Authored by Dr. Joe Casciani
This is an introduction to the new BETTER, LONGER & HAPPIER GUIDE. The GUIDE is comprised of 12 card decks or modules that have been developed for Program Directors and Lifestyle Directors working with residents in senior living settings. The Directors’ goal is to engage residents in activities, programs and discussions that are exciting, cognitively challenging, and conducive to fostering a positive mindset about aging and managing setbacks.
This topic may not be of interest to many of our readers. However, this post is a major announcement of a project that has been in the works for one year. The new product is being introduced at an upcoming conference of the International Council on Active Aging. This conference is being held October 30 through November 2 in Anaheim, California.
The mission and purpose of the BETTER, LONGER & HAPPIER GUIDE is to reinforce the upsides of aging by:
- demonstrating the capacity for growth and change while offering strategies to prevent disengagement, disinterest, and discouragement
- supporting those living in senior residential settings so they feel a greater connection to their community and successfully adapt to age-related changes
- providing cost-effective, ready-made lessons for Program Directors
- building new strength-focused habits that add vitality to the lives of older adult participants, and
- utilizing the latest in neuroplasticity findings, shown to foster more cognitive growth than previously thought possible.
I like to think that the content in this GUIDE provides the keys to psychologically healthy aging, no matter what gets in the way. And we all know that the human aging process typically brings with it a host of physical, personal, and psychological challenges.
Problem and Solution to Aging with Purpose
Older adults are often saddled with a stereotyped, self-limiting attitude that old age inevitably brings with it decline, helplessness, and dependency. It also is accompanied by an ageist attitude also maintains that we should stop expecting things from older adults. Additionally, the challenges accompanying advancing years can often cause older adults to feel discouraged, to doubt their ability to grow, and see these challenges as limiting their future and remaining years.
What if the problem is really about how we think about aging? This GUIDE targets the residential senior market. Its purpose is to help the 55+ age group reverse these self-limited beliefs and them learn new ways to overcome negative attitudes. It also seeks to increase their opportunity for engagement in relationships and activities that provide meaning and purpose. In short, these Modules help older adults look forward to getting older.
Target Audience
This program is designed for staff who create, plan, and deliver wellness and lifestyle programs at Independent and Assisted Living Facilities. It can also be used by corporate trainers, and senior community organizations. These Directors are responsible for life enhancement, resident services, activities, or life enrichment programs. With this series of Modules in hand, Lifestyle Directors are given new tools that will not only make their job easier but also help them do a better job by envisioning the growth of their residents.
What it Looks Like
Twelve card decks (samples shown here) each comprise four sections: key thoughts and lessons, knowledge deep dive, exercises and discussion topics, and inspirational stories. The card design was selected for ease of learning and program preparation following a pilot study with prospective users earlier this year. The cards will also have QR codes for accessing more lengthy articles, books, and even video links.
Learn More
To learn more about the GUIDE, here are three articles and an order form to peruse:
Summary
This BETTER, LONGER & HAPPIER GUIDE addresses and fixes a persisting attitude that advancing age means limitation and decline. Additionally, it restores a sense of positivity, and promotes aging with purpose as well as psychological expansion, health, and growth.
The card decks are being prepared for content and printing and are expected to be available mid-winter. And if you know of a senior organization that may have an interest in the program guide, please direct them to the BETTER, LONGER & HAPPIER GUIDE page on the Living to 100 Club website.