collaboration • Outreach • Capacity Building (Ansello, Coogle & Wood, 1997)

  15. Area Planning and Services Committee (APSC) in Metro Richmond • Established in 2003, evolving from two-year single county MR task force • Good mix of organizational members, with written commitments; meets monthly all year • Doctoral student intern, summer 2004, helped with surveys of members/registrants • Identified priorities democratically at outset: cross-training, public awareness, emerging issues • Down and dementia; loss and bereavement; spirituality and aging; aging in place, etc

  16. Next Steps • Community partnerships; advisory board; marketing vs. selling; “shared enterprise” • Agree on a dream • Identify a neutral broker • Draw in interdisciplinary involvement by recognizing enlightened self-interest • Accept slow growth

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