What constitutes 'aging well' and how can we improve our chances of having a healthy and fulfilled life as older adults?Both individual and societal approaches are necessary, from eating well and staying active (physically as well as mentally) to giving seniors more opportunity of participation through volunteering and inter-generational activities, and an improved continuum of care which allows access at any point.My particular interests are:- "aging in place", allowing seniors to live where they are comfortable, preferably in their own home- caregiver support and respite- end-of-life issues such as living wills, hospice care, and death with dignity- the baby boomers, most populous cohort in American history, the way they will continue to shape society as they age, and what challenges and opportunities this providesMy thesis/capstone project gave me the opportunity to bring some of these topics together:" Hospice Care and the Baby Boomer Cohort: Service Delivery in the Face of a Declining Caregiver Ratio".Will I be ‘a good fit’?No one wants to hire someone to then find they don’t work out. Personality seems to be as important as skills and experience, so here I share what I have learned about myself over the years:Gallup Strengthsfinder: ResponsibilityEmpathyInput (acquiring and sharing of information)HarmonyIntellection (exercising mental ‘muscles’)Myers-Briggs:a perfect balance between ISFJ and ESFJprotector/providerconscientious, sensitive to the needs of others, practical, compassionate, and caringPath Elements Profile (PEP)Earth/Water blendEarth: organized, analytical, realisticWater: good listener, supportive, cooperative
Listed skills include Program Development, Community Outreach, Social Services, Fundraising, and 12 others.