By Brooke Saba McDowell, Coordinator

Imagine windows, almost as high as the trees that they look out upon a spacious, yet warm and modern atmosphere, with wood slated walls reminiscent of a modern ski resort, surrounded by books, quiet though bustling activity, and the feeling of home. Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) is a true intergenerational institution for exploration in books, connections, activities, and even the wild. Beyond the windows of the library are playgrounds among the forest, gentle walking paths and even sports fields.
 
Here at the PCPL, older adults and any individuals who are members of the library can rent out backpacks for days of adventure. These include rentable backpacks for knitting and crocheting, disk golf, yoga, Virginia State Parks, and bird watching. These backpacks are filled with just about anything one would need for these types of explorations.
 
A partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks, and the Science Museum of Virginia make the Virginia State Parks backpack available to 135 libraries in Virginia.
These partnerships make the outdoors more accessible to folks across the Commonwealth by breaking down the financial barriers to entry while encouraging observation and exploration. The backpack includes free parking, a free day pass, pocket guides, lists of activities, a dip net, magnifying glass and other elements for a curiosity filled time at the State Parks.

So, although the Virginia State Parks backpack program is not unique to Powhatan, it is a truly wonderful gift for the community. The other backpacks are wonderful too, and those are unique to the Powhatan community. Highlighting the backpack programs is important because these programs encourage access to activities that connect residents of the county to nature, encourage curiosity, inspire physical activity and one could suggest the possibility for improved wellness as well.
 
Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) also hosts a smorgasbord of events for older adults and intergenerational collaborations. On March 11th the library hosted their regular Astronomy Lecture Series facilitated by the Richmond Astronomical Society, which includes opportunities to look at the stars and wonder about the possibilities beyond our ozone. Library For All is a lively monthly meeting for older adults with differing abilities and the people who assist them. This group has discussions, designated activities or games and crafts and is a space for the caregivers and the older individuals to increase their social interactions and make friends. There are also engaged Quilting Groups that meet regularly at the PCPL. Volunteer opportunities with the library are abundant and any individuals interested in participating in the extraordinary work by the Powhatan County Public Library, are encouraged to connect with the library staff to learn about the available opportunities.
 
The library acts as the meeting house for the residents of Powhatan county. Powhatan County Public Library also hosts a smorgasbord of events for older adults and intergenerational collaborations. On March 11th the library hosted their regular Astronomy Lecture Series facilitated by the Richmond Astronomical Society, which includes opportunities to look at the stars and wonder about the possibilities beyond our ozone. Library For All is a lively monthly meeting for older adults with differing abilities and the people who assist them. This group has discussions, designated activities or games and crafts and is a space for the caregivers and the older individuals to increase their social interactions and make friends. There are also engaged Quilting Groups that meet regularly at the PCPL. Volunteer opportunities with the library are abundant and any individuals interested in participating in the extraordinary work by the Powhatan County Public Library, are encouraged to connect with the library staff to learn about the available opportunities. The library acts as the meeting house for the residents of Powhatan county.

By Debbie Ward, Coordinator

The Central High School Cultural and Educational Complex opened in 2018 with a ribbon cutting in March and opening full time in July. Built in 1938, the current complex served for many years as the high school for African Americans. Before becoming vacant and after many renovations, the building has served as a middle school and housed the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
 
Looking back to 2014, over 100 county members and high school alumni, met with county officials to discuss the future of the building. Fast forward to 2018 many past Central High School members and their family members were actively involved in the process of preserving history and moving towards the future. Ryan (2018, para 5) sums up the transformation by saying, “The complex offers many nods to its role in local African-American history, but now also serves as a site for community gatherings, classes, youth sports and senior activities.” This representation of Goochland County’s willingness to listen to and honor the wishes of its older adult population exemplifies one of the core dimensions of gerontology, the social domain. This domain involves the socialization and environmental aspects of elderhood along with recognizing the importance of background, all which has happened in Goochland County with this project.
 
It is our calculation that former Central High School students and their family members would range in age from early 50s to early 80s. According to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service (n.d.), in 2017 Goochland County had a total population of 22,685, with 5,192 ranging in age from 50 to 85 and over. The complex provides various events and opportunities for older adults to socialize and be active.
 
In 2018, events held at the complex for older adults, considered 50+, included a retirement planning workshop, healthy habits workshop in conjunction with Senior Connections, and a Chat & Chew. The Chat & Chew was an opportunity for older adults to share their ideas and insights. Currently, the Breakpoint Lounge is the area within the complex that is designated for older adults.
 
A well-attended activity for older adults at the complex is the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., pickleball program. Membership is free but a membership card is required for entrance and exit purposes.

