4. The Reality
Three Senior Generations
Baby Boomers: 65 and younger
Older Adults: Ages 65-85
Elderly: Ages 85-105
Ethnically Diverse
By 2030, 25% of the older population will be
minorities.
5. Baby Boomers
Baby Boomer Cohort #1
Born between 1946 and 1955
Epitomized the cultural change of the sixties
Key characteristics: experimental, individualism, free
spirited, social cause oriented
Beginning to age into “Senior” Category
Baby Boomer Cohort #2
“Generation Jones”
Born between 1956 and 1964
Key characteristics: less optimistic, distrust of
government, general cynicism
6. Silent Generation
Born between 1923 to
1943
Between the wars
Came of age just too
late to be war heroes
and just too early to
be youthful free
spirits.
7. GI Generation
Born between 1901–
1924
Influenced by Great
Depression
Fought in both World
Wars
Built foundation for
modern, suburban
America.
8. Facets of Aging
“Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Mark Twain
10. Potential Challenges
Decreased Mobility
Decreased Hearing and/or Eyesight
Health issues
Adults ages 65 and older:
1 in 4 report experiencing memory loss
1 in 5 report they have a serious illness, are not
sexually active, or often feel sad or depressed
1 in 6 report they are lonely or have trouble paying
bills.
1 in 7 report they cannot drive
1 in 10 report they feel they aren't needed or are a
burden to others.
14. Know Your Community
The aging process has you firmly in its
grasp if you never get the urge to throw a
snowball
Doug Larson
15. Ask Yourself…
What are the projections for the aging of
your community in 5, 10, or 15 years?
Do you know how many seniors use your
library?
How many seniors in your community
have library cards?
How many attend programs?
16. Planning
Senior Advisory Boards
Create ownership
Build Support
User-centered change
Survey your community
Opportunities for partnering
17. Develop a Plan
Inventory current services
Assign dedicated staff (if feasible)
Include in your budgeting process
Library services are not the same from
ages 18-108!
27. Sample Programs
Movies
Book Clubs
Senior Travel Series
BiFOLKal kits
Senior-led presentations
Expertise
Hobbies
Art classes, crafting
Gardening, cooking, sewing, etc.
Storytelling
Nostalgia
28. Discussions
“Socrates Café”
Open discussion on pre-determined topics
Goal is discussion, not agreement
Attendees can agree or disagree
Intergenerational discussions
Give seniors a voice!
32. Technology Classes
Basics of Computing
E-Bay
Consumer Health
Photography
33. 2.0 Technology
Web Searching
cRANKy.com
Blogging
Social Networking
Eons
Downloading E-Books and MP3s
Twitter, FB, Texting
Could be taught by teens
39. Collaboration
Senior Community Fair
Opportunity to spotlight services and
organizations
Great beginning for Advisory Board
40. Cross Marketing
Trade newsletter space with other
organizations
Senior Centers
Clubs
Don’t forget Outreach!
Leave the library and go talk to people
42. Indiana Agencies
Family and Social Services, Division on
Aging
http://www.in.gov/fssa/2329.htm
Includes listing of regional agencies
Indiana Association of Homes and
Services for the Aging
http://www.iahsa.com/
Indiana Association of Area Agencies on
Aging
http://www.iaaaa.org/
43. National Organizations
American Association of Retired Persons
www.aarp.org
Federal Administration on Aging
http://www.aoa.gov/
EPA Age Initiative
http://www.epa.gov/aging/
44. Resources
The years between fifty and seventy are the
hardest. You are always being asked to do more,
and you are not yet decrepit enough to turn them
down.
T.S. Eliot, quoted in Time, 23 October 1950
45. Senior Spaces
Old Bridge Public Library, NJ
http://www.infolink.org/seniorspaces/diy/index.htm
Tempe Public Library, AZ
http://www.tempeconnections.org/
Peabody Public Library, MA
http://www.peabodylibrary.org/ptp/photos.html
Mary L Cook Public Library, OH
http://www.mlcook.lib.oh.us/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=8
2
46. Sources
Kleiman, Allan. Serving Seniors With Panache, Lyrasis Workshop, October
26, 2009.
http://www.infolink.org/seniorspaces/index.htm
Kleiman, Allan. Senior Spaces: The Library Place for Baby Boomers, Older
Adults & Their Families. World Library And Information Congress: 74th
IFLA General Conference And Council, 10-14 August 2008. Québec, Canada
http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/index.htm
Growing Old in America: Expectations vs. Reality. June 29, 2009.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1269/aging-survey-expectations-versus-reality
LifeCourse Associates, http://www.lifecourse.com/mi/insight/insight-
overview.html
Serving Seniors: A Resource Manual for Missouri Libraries.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/
11/1/2009
Wikipedia, Baby Boomers, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_boomer
Librarian Live Podcast, http://librarianlive.libsyn.com/ (July 2009)
http://www.myavatareditor.com/
47. Websites
Transforming Life After 50
http://www.transforminglifeafter50.org/
Project through California State Library
Intergenerational Center at Temple
University
http://www.templecil.org/
Library planners must address many issues. What makes planning for older adults different from planning for other adults, or teens, or children? How will library collections address the needs of older adults? How can technology be used to expand services and resources? How do we market library services to the 60+ audience? Can we turn a 70-year-old non-library user into a library user and advocate? How can the library contribute to successful aging?
