What does ‘aging well’ mean to you? At AgeWell Middle Tennessee, we are reimagining aging through our programs and services that provide trusted information and online tools as well as elevating the voices of older adults throughout our 13-county service* area in MiddleTennessee. Founded as the Council on Aging of Greater Nashville in 1985, AgeWell is a thoughtleader, convener, catalyst, and advocate for collaborative solutions to ensure we can all age well.
Conversations around important issues like affordable housing often do not include older adults. We want to change that. For example, as Nashville grows, the lack of affordable housing will only increase, specifically affecting older adults. Intergenerational Home Sharing is an idea that AgeWell believes could protect the current housing stock as well as provide older adults an avenue to age in place. Home Sharing would also allow them to remain in the community, create relationships with new friends, and provide additional income to the aging homeowner helping to alleviate isolation and economic insecurity. We are working to share this idea with government officials, business leaders, and community members.
Most people think of ‘working caregivers’ as caring for children but 40 million are caring for aging parents. AgeWell has developed the Eldercare Coach program that supports family caregivers and helps businesses develop a “caregiver friendly” workplace. Lunch and learns and educational webinars are a critical part of meeting caregivers where they are in the journey.
As the lead for the TN Coalition for Better Aging, we are gathering with partner organizations to provide recommendations to the State of Tennessee and local governments in Middle Tennessee to work for improved home and community-based services. Aging well means aging in place how you want and that meets your needs.
Older adults are a vital part of our community. As part of AgeWell’s mission to connect older adults and family caregivers to resources, we are proud to offer our Community Helpline. Through the helpline, dedicated and experienced staff will help connect older adults or caregivers with resources specific to their situation. “Thank you so much for your help and giving me new avenues to explore! My conversation with you was a bright spot in my week. I’ll be always grateful to you,” said one of our recent callers.
Knowledge equips us to make decisions, which is why Roobrik is such an important tool for caregivers. Roobrik is a free, 5-minute survey available at agewelltn.org that provides a personalized report with your “best fit” care options.
Most people know AgeWell through our Directory of Services, a vital community resource for aging adults in Middle Tennessee. The print edition is available free at public libraries in our 13-county area and an online version of the directory is on our website at directory.agewelltn.org. Resource guides on end-of-life planning, grandparents raising grandchildren, and caregiving are also available on our website.
AgeWell Middle Tennessee is working toward a community where everyone can age well.