New Podcast Series Launches to INFORM and INSPIRE

UCH’s new resource for older adults and caregivers is the Abundant Aging podcast series. Launched in early 2023, the series includes two podcasts: Ask A NaviGuide and The Art of Aging, both focused on providing helpful information to improve lives as we grow older.

The Ask a NaviGuide podcast provides valuable tips for those caring for older adults through interviews and perspectives from United Church Homes’ seasoned professionals. The series addresses challenges and answers questions common among older adults.

NaviGuide is a service for older adults living independently who benefit from assistance with day-to-day activities like scheduling medical appointments, navigating Medicare and arranging services like grocery shopping and lawn care. Working with a trained service coordinator, or NaviGuide, older adults in need of assistance can tap into UCH’s expertise and gain access to wellvetted service providers.

Hughes co-hosts the series with UCH Corporate Director of Communications and Media Relations, Ashley Bills. The two engage in friendly conversations around various topics with UCH NaviGuides.

The Parker Center for Abundant Aging at United Church Homes’ mission to transform the experience of aging re-launched the Art of Aging podcast hosted by Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, vice president of engagement and director of the Parker Center for Abundant Aging. Originally produced in partnership with the The Dayton Foundation Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative, the Art of Aging has a library of more than two dozen episodes and focuses on what improves as one ages, not what declines. The podcast explores issues on a wide range of topics, including: intergenerational relationships; technologies; reflections on retirement; employment; volunteer opportunities; and more!

“The Art of Aging series features conversations with individuals who have a common understanding of aging and abundant living,” said Rev. Beth LongHiggins.

“The series provides alternative narratives to overcome biases and provides insights from abundant aging influencers.”

“Our podcasts are widely available to anyone with access to a computer or a smart phone,” she continued. “We can all benefit by better understanding the many facets of aging as an important step in confronting and eliminating ageism in our culture.”

United Church Homes’ mission – to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace –focuses on residents, as does its vision of abundant life. But the organization’s senior leaders are also committed to creating an abundant culture for staff who work in its 90-plus communities and central office.

Scott Slutz, who was recently promoted to senior vice president of human resources and chief culture officer, brings a different and very important perspective as an experienced human resources professional.

“The lifeblood of a service-business like ours is its people,” Slutz said. “Just as each resident has their own unique needs and priorities, so do our employees. Our organization’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion extends beyond residents to staff, as does our vision of abundant life.”

“The work we do is challenging,” Slutz continued. “It takes a special kind of person to work in this environment. For many, caring for others is a calling. At the end of each day, they want to feel like they made a difference in the lives of others.”

Just as UCH meets residents where they are, it’s equally true with respect to its workforce. Employees from different backgrounds and generations serving in unique roles, want and need different kinds of support. The organization offers both tangible and intangible support to create an abundant work environment.

“Our Amplify professional development program holds a special place in my heart,” Slutz said. “Employees with different levels of responsibility – frontline, mid-level and executive – have different needs and regardless of their needs and wants, we provide education, training and other opportunities to improve their skills and enhance their work experiences.”