By Catherine MacDonald, Director

Age Wave's approach toward community change seeks equitable individual outcomes and removal of structural barriers so that quality of life is improved — now and in the future — throughout our region. Age Wave disrupts current structures, lifts people’s power and voices, and embraces elderhood. Today we promote longevity opportunity through the following achievement targets and goals:
 
(1) Achievement targets/goals: Older adults, family members, and service providers will learn new health and wellness skills for themselves and the people for whom they care.
Last year's results: Using the Social Isolation Risk Index findings, analysis of local support resources, and cultivated interest from county leadership, the project team from VCU Gerontology and Senior Connections selected Charles City to launch a pilot PCA School (see page 9).
Our Longevity U courses reached 477 participants. Participants strongly agreed that their skills and knowledge improved. Our Financial Health course for elders post- evaluations show 93% successfully strengthened awareness, knowledge, and skills.

(2) Achievement targets/goals: Older adults in communities of focus will identify an increased connection to neighbors and service providers.
Last year's results: An Age Wave-led project team received City Council recognition for our Green Park Garden at Home, Grow with Your Neighbors project, the impact of which has resulted in:

• Increased service provision
• Empowered elder advocates
• Pro-bono fresh fruit and vegetable planting and growing
• Increased connectedness and increased genuine caring between neighbors
• Increased intergenerational relationship building

 
(3) Achievement targets/goals: Service providers will attain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively serve older adults. Age Wave is working to support a person-centered, trauma-informed provider force who are able to share resources across sectors. We're also working to enhance services through refined protocol, No Wrong Door expansion, and data analysis.
Last year's results: Age Wave co-launched and provided educational sessions for 80-member East End Coalition for Older Adults related to: team-building, racial equity tools, and person-centered trauma-informed approaches. From EEC, Age Wave launched a collaborative partnership with homelessness services to effect change across service sectors, including a professional training series. So far, 65% of respondents reported training successfully connected them to professionals outside their traditional network, and 88% reported a learning of professional value to their role.
In addition, the majority of the Age Wave Leadership network reported our programming successfully changed their feelings about aging. Age Wave also presented advocacy messaging to 738 leaders and policy makers, developed coursework for four graduate courses at VCU Gerontology, and a Department of Social Services training curriculum.
In one year, No Wrong Door saw a 72% increase in CRIA electronic referrals; 2,410 clients served; and seven new partners added. Age Wave continues to advocate for No Wrong Door expansion, including as part of our housing stability efforts.

By Thelma Bland Watson, Ph.D, Co-Lead for Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition and Executive Director of Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, Gerontologist

​We are pleased to share we have marked many milestones this year with activities of the Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition. These milestones address longevity and opportunities for creating communities as ideal places for all people to grow old. As Co-Lead with Dr. Ayn Welleford, Gerontologist for Community Voice, VCU Department of Gerontology, I am extremely pleased to highlight one of these important milestones: the recent celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the No Wrong Door Service Coordination Program.
 
No Wrong Door is a virtual system and network of shared resources, designed to streamline access to long term services and supports. It connects individuals, providers, and communities, and provides powerful tools for demographic reports and service outcomes. This system plays a major part in making the Richmond region a great place for all people to grow old, and is an important tool to support longevity.
 
No Wrong Door is part of a national concept supported by the Administration for Community Living under the leadership of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). It is a comprehensive system led by the Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia with many community partners.
 
The Virginia Navigator is part of the No Wrong Door System that allows access to more than 26,300 resources that are available to older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans and caregivers. These resources include programs and services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day, health care, benefits. Community partners include Centers for Independent Living, hospitals, health insurance companies, Alzheimer’s Association chapter and local Departments of Social Services, including Adult Protective Services.
 
This special anniversary comes on the heels of an amazing year of growth. In 2018, the Richmond Region experienced a 72 percent increase in electronic referrals between community partners, the addition of seven new partners to the network and services to more than 3600 individuals.

In the Greater Richmond Region, Age Wave's work with No Wrong Door has reached new heights. Several years ago, a project team was formed to examine how to increase social connectedness in our Region. Along with Age Wave, the Social Isolation Risk Index project team includes United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, Age Wave co- leads Senior Connections and VCU Gerontology, VCU Center for Urban and Regional Analysis, and Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. The team analyzed regional No Wrong Door data to learn more about predictive factors for social dissatisfaction, a marker of social isolation.
 
Findings related to statistically significant predictive factors of built environment, mental health, trauma, and transitions have been illuminating, and have led to the launch of new programs, projects, and planning at Age Wave.
What we've learned has informed our work with food insecurity, the business community, local governments, and more.

You'll see the impact of the project team's work on this topic on every page of Age Wave's Longevity Project e-magazine.
 
We extend best wishes to all for a successful, happy, and fulfilling spring and summer. We appreciate the tremendous support we receive from program participants, community partners, funders, contributors, and supporters. As we continue our work in 2019, we reflect on our rich history and plans for the future as we touch the lives of more than 24,000 individuals each year. Join us as we strive to incorporate person centered practices in activities such as successful initiatives such as the No Wrong Door Service Coordination Program. Such initiatives help us to create livable communities to support us all as we grow old.
 
Senior Connections is the recipient of one of the 2019 Best Practice Awards from the Commonwealth Council on Aging for the evidenced base Hospital to Home Care Transitions Program.