Episode 26: Fostering Positive Aging: Best Practices for Aging Services Professionals

Posted: September 17, 2024 , in ComForConnections Podcast

Focusing on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being can lead to a healthy and fulfilling life as we age. To pursue a path of positive aging, it is important to have support and resources, such as access to health care, social connections, and opportunities for continued learning and engagement. Aging Services Professionals are key members in the positive aging journey of older adults, as they can help them stay active and connected, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Tune in as we discuss the importance of communication, collaboration and resource development to promote a successful aging journey. We will dive into the concept of positive aging and how Aging Services Professionals can leverage resources and connections to provide clients with community and successful care. Get insights and tips from Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Community.

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About Steve Gurney:
Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family caring for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Over the next few years, Steve expanded the publication to three regional editions: DC metro, State of Maryland, and the Philadelphia region. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and help find solutions to their challenges.

In 1998, Mr. Gurney sold his company to The Washington Post, where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, Mr. Gurney acquired the resource back and has re-branded as Positive Aging Community, adding a new design and content, distribution partners, podcasts, and a robust schedule of live and interactive discussions with thought-leaders on a wide variety of topics.

In addition, Mr. Gurney founded ProAging Network meetings and leads the DC Senior Resource Group for senior-serving professionals.

Mr. Gurney serves or has served on the board of directors for the GrassRoots Organization for the Well-Being of Seniors (GROWS), Alzheimer’s Association, Interages, Business and Aging Task Force, Virginia Intergenerational Task Force, and the Beacon Institute. Steve has served on countless committees and provided guidance to help organizations and businesses better serve the senior population. Mr. Gurney has received awards and recognition from the Seabury Resources for Aging, Maryland Assisted Living Association, the Senior Marketing Institute and other notable organizations. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.

Steve Gurney received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Master’s Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

Mr. Gurney served as an adjunct professor at the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), instructing in the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Steve is a competitive endurance athlete and certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), and a certified level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). In the winter, he instructs with Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports at Liberty Mountain Resort, and for over eight years, he led operations and a team of instructors at Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding, which he turned over to Reston Association.

Episode Notes:

Overview of the Positive Aging Community and the Positive Aging Sourcebook
Understanding what Positive Aging means, especially when Aging Services Professionals are using this term
Ways for Aging Services Professionals to leverage resources like the Positive Aging Sourcebook to support clients and caregivers in their aging journey
Considerations for Aging Services Professionals to address any communication breakdown, especially when looking to support the positive aging experience with an individual or caregiver
A success story showcasing how proper communication and how access to resources such as the Positive Aging Community helped a client with their care journey

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