Montgomery County Prevention Partners
Montgomery County Prevention Partners & NRVCS
Episode 20 - A Conversation with Tina King, Executive Director of the New River Valley Agency on Aging
Episode 20 - A Conversation with Tina King, Executive Director of the New River Valley Agency on Aging
Episode 20 - A Conversation with Tina King, Executive Director of the New River Valley Agency on Aging
Friday 29th May 2020
Tina King talks about helping older adults maintain independence and social connectivity amidst challenges like ageism and isolation.
32 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Empowering
Encouraging
Supportive
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Montgomery County Prevention Partners
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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Get the buttons here!Aging with Dignity: Tina King on Independence and Connection
I think sometimes in our society, there's ageism, there are stereotypical thoughts surrounding aging and older, and maybe the old-old, if you will, or folks who are maybe more out of touch with what's going on, and sometimes we latch onto that rather than remembering that they are each individuals and have so many rich life experiences that, regardless of their circumstance, there is much that they have to offer back to us.
Imagine facing the golden years of life with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Tina King, the Executive Director of the New River Valley Agency on Aging, joins the 'Dissect & Connect' podcast to shed light on the unique challenges older adults encounter, especially in these times. With over three decades of experience, Tina offers a wealth of knowledge on how her agency supports older individuals in maintaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life.
During this heartfelt conversation, Tina dives into the significant impact of social isolation and grief, issues that have been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the often-overlooked stigma of ageism and how it affects the mental health of older adults. May being both Mental Health Month and Older Americans Month provides a timely backdrop for this crucial discussion.
Tina shares four essential strategies to help older adults age in place while preserving their independence: expanding transportation options, making home modifications, offering caregiver support, and promoting social connectivity. She highlights that many older adults wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible but need community support to do so successfully. The episode also explores the role of technology in keeping older adults connected.
While some are tech-savvy and use social media to stay in touch, others prefer more personal interactions. Tina suggests creative solutions like outdoor visits with social distancing to keep older adults engaged and socially active. Tina's appreciation for the collaborative efforts of various agencies, businesses, and faith-based organizations during the pandemic shines through. She emphasizes that a collective approach is vital for addressing the needs of older adults in innovative and compassionate ways.
If you're interested in learning more about aging in place and how to support the older adults in your life, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Tina King's invaluable insights and practical advice on fostering independence and connection for our aging population.