Aging | Corinne Auman on Preparing to Age, Women, Men, and all the Possibilities!

www.CorinneAuman.com

Summary

Dr. Corinne Auman, a gerontologist, discusses the importance of changing our perception of aging and the impact it has on our overall well-being. She emphasizes the need to plan for aging and highlights the positive aspects of growing older. The conversation also touches on the stereotypes and negative messaging surrounding aging, particularly for older adults and women. Dr. Auman introduces the term 'Keenagers' to describe the younger older adults who are active, engaged, and seeking purpose in their later years. The conversation explores the challenges and biases that women face as they age, particularly in relation to societal expectations and the lack of support and understanding around menopause. It also delves into the importance of preparing for aging and the role of care management in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of aging. The guest, Corinne Auman, shares her personal experiences and expertise as a care manager and advocate for aging adults.

Takeaways

Our perception of aging greatly influences how well we age.

Planning for aging and having a positive outlook on growing older can lead to a better experience.

Stereotypes and negative messaging about aging, particularly for older adults and women, contribute to fear and avoidance of the aging process.

There is a need to change our cultural ideas and language around older adulthood to reflect the diversity and potential of this life stage.

The term 'Keenagers' is introduced to describe the younger older adults who are active, engaged, and seeking purpose in their later years. Ageism and bias against older women is prevalent in society, with women facing pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in order to be taken seriously.

Menopause is a significant and often misunderstood aspect of aging for women, impacting various aspects of their lives including memory and cognitive function.

There is a lack of medical knowledge and standard treatment protocols for menopause, highlighting the need for more research and support in this area.

Care management services can provide valuable assistance to individuals and families navigating the challenges of aging, offering guidance, resources, and support.

It is important to have a positive outlook on aging and to prepare for the changes that come with it, rather than denying or resisting the aging process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Discussion

02:45 The Impact of Perception on Aging

05:01 Views on Aging and Retirement

07:27 Changing Ideas about Older Adulthood

09:11 The Need for New Terminology

13:16 Stereotypes and Fear of Aging

19:30 Perceptions of Aging and Fear

23:49 Negative Sentiments about Aging Women

29:01 The Bias Against Aging Women

31:10 The Impact of Menopause on Women's Lives

36:56 The Need for Better Support and Understanding of Menopause

41:00 The Role of Care Management in Navigating Aging

49:45 Embracing Aging and Preparing for the Future