Viewing Aging Through an Equitable Lens During Older Americans Month

Some of us are older adults, many of us know one, and the rest of us will be someday. That’s why Brio Living Services and its philanthropic arm, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation are proud to recognize Older Americans Month. Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living has designated the month of May to recognize the experiences, contributions, and achievements of older adults across the U.S. and in our own communities. Each year, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) marks Older Americans Month (OAM) with a theme. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” emphasizes prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility in healthy aging, encouraging people to take an active role in their care, use preventive services, and make informed choices. One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of championing health, however, is recognizing that healthy aging is not solely an individual responsibility. It is a community commitment that requires a strong foundation of community support. Reflecting on the role we all play in ensuring that all of us can age vibrantly, Kelli Smith, President and CEO of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, said, “Older adults have played an essential role in shaping our communities, teaching, caring for, and raising us, and, despite what some may believe, that role doesn’t end at retirement. It continues through childcare, mentorship, volunteering, and the values they pass on to future generations. Because of these contributions, we share a collective responsibility to ensure older adults are empowered, heard, and well supported.” That responsibility becomes even more urgent as we face a rapidly aging population, increasingly complex care needs, and longstanding systemic barriers. Viewing healthy aging through an equitable lens is essential. When access to preventive care, safe housing, transportation, and social connection is available for all older Americans, not just those with the most resources, “championing your health” becomes an opportunity all of us can achieve. Kelli emphasized that Brio Living Services and the Foundation are uniquely positioned to support older adults amid shifting demographics and deep rooted systemic barriers because of their long standing commitment to serving aging adults with a wide range of needs, through options including a full continuum of care, affordable housing communities, PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly), and other home- and community-based services. “Caring for people from all walks of life is at the core of our organization. It’s what we’ve always done and will continue to do,” she said. Serving one of the most socioeconomically diverse groups of older adults across 23 communities and service lines in Michigan, Kelli added, requires putting equity and the social determinants of health at the center of every decision. As Brio’s programs evolve, they must always reflect the needs of the whole community. Currently, Brio Living Services and the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation are embarking on the Live Life with Brio campaign, to help older adults, of all backgrounds, needs, and resources, live life to the fullest. This also includes supporting our dedicated team members who provide outstanding care for those we serve. The four pillars of this $28 million comprehensive campaign include Capital Improvements, Team Member Investment, Program Investment, and Benevolent Care. In order to build strong programs and systems that create real safety nets and reduce barriers for adults as they age, philanthropy and community investment are critical. No single organization can do this vital work alone. Expanding on why the philanthropic sector must play a larger role, Kelli explained that current trends show funders are focused on basic needs and future facing investments like childhood development, food security, and housing stability, which are all essential. “But what I would encourage funders to recognize is that older adult care intersects with every one of those priorities. Many older adults are already struggling with housing, food, transportation, and access to healthcare, and these challenges will still exist as our kids age, only tenfold because the population is aging faster than our systems can keep up with.” As we near the end of Older Americans Month, it is important to push beyond the idea that healthy aging is solely the responsibility of each individual. Too often, unrealistic expectations are set, that we should save more, plan better, eat healthier, and address health issues earlier, without acknowledging that these efforts only work when communities join in supporting investments in housing, care, transportation, and supports that each of us needs to age vibrantly. Ultimately it is up to all of us to ensure Brio’s vision of a world in which all are empowered to age well. Learn more about how you can support the 8,000+ older adults we serve across Michigan at Brio Living Services adults.