Giving Done Right: Who Gets to Age with Dignity? Featuring Ramsey Alwin and Chad Federwitz
Podcast Information:
- Title: Giving Done Right
- Host/Author: The Center for Effective Philanthropy
- Episode: Who Gets to Age with Dignity? Featuring Ramsey Alwin and Chad Federwitz
- Release Date: October 31, 2024
Introduction: Addressing Aging as a Philanthropic Priority
In the premiere of this episode, hosts Grace Nicollette and Phil Buchanan delve into the critical yet often overlooked issue of aging and the support systems required to ensure individuals can "age with dignity." They welcome Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), and Chad Federwitz, Manager of Pitkin County Senior Services in Aspen, Colorado. Together, they explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in aging well, advocating for increased philanthropic focus on this demographic.
The State of Philanthropy in Aging
Ramsey Alwin highlights a startling disparity in philanthropic priorities:
“Only 2% of philanthropic dollars are allocated to aging programs, services, research, advocacy” ([00:29]).
Despite a burgeoning population of over 75 million baby boomers and millennials poised to live longer lives, aging remains underfunded in the philanthropic landscape. Alwin underscores the urgency of redirecting more resources toward aging to accommodate increasing longevity and the associated quality-of-life challenges.
The Role of the National Council on Aging
Ramsey Alwin elaborates on the mission and impact of NCOA:
“We empower older adults themselves with information and resources that can help them better navigate aging and all the aspects of aging” ([03:43]).
NCOA operates through three primary avenues:
- Empowerment and Resources: Providing job training, enrollment assistance for basic needs, and health promotion programs.
- Community Strengthening: Collaborating with community-based organizations to enhance service delivery.
- Advocacy: Lobbying for robust policies and programs like Social Security, Medicare, and the Older Americans Act to support aging populations.
Operations and Services at Senior Centers
Chad Federwitz offers an inside look into the daily operations of a senior center:
“Every single day is slightly different in senior centers all across the country” ([05:44]).
Key services include:
- Exercise and Fitness Classes: Both evidence-based and creatively tailored to community interests.
- Nutrition Programs: Providing meals that serve as social hubs rather than purely nutritional support.
- Educational Opportunities: Offering a wide range of classes from practical topics like Social Security to enriching subjects like art and world religions.
- Socialization: Facilitating connections to combat loneliness and foster community engagement.
Funding Challenges for Senior Centers
The discussion shifts to the financial structures underpinning senior centers. Ramsey Alwin points out the lack of a designated funding stream:
“There isn't a designated funding stream for senior centers” ([11:55]).
Funding sources are diverse and fragmented:
- Older Americans Act: Covers about one-third of senior centers.
- Park and Recreation Programs: Another third receive funding through municipal avenues.
- Fundraising and Grants: The remaining centers must rely heavily on local fundraising efforts, which can be inconsistent and challenging.
Chad Federwitz adds:
“Unfortunately, these federal and state funding do not come close to funding these programs” ([15:11]).
Many centers operate with minimal federal or state support, necessitating innovative fundraising strategies to maintain and expand services.
Philanthropic Priorities and Overlooked Areas
Phil Buchanan raises a critical point about philanthropic focus:
“When we look at philanthropic priorities of major donors… you don’t hear that many people say I’m really focused on aging” ([16:06]).
Both guests agree that aging is a neglected area in philanthropy, eclipsed by more prominent causes like education and climate change. Alwin emphasizes the demographic shifts making aging support increasingly urgent, while Federwitz stresses the personal and community impacts of inadequate funding.
Measuring Success in Aging Well
The conversation addresses how to assess success in philanthropic efforts aimed at aging:
Ramsey Alwin identifies key indicators:
- Economic Security: Ensuring programs like Social Security are robust and effectively preventing poverty among older adults.
- Health Outcomes: Accessibility to evidence-based health programs that manage chronic conditions and prevent falls.
- Quality of Life: Availability of resources that support independence and community engagement.
Phil Buchanan probes the balance between measurable outcomes and intangible benefits, highlighting the intrinsic value of dignity and community belonging fostered by senior centers.
Intergenerational Programming and Community Impact
Intergenerational initiatives emerge as a pivotal strategy for enhancing community bonds:
“It’s building those bridges, sharing the wisdom and sharing the lessons of life from both generations with each other” ([31:46]).
Ramsey Alwin and Chad Federwitz discuss programs that integrate younger generations into senior centers, fostering mutual understanding and respect. These initiatives not only enrich the lives of older adults but also combat societal age segregation.
Future Advances and Hope for Aging
Looking ahead, Ramsey Alwin expresses optimism about the future:
“There are some incredible proven solutions that are already out there that we need to make sure everyone has access to” ([32:49]).
Advancements in medical technology and health promotion offer promising avenues for improving the lives of older adults. Alwin highlights the importance of equitable access to these innovations to ensure all individuals can benefit from increased longevity.
Personal Motivations of the Guests
Both Ramsey Alwin and Chad Federwitz share personal narratives that fuel their dedication to aging advocacy:
Ramsey Alwin: Drawn from witnessing economic disparities firsthand, Alwin's journey is rooted in a commitment to social and economic justice, culminating in her leadership at NCOA.
Chad Federwitz: Inspired by family experiences with long-term care and dementia, Federwitz’s work is driven by a desire to improve the lives of older adults and their families through compassionate and effective services.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Philanthropy
As the episode wraps up, Ramsey Alwin reinforces the need for increased philanthropic engagement in aging:
“We need to make sure that those gains in longevity result in quality of years for all” ([02:14]).
Hosts Grace Nicollette and Phil Buchanan urge listeners to recognize the vital role philanthropy can play in supporting aging populations, highlighting both the tangible and intangible benefits of effective giving in this sector.
For more resources on effective giving and to listen to this episode, visit cep.org and givingdoneright.org.