WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? The “Future of Aging” ThinkTank was just the first step in an ongoing process to reshape the conversation around aging. Our participants brought forward an inspired dialogue about the ravaging effects of loneliness on the body and mind. A number of insightful solutions were formed to alleviate the impact that isolation and seclusion can have on the human spirit. The overarching theme which emerged was the need to make older adults feel valued and included in our society so that they can continue to make positive impacts on their communities. From here, we will need to be diligent in our efforts to continue the conversation and vigilant of harmful attitudes towards aging and older adults. By striking down these misconceptions and rethinking the way we and others around us perceive aging, the societal stigmas pertaining to the aging process will gradually diminish. We must also remember that the ThinkTank itself is only an initial springboard to build momentum for these conversations. Ultimately, it falls on us as a society to continue the necessary work towards actualizing positive outcomes around the “Future of Aging.” Most individuals interact with an older adult on a daily basis, whether it’s a loved one or a complete stranger. Being thoughtful about the way we handle those interactions can be an immediate remedy to a very small part of the problem we face regarding the societal perception of aging. Small gestures from a large number of people create great change, but the changes we must eventually make in the future will ultimately be on a much larger scale. Like many of the flaws inherent in our societies, some of the issues related to the way we think about aging are too systemic to confront on such a small level. We need to start by reinventing the way we think about the various aspects of an older adult’s lifestyle, from their housing and caretaking to their transportation and interpersonal connections. Getting older adults actively involved in their communities and treating them with more respect is a change we can make immediately, but creating more accessible transportation, more desirable senior housing, and perfecting their care will take time. Nonetheless, it is important that we not lose sight of these issues, no matter how many other pressing matters are at hand. Our older population continues to grow, and we can not afford to delay these conversations around how we can accommodate their needs within our communities.
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