Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education

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November 2024

Editor's note: This issue of AROHE Matters highlights later life chapter issues, e.g., aging in place and how retirement organizations and other resources inform and strengthen our positive engagement with these issues.

*Join Us
*Tell Us Your Story
*About AROHE

President's Message

Roger Baldwin

AROHE is committed to serving retirees through all phases of post-career life. This means we must think creatively about how we support retirees who wish to age in place as long as possible. There are many ways retirement organizations can promote this goal. They can sponsor informative sessions on how to adapt one’s home to minimize accidents and to maintain independent living. Retiree Organizations (ROs) can also make their programs accessible via technology or offer transportation so members with mobility challenges can remain involved and continue to benefit from social engagement and information exchange. This issue of AROHE Matters highlights some of the constructive ways our member organizations are helping to facilitate the aging-in-place process for higher education retirees. I hope you will find useful ideas your RO can adopt to promote aging-in-place.

Thank You to ED Sue Barnes

November is often a time of transition as we move into the colder months of the year. This year, November transitions are particularly noteworthy because we are saying good-bye to one executive director on November 1 and saying welcome to another. Please join me in saying thank you to Sue Barnes for her many years of service to AROHE as a past board member, past board president, and, most recently, as our executive director. Sue’s service to AROHE has been exemplary, and we will miss her greatly. All of us at AROHE wish Sue a long, healthy, and happy next life chapter.

Welcome to New ED Valerie Sutton

With thanks to our Executive Director Search Committee, I also want to welcome Valerie Sutton, our new executive director. Valerie comes to us from a distinguished career in administration, most recently at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she served as career services director. Valerie has an extensive background in technology and experience in association management and adult education. She is also a member of the Harvard University Retirees Association. Valerie’s range of professional experiences has prepared her well to play a key role in AROHE’s future. We thank Valerie for joining us and wish her all the best in her new role.

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AROHE General Meeting

Join us for AROHE's biennial general business meeting, which will include a brief summary of the organization's accomplishments, introductions of Board of Director candidates for the 2025-2026 term, an opportunity for you to give AROHE ideas for services and programs that will help your retirement organization succeed, and an optional extended time to chat with friends and colleagues.

The meeting is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. PST, 11- a.m.12:30 p.m. MST, 12-1:30 p.m. CST, 1-2:30 p.m. EST.

On behalf of the AROHE Nominating Committee, I am pleased to report that the AROHE Board of Directors has approved the slate of nominees for election to the board for the January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 term.

We have a total of 15 nominees for 15 positions – 5 officers and 10 at-large board members. Congratulations to all the nominees!

The slate of candidates will be presented at the General Business Meeting. Elections will be held by electronic vote soon after the General Business Meeting.

Bill Verdini

And Nominating Committee members Hoke Hill, Tom Hart, Bonnie Stevens, Al Aubin

AROHE Summit 2024 Summary

The AROHE Summit 2024 webinar, held on September 18, 2024, discussed the importance of social relationships for a fulfilling retirement. Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University, presented research linking social connections to health outcomes, highlighting the risks of loneliness and isolation. The session emphasized proactive planning for social engagement, encouraging attendees to invest in relationships for overall well-being.

Highlights

Loneliness is a biological signal that motivates individuals to seek social interaction and support. Despite the importance of social relationships and loneliness, these issues remain under-recognized and under-invested in society. Loneliness and social isolation are global issues affecting various cultures, not just those traditionally considered individualistic. Understanding these dynamics can help us develop strategies to foster social connections.

Social media has both positive and negative effects. It can supplement connections while also introducing potential harm, like misunderstandings. It is crucial to balance its use to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Investing in relationships early is crucial for keeping strong social networks throughout life and sustaining good friendships requires effort and commitment. Establishing new friendships becomes increasingly challenging as people age, particularly across different generations. Volunteering is one way to enhance social connections and personal fulfillment, particularly after retirement. Engaging in activities that align with personal values fosters meaningful relationships and community involvement and retiree organizations can play a crucial role in fostering these connections.

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AROHE Travel Institute 

Brought to you by Road Scholar

AROHE has three tours planned for 2025 with registration still open:

• The Best of the Canadian Maritimes, September 6 -17, 2025:
• The Best of Barcelona and Madrid, October 23 - November 1, 2025:
• The Best of Portugal, November 1 -10, 2025

Additional destinations with available spaces:

• Signature City St. Augustine, January 12-17, 2025,
• Mexico City, February 24 - March 3, 2025.
• Three cabins are available on the Douro River Cruise through Portugal's Wine Valley, April 26 - May 9, 2025.

For the complete itinerary, cost, and more information on any of the trips, visit our Travel Institute or call Road Scholar toll-free.

Free On-Line Travel Lectures

Road Scholar offers online lectures; some are free and some have a fee. These lectures are led by former faculty or specialists in the area, followed by a Q & A period. For more information and to register for these lectures, go to https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures/.

For any other information, please contact: Cherie Hamilton, chair, AROHE Travel Institute Committee, pimenamalageta@hotmail.com.

Next Chapter Insights Article Series – UC Berkeley Retirement Center

Next Chapter Insights is a series of brief articles providing insights and guidance for life in retirement. The articles are written by Cary Sweeney, the UC Berkeley Retirement Center