Reality is that a significant portion of the population is older and has a continued need and desire for library services. But the old stereotypes on aging no longer apply.
PEW Research Note the perception changes as a person approaches that age. Are You Old? Certainly not! Public opinion in the aggregate may decree that the average person becomes old at age 68, but you won't get too far trying to convince people that age that the threshold applies to them. Among respondents ages 65-74, just 21% say they feel old. Even among those who are 75 and older, just 35% say they feel old. What Age Would You Like to Live To? The average response from our survey respondents is 89. One-in-five would like to live into their 90s, and 8% say they'd like to surpass the century mark. The public's verdict on the most desirable life span appears to have ratcheted down a bit in recent years. A 2002 AARP survey found that the average desired life span was 92.
“ Seniors” is a broad term that spans three diverse populations with different goals, ideas, and needs from the library. The most successful promotions market to the people being targeted and are age neutral. Many older adults dislike the terms “elderly,” “senior citizen,” and “retired.” Keep in mind that a study conducted by the Marriott Corporation showed that most older people feel younger than their actual age by an average of 12 years. Boomers typically do not consider themselves “seniors”, may not retire, or may consider second or third careers, or part-time work All groups are more active than in previous decades,
PEW 2005: Boomers by the Numbers The bulge in birth rates between 1946 and 1964 that defines the Baby Boom generation is estimated to represent an increase of 7 to 15 million over the expected population growth during that period. • 76 million babies born 1946 to 1964 • 75 million adults, ages 41-59, today • 26% of all U.S. residents today Median household income for boomers is higher than that for all adults according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates. • Boomers: $60,000 median household income in 2004 • All adults: $44,500 median household income in 2004
Older Adults grew up as the suffocated children of war and depression. They came of age just too late to be war heroes and just too early to be youthful free spirits. Instead, this early-marrying Lonely Crowd became the risk-averse technicians and professionals—as well as the sensitive rock ‘n rollers and civil-rights advocates—of a post-crisis era in which conformity seemed to be a sure ticket to success. Midlife was an anxious “passage” for a generation torn between stolid elders and passionate juniors. Their surge to power coincided with fragmenting families, cultural diversity, institutional complexity, and prolific litigation. They are entering elderhood with unprecedented affluence, a “hip” style, and a reputation for indecision.
Elderly developed a special and “good kid” reputation as the beneficiaries of new playgrounds, scouting clubs, vitamins, and child-labor restrictions. They came of age with the sharpest rise in schooling ever recorded. As young adults, their uniformed corps patiently endured depression and heroically conquered foreign enemies. In a midlife subsidized by the G.I. Bill, they built gleaming suburbs, invented miracle vaccines, plugged “missile gaps,” and launched moon rockets. Their unprecedented grip on the Presidency began with a New Frontier, a Great Society, and Model Cities, but wore down through Vietnam, Watergate, deficits, and problems with “the vision thing.” As “senior citizens,” they safeguarded their own “entitlements” but had little influence over culture and values.
In every instance, older adults report experiencing them at lower levels (often far lower) than younger adults report expecting to encounter them when they grow old. At the same time, however, older adults report experiencing fewer of the benefits of aging that younger adults expect to enjoy when they grow old, such as spending more time with their family, traveling more for pleasure, having more time for hobbies, doing volunteer work or starting a second career. Pew Research
Aging is a highly individualized experience These are generalization, at best. Use obvious color contrasts when preparing print documents. Avoid using violet hues in print publications, as this is one of the first colors seniors amy lose from field of vision Provide library card applications and other print materials in large print. Be sure that the paper has a matte finish rather than a glossy finish. Allow the person extra time to complete reading and writing tasks. Those with low incomes are more likely than those with high incomes to face these challenges.
PEW Research asked ages 18-24 a perception, and ages 65+ the reality. Those represent the actual reporting of seniors for what they actually see as a benefit of growing older, versus what youngsters anticipate as a benefit Enthusiasm Expertise Skilled and Educated Volunteers Retirement no longer signals the downward slide to end-of-life Many seniors are choosing semi-retirement, part-time work, or second careers.
On December 16, 1991, the United Nations General Assembly adopted eighteen Principles for Older Persons (Resolution 46/91), divided into five broad categories. Listed below are the summarized principles that apply to library services. Adhering to these principles will create an environment in which seniors and the entire library community will benefit. 1. Independence • Older persons should have the opportunity to work or have access to other income-generating opportunities. • Older persons should have access to appropriate educational and training programs. 2. Participation • Older persons should remain integrated in society, participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect their wellbeing, and share their knowledge and skills with younger generations. • Older persons should be able to seek and develop opportunities for service to the community and to serve as volunteers in positions appropriate to their interests and capabilities. 3. Care • Older persons should have access to social and legal services to enhance their autonomy, protection, and care. • Older persons should be able to utilize appropriate levels of institutional care providing protection, rehabilitation, and social and mental stimulation in a humane and secure environment. • Older persons should be able to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms when residing in any shelter, care, or treatment facility, including full respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy and for the right to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives. 4. Self-fulfillment • Older persons should be able to pursue opportunities for the full development of their potential. • Older persons should have access to the educational, cultural, spiritual, and recreational resources of society. 5. Dignity • Older persons should be treated fairly, regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability, or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution.
