Friendships Between Generations: Breaking Age-Related Barriers

07/30/24 • 43 min

Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

Host Wendy Green sits down with acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Sky Bergman to pursue the heartwarming and transformative world of intergenerational connections.

Inspired by her spirited grandmother who thrived well into her 100s, Bergman’s work sheds light on the incredible benefits of bridging generational gaps and combating the growing public health crisis of loneliness and isolation.

This episode covers a broad spectrum of insights and personal stories that highlight the necessity and value of intergenerational connections. Here are some of the high points:

"Lives Well Lived" Documentary: Bergman's documentary explores resilience, positivity, and purpose at any age, featuring 40 remarkable individuals with a collective 3000 years of experience.
Educational Impact: Discussing her collaboration with a psychology of aging professor, Bergman details how the film has transformed classrooms into hubs of intergenerational dialogue.
Intergenerational Projects: Highlighting innovative projects, such as the film screenings paired with guided discussions between students and older adults, fostering understanding and friendships.
Practical Steps for Connection: Emphasis on the power of open-ended questions and the irreplaceable value of capturing stories before it’s too late.
Sky's Personal Practices: Insights into how Bergman builds intergenerational connections in her own life through regular women’s dinners and diverse friendships.

Links & Call to Action

Three suggested conversation starters that Sky mentioned in this discussion.

Tell me 3 Fun or Interesting Facts about you that I would not otherwise know.
What’s the best advice you ever got, and did you take it?
What’s been the most instrumental thing in shaping your life?

Other ways to share:

Spread the Word: Educators can access the documentary "Lives Well Lived" and incorporate it into their classrooms to promote intergenerational learning.
Get Involved: Whether through local organizations or personal initiatives, find ways to facilitate intergenerational interactions in your own community.

All of Sky's current and future projects can be found on her website: skybergmanproductions

Become part of the Boomer Banter community and always be informed about what is coming up. Go to our website and click on Connect With Us.

Mentioned in this episode:

Road Scholar Great Global Giveaway

roadscholar.org/heyboomer

3 seconds of silence

Host Wendy Green sits down with acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Sky Bergman to pursue the heartwarming and transformative world of intergenerational connections.

This episode covers a broad spectrum of insights and personal stories that highlight the necessity and value of intergenerational connections. Here are some of the high points:

"Lives Well Lived" Documentary: Bergman's documentary explores resilience, positivity, and purpose at any age, featuring 40 remarkable individuals with a collective 3000 years of experience.
Educational Impact: Discussing her collaboration with a psychology of aging professor, Bergman details how the film has transformed classrooms into hubs of intergenerational dialogue.
Intergenerational Projects: Highlighting innovative projects, such as the film screenings paired with guided discussions between students and older adults, fostering understanding and friendships.
Practical Steps for Connection: Emphasis on the power of open-ended questions and the irreplaceable value of capturing stories before it’s too late.
Sky's Personal Practices: Insights into how Bergman builds intergenerational connections in her own life through regular women’s dinners and diverse friendships.

Links & Call to Action

Three suggested conversation starters that Sky mentioned in this discussion.

Tell me 3 Fun or Interesting Facts about you that I would not otherwise know.
What’s the best advice you ever got, and did you take it?
What’s been the most instrumental thing in shaping your life?

Other ways to share:

Spread the Word: Educators can access the documentary "Lives Well Lived" and incorporate it into their classrooms to promote intergenerational learning.
Get Involved: Whether through local organizations or personal initiatives, find ways to facilitate intergenerational interactions in your own community.

All of Sky's current and future projects can be found on her website: skybergmanproductions

Become part of the Boomer Banter community and always be informed about what is coming up. Go to our website and click on Connect With Us.

Mentioned in this episode:

Road Scholar Great Global Giveaway

roadscholar.org/heyboomer

3 seconds of silence

Previous Episode

Fearless Female Leaders: Aging with Purpose

The new book, "Fearless Female Leaders." shares empowering stories of women of all ages, who are pursuing a purpose and a passion.

In this episode, guest and author Kathy McAfee, shares her journey and mission to mentor and uplift others, particularly in the legacy phase of her career. With real-life stories of resilience and leadership, this episode is a tribute to women who refuse to let age define their contribution.

Key Takeaways:

The story of Eva Hausman, founder of the Mothers' Day movement, and Sylvia Whitlock, the first female president of a Rotary club, highlight perseverance, dedication to public service, and gender inclusion.

Being fearless ignites the journey, while courage sustains it. The episode encourages listeners to start their fearless journey and use courage to see it through.

Continue contributing. We are not done yet. Supporting female leadership to create meaningful change in communities is highlighted in this episode and the book.

Episode Overview

In this episode, guest, Heather Brooks emphasizes the importance of safe housing as a cornerstone of livability for aging individuals. She explores multiple factors including neighborhood settings, transportation, environmental considerations, social involvement, and quick access to emergency services.

Heather delves into the challenges and expenses associated with maintaining homes as people get older, highlighting the critical need for resources and connections to age in place successfully. She introduces her website, "How 2 Age Your Way," which offers an array of educational materials and vetted resources specifically designed for aging adults.

Practical advice is shared on proactive home modifications, such as installing grab bars, no-slip rugs, and creating accessible entryways. Heather discusses sleek designs that avoid creating a hospital-like atmosphere and recommends attractive, functional brands for home products. Cutting-edge age tech, like voice-controlled showers and universal stove knobs are highlighted, offering a glimpse into the future of age-friendly living.

Budget considerations are also tackled, with Heather outlining costs ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope of modifications. Furthermore, she touches on the potential impact of these modifications on home resale value, suggesting that age technology and multi-generational living adaptations can make homes more marketable.

Importantly, Heather speaks about her involvement in the National Aging In Place Council, shedding light on legislative efforts including bill HR 766 aimed at providing federal support for home modifications.

Our host, Wendy Green helps ground the conversation in real-world applicability by sharing her own home modification plans, making the episode both personal and relatable.

Takeaways

Home Modifications: Proactively plan and implement home modifications to ensure future safety and convenience. Opt for aesthetically pleasing designs to maintain a homey feel and avoid a clinical appearance.
Age Tech Innovations: Embrace cutting-edge technology such as voice-controlled showers, universal stove knobs, and accessible kitchen cabinetry. Focus on age-friendly technology to enhance safety, functionality, and comfort.
Safe Housing as Livability Pillar: Understand the significance of a safe and accessible home environment for aging individuals. Address essential considerations like neighborhood, transportation, social involvement, and emergency services.

Links:

Heather's website: https://how2ageyourway.com

National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC)

HR7676 - Home Modification for Accessibility Act

AARP Home Fit Safety Presentations and Home Safety Guide

SmartHQ All-in-One App for Kitchen Appliances

OME Universal Kitchen Knob

Ponte Giulio Bathroom Safety Products

Sign up for the Boomer Banter Weekly newsletter, click on Connect with Us.

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Mentioned in this episode:

CareLink 360

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Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well - Friendships Between Generations: Breaking Age-Related Barriers

Transcript

Wendy Green [00:00:25]:

Well, hello, and welcome to Boomer Banter, the podcast where we have real talk about aging well, and my name is Wendy Green, and I am your host. And in each episode of Boomer Banter, I try to focus on one of four topics, financial literacy, health, relationships, and purpose. And if you want to age well, you are in the right place. And today, our focus is going to be on relationships. So in 2023, the surgeon general released an advisory highlighting the public he