1

A Global Exchange for Positive Aging

Jan Hively, Ph.D.www.passitonnetwork.org

jan@passitonnetwork.org

2

The old story of doom and gloom...• The world is aging, with Booming growth of people

“coming of age.”• Longevity is expanding, generating the huge

growth of people ages 85+• Overwhelming needs are

expanding, way beyond the capacity of service providers

3

The 21st century story of innovation, creativity and hope...• We have growing knowledge about the assets

(strengths and capacities) of older adults• New technologies

support both lifelong independence and community access

• Older adults are organizing to care for themselves and each other

4

The time is ripe for elders to step up and change the culture of aging worldwide,

guiding the shift from a needs-based consumer society to a collaborative society.

5

The Pass It On Network is a peer-to-peer Internet platform for the free exchange of ideas and low-cost programs initiated by positive aging advocates worldwide. www.passitonnetwork.org

6

The Story Behind It2007: First Positive Aging Conference, Florida• Jan Hively, PhD – Vital Aging Network,

SHiFT Network, Encore Purpose Prize Fellow• Moira Allan, International Journalist – 2Young2Retire

Europe, Le Cercle des Seniors Actifs

2009: Gerontology Conference, Paris“They’re talking down to us about us!

We can speak for ourselves!”

“We are the ones ”Plan for international network of older adult leaders

7

2010 – 2012: EVAA European Voices for Active Aging

Conversations with older adults & civic

leaders-----

6 countries with World Café Europe,

European Commission funding & regional

partners

www.worldcafe.eu

Project funding from the European Union

8

Prague Zivot 90Age Friendly Cities

Bonn BaSCivic Engagement

Bologna AIP2Work after 50+

London Age UKChanging the Perception of Aging

Bilbao InnobasqueSocial Innovation

Strasbourg 2Y2RWellness + Movement

EVAA Findings:

Engagement lifelong!

Meaningful work

Spreading innovations

Positive aging

9

Response – Pass It On Network website -- 2013

10

11

The goal is a vibrant Global Network• Free access to innovative, low cost programs on a

multi-lingual internet platform• Organized by and for older adults sharing their

strengths and know-how• To help themselves, each

other, and the community• Capitalizing on what

works and saving money

12

Mutual Support - Project Examples:• Old ‘Up• AGE to age• Caring Collaboratives• Vital Communities Toolkit• Aging Your Way

13

Meaningful Work - Project Examples:• SHiFT Network• Make>SHiFT• Men in Sheds• Midternships• Encore Action Networks

14

Lifelong Learning – Project Examples:• Project Renewment• Lifework after Retirement• Wisdom Circles• Boomers and Beyond• Little Free Libraries• Advocacy Leadership for

Positive Aging

15

We Offer a Worldwide Leadership Network:• International Coordinator – Moira Allan, Paris• Advisors - leaders of the global Positive Aging

movement, led by Jan Hively, PhD• Country Liaisons – spreading programs for Positive

Aging in their native language to and from active aging leaders and partner organizations

16

Country LiaisonsOrganizers from 33 European countries plus Russia, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Japan, China, India, Canada, and the U.S.

17

Who Benefits:• Older adults – gain inspiration and confidence –

“I could do that!”• Partner organizations – outreach for follow up• Service Providers – gain informed consumers and

allies for wellness• Investors – gain

access to worldwide network of older adult leaders

18

Requirements for Success and Expansion:• Culture shift – encouraging older adults to shift

from passive consumers to proactive participants• Universal access and use of technology• Investors/sponsors with similar values who see a

strong vested interest in supporting the exchangePass It On is unique – as a networkby older adults, for older adults.

We are ripe for an investor organization to adopt and take to scale.

19

Short term needs:Annual funding from investors:

Platform development $ 10,000 (interactive website, social media)Full-time Coordinator $ 36,000Country Liaisons and Advisors $ 40,000 (communications, travel) ________

$ 86,000Contacts to help meet 2015 goals:

• Increase Country Liaisons to 50• Increase innovative programs to 100• Support for upgrading website, social media, development

20

Scaling up strategies:• Barnacling • Training• Adapting

“The answer has to come from grassroots initiatives not requiring government structure or massive funding. The Pass It On Network is an outstanding model for the new catalysts for innovation that draw from grassroots, peer-to-peer energy and are technology enabled.” Richard Adler

www.passitonnetwork.org