By John Reese
On July 17, a distinguished panel of local experts gathered at the Greenwich Retired Men’s Association meeting to discuss the complex issue of aging not just successfully, but comfortably. The panel, introduced by Spike Lipschutz, MD, included Steven Katz, President of Sterling Home Health Care; Roni Lang, LCSW, a clinical social worker specializing in aging; Dr. James Pallett, Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program at Greenwich Hospital; and Linda Ziac, founder and president of the Caregiver Resource Center.
The panelists shared valuable insights and advice on various aspects of aging. Ms. Ziac emphasized the importance of proactive planning, including conducting home safety audits, creating advance directives, and maintaining a comprehensive medical and legal binder. “It’s about identifying potential risks now, before they become problems,” she advised. Ms. Lang introduced the concept of “comfortable aging” as an alternative to “successful aging.” She shared a humorous anecdote about a client who had resisted using a walker until he had it painted cherry red like his beloved convertible. The story resonated with the audience, illustrating the importance of accepting help while maintaining a sense of individuality.
All panelists stressed the significance of social connections in aging well. Dr. Pallett noted that research shows strong social ties can be as beneficial to health as quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight. Ms. Lang introduced the Japanese concept of “ikigai” – finding one’s purpose in life, whether it be grandchildren, gardening, or helping a friend.
Regular health maintenance was another key topic. Dr. Pallett shared the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” a simple tool for maintaining cardiovascular health. The panel also stressed the importance of regular medication reviews with physicians to avoid side effects and unnecessary prescriptions as one ages.
Cognitive health was another focus, with the experts emphasizing the need for cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and socialization to maintain brain health and potentially reduce dementia risk. Ms. Ziac discussed the importance of adapting one’s living space and accepting assistive devices to maintain independence and safety.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists encouraged attendees to stay positive, cultivate gratitude, and maintain a sense of humor while aging. They also urged the audience to take advantage of local resources, including the Greenwich Commission on Aging website and community lectures at Greenwich Hospital.
During a lengthy Q&A session, the panel addressed numerous concerns from the audience. Regarding “aging in place,” and whether seniors should be incentivized to leave their often-large family homes, Mr. Katz noted that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and it depends on individual preferences, financial resources, and support networks. Dr. Pallett addressed the challenge of frequent changes in primary care doctors and the use of hospitalists in place of the patient’s own primary care physician, emphasizing the importance of communication and electronic medical records in ensuring continuity of care. On the topic of dementia, Ms. Lang and Dr. Pallett highlighted the advances in early diagnosis and the current focus on maintaining cognitive health through lifestyle factors. Ms. Lang also stressed the crucial role of mental support and therapy in helping seniors cope with fears, isolation, and scams.
Finally, the panel provided guidance on finding resources for seniors in Greenwich. Mr. Katz and Ms. Ziac pointed to Lori Contadino, director of the Commission on Aging, and the directory of resources available on the town’s website (https://www.greenwichct.gov/190/Commission-on-Aging) as comprehensive sources of information.
The discussion left attendees with valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the challenges of aging gracefully and comfortably. By proactively planning, maintaining social connections, focusing on health, and utilizing local resources, seniors in Greenwich can look forward to a fulfilling and comfortable future.
The talk, including Q&A, can be viewed by going to the RMA website at https://greenwichrma.org, and clicking on “Speakers.”
On July 31 the RMA speaker will be Joie Cooney, a trustee at the Rye Historical Society and enthusiastic local history researcher, who will present “Native Americans in Greenwich and Rye.” This is an opportunity to find out about the Native Americans who once inhabited our area and learn about their way of life, their experience with Dutch and English settlers, and their enduring legacy.
Drawing from a wealth of resources, including materials from the archives and collections of the Greenwich Historical Society and Rye Historical Society, insights from local historians, descendants of the Lenape tribe, and esteemed scholars, Cooney will provide a comprehensive overview of thousands of years of Native American history in our region. This presentation aims to illuminate the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of Native Americans and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared history.
Established in 1964, the Rye Historical Society is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. Its mission is to bring history to life and promote a stronger community for the present and future through programs, events, collections, and exhibitions. The Rye Historical Headquarters and Square House Museum are located at 1 Purchase St., open 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 4 pm. Saturdays. The historic Timothy Knapp House yard and gardens are at 265 Rye Beach Avenue. For additional information, visit https://www.ryehistory.org or call 914-967-7588.
Joie Cooney is a longtime Rye resident and a member of the Board of Trustees at the Rye Historical Society. Alongside lecturing and leading walking tours on local history, she is an independent consultant for healthcare technology startups. Joie is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and obtained her MBA from Columbia Business School.
To stream the presentation by Joie Cooney at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 31, click on https://bit.ly/30IBj21. This presentation will also be available on local public access TV channels, Verizon FIOS channel 24 and Optimum (Cablevision) channel 79.
Note: The views expressed in these presentations are those of the speakers. They are not intended to represent the views of the RMA or its members.
RMA speaker presentations are presented as a community service at no cost to in-person or Zoom attendees, regardless of gender. Any member of the public who would like to receive a weekly email announcement of future speakers should send a request to members@greenwichrma.org. The RMA urges all eligible individuals to consider becoming a member of our great organization, and thereby enjoy all the available fellowship, volunteer, and community service opportunities which the RMA offers to its members. For further information, go to https://greenwichrma.org/, or contact members@greenwichrma.org
