Just Don't Call Them Seniors

The Facts
implications for libraries
What do we know about this age gr0up
- Looking for options for work -learning- engagement - to do something important for society. The current model is characterized by library lack of aability to make distinction between frail elderly and the active seniors.

There is an attitudinal change.
- In the 50's we don't want to be associated with senior centers.
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2.5 college courses are specific for this age group

The trend is going faster than our changes.

Why Libraries?
already support enggement & learning
every aspect should be rethought to gear to this group

Competitors
-Cognitive SOftware Industry - log on to exercises for your brain
PUZZLE GROUP IN LIBRARY
- One Day University 0 EXPENSIVE
-COmmunity Colleges- MARKET TO ACCOMODATE OLDER LEARNERS
- learning in retirement institutes- EXPENSIVE-teachers teaching people

Mass Lib are well positioned for this age group.

National Initiative to support lifelong learning, support productive aging
helps libr focus on this age groups
- leadership development
-training
-instittute for fellows
- best practices dissemination

43 fellows in 23 states
trained libr from AZ, PA,NY,MA DE


components
- community converstions
dvisory councils
workkshops- clubs
collection development
connections to non profits
physical & visual space

Libraries have the potential to make the process of reimagining, re-visioning and raising consciousness possible. People need to rethink what they can become. Mary Catherine Bateson

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Lifelong Access at the
Reading library
Practical application - The library experience Older citrizens
- to adapt tradition
- adopt new services
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Active bodies,active minds w/YMCA
free open swim- became a yearly event with exhibitors with free stuff


Identifying the need
-info gathering mode - elder services dept- YMCA- focus groups 55 nd over- surveys
seniors wanted
programs
not volunteer clearinghouse
they wanted social opportunity.
INFO gathering
practical programming
field trips'
discussion series
col & mentoring opportunies
books & coffee

Branding - Live Wires, Boomers and beyond.
a book and film discussion series, speakers and coffee hour series

Discovering whats next.
with Carol Greenfield
Topics included
am Coffee and more ( social before & after) with local authors
- A Lawyer - legal issues for boomers & beyond
- downsizing, genealogy,Elderhostel,Nutritionist, local authors, patient advocacy, scams, ID theft, faith

PM Live wire presents-
-facilitator to lead discussion to talk about issues - less work for staff
physical limitations, family issues.
Movie = "Nobodys Fool"
documentary - Alzheimers
Calendar Girls
The Boynton Beach Club
Life coach for discussion

Book discussions
strokes
empty nest

Authors, field trips - with pot luck supper

requested funding- Friends/ local lions club

The social aspect is so important to connect with others. To meet others, they bring others.

5. dont call over 50 seniors
4 do you homework
3 show aa good time
2 food is popular
1 its not really rocket science

Kate - New Haven Ct
runs volunteer center in NH to get them placed i
Partnered with Jim - 50 + transition center

- Most people will elect to postpone old age and work to live longer. People are reinventing themselves throughout their lives.

over 50's are
Challenging the old concepts.

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Specific area in the library. - for younger, older adults
- developed a mailing list
--never put in attachment - put in context of the email
--mini meals for right after work.
Partnering - very important AARP will advertise & partner for you.(3mths ahead)

Silver Tsunami - the wave of 50 + who will take over pcs etc

Civic engagement - Tom Freedman

Lunch hour book discussionsss - within the city, bring a lunch
re-careering.
Bringing services to the library - set up a transition center
eg: people can speak with, ask a lawyer, can get passport, someone from social security to ask questions.
library is an esier place for people to come to.

( This Program makes me want to think sbout my future career in my library, I want to look into this- Excellent program, very well put together. great topic -




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combination of ideas tied to a theme.


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