No ageism! Lois Lamden, the author of Elderlearning , states that ageism is the most ironic of all prejudices, since we are all headed toward old age. Partnering: The task of planning for this diverse, burgeoning population is great, and the benefits to the community, the library and, most importantly, older adults and their families are greater. Working as partners with community agencies and businesses that serve citizens over 60, libraries can build connections with seniors, enhance the quality of life, and strengthen the community.
Check with your local agency on aging.
Want to know what seniors want from the library? Ask them. We have Teen advisory boards, why not senior advisory boards. Just as we need teens involved in planning their spaces, collections, and areas, we need seniors actively involved in their library experience, too. Involve your local community in the process – create active participants in creating the library they want and need.
Are we too youth-oriented? Is the library unwelcoming to older adults? If we are going to dedicate special areas to welcoming and serving specific populations, that shouldn’t end when our patrons turn 18. Children and teen areas focus on services, so should dedicated senior areas.
Everyone wants their own place in the library! Focus on Service Accessible – nothing too high or too low. Lots of seating. Well lit, but cozy. Wide spaces between tables and shelves. Game area, whether traditional board games, or modern gaming software. Computers set to large print. Comfortable seating. Control glare in the library. If there are areas within the library in which glare cannot be eliminated completely, be sure that the large print material is not housed there. Note: Mounting posters on transparent glass will alert patrons to the presence of glass doors or windows. Add task lighting units in reading areas.
Old Bridge Public Library, NJ - CCTV (Closed Circuit TV for Enlarging Print) - Audiovision (Radio Reading Service from NJ State Library for the Blind & Handicapped) - Service Center for NJ State Library for the Blind & Handicapped
In addition to having a dedicated area for seniors to relax and enjoy the library. Consider having a dedicated collection in that senior space. You may have duplicates of items in other parts of your main collection, but this will greatly enhance the usability of your senior space.
More than large print! iPods are not just for twenty-somethings!
Not all-inclusive
Researchers point to a number of factors that will enable adults to experience successful aging. Among these are proper diet, good humor, and exercising one’s body and mind. In fact, there are scientists who believe that human beings have a built-in “biological clock,” which would run for 130 years if no diseases or illnesses affected the body. The library is the perfect community agency to help patrons exercise their minds and bodies, and keep their sense of humor. If we keep our own.
Remember, this population can be diverse, educated, lively, energetic, etc. Don’t box yourself in by thinking about stereotypes. Different times for programming will appeal to different facets of your senior population. Again, asking your seniors is key! Ninety percent of older adults state that they learn best by putting their hands on something and manipulating it.
Senior Travel: A senior who went on a trip would lecture and show slides (pre-powerpoint) of pictures from the trip. This was great because seniors got to share things they did, and seniors who couldn't travel because of health or cost could share in the trip. Some libraries offer Free Blood Pressure Screening after senior programs
Safe forums for open debate/ discussion are rare in modern society, but can be very popular. Modern seniors are well-education, well-spoken, and not looking to quietly disappear.
Studies are showing that brain health can be maintained and improved by gaming in older adults Gaming can bring communities and diverse groups together better than One Book programs
In 1998, over 25% of computers were purchased by older adults. In fact, seniors spend more time on the Internet than 12-17 year olds. This figure has certainly grown in the last decade.
Generation Y, or young adults generally 18-32 years old who grew up in the Information Age, have been dubbed the ‘Net Generation.’ But, while these “digital natives” may be savvier with their gadgets and more keen on new uses of technology, their elders in Generation X, the Baby Boomers and older generations tend to dominate internet use in other areas. Pew Research “ The Twitter revolution hasn’t landed here yet” from PEW 2009 research findings. If there's one realm of modern life where old and young behave very differently, it's in the adoption of newfangled information technologies. Just four-in-ten adults ages 65-74 use the internet on a daily basis, and that share drops to just one-in-six among adults 75 and above. By contrast, three-quarters of adults ages 18-30 go online daily. The generation gap is even wider when it comes to cell phones and text messages. Among adults 65 and older, just 5% get most or all of their calls on a cell phone, and just 11% sometimes use their cell phone to send or receive a text message. For adults under age 30, the comparable figures are 72% and 87%, respectively.
Do not assume that seniors hate modern technology! Eager to learn
Cranky.com is “the world’s first age-relevant search engine” Eons is a senior-oriented social networking tool.
Age neutral marketing has been shown to be the most effective.
Much like a job fair, have a senior community fair at the library. Invite local agencies and clubs to staff tables. Chance to find members for your new advisory board.
Contact churches, senior centers, clubs. Offer space in your newsletter if they do the same for you.