The holidays can often be a challenging time for aging industry professionals and caregivers. Today we’re reposting an article from earlier this year to help manage this time of year. Recently. the New York Times published an article on caregivers. Those finding support through community, sharing moments in their loved ones’ life and care online.
Carefluencers.
You can read it here.
An assistant professor at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, coined the term. Professor Falzanaro defines carefluencers as caregivers sharing the daily realities of providing round-the-clock care for older loved ones.
The article certainly sparked a lot of commentary among readers, especially around three key areas:
- The dignity of aging
- The isolation of caregivers
- The importance of community-primarily finding support through community.
Some readers took exception to portraying elders either without their permission or in a fragile and vulnerable state. Some celebrated the beauty of aging. While other readers emphasized the need and importance of community.
As an aging industry professional you have an insider’s perspective on both the caregivers and their loved ones. Certainly, maintaining the dignity of our senior citizens is important. You also know just how isolating caregiving can be, whether you’re a professional or family. Professor Falzanaro believes social media may be the only way many caregivers can access support, education, and a sense of belonging.
When you take a look at the big picture the need for greater connection, visibility and support for the senior community and those that help them is getting more critical everyday.
- The fastest growing age group in the US is 85 years old and older.
- 58% of caregiving is done by loved ones (according to sources such as AARP)
- Sense of isolation exacerbated by the pandemic still lingers.
A sense of community both practical, professional and emotional is critical to giving caregivers and aging industry professionals the support they need to meet the challenges they deal with everyday. Careinfluencers is an example of the latest creative manifestation of this basic human need.
If you’re interested in a community of aging industry professionals sign up here or help us grow our Agepros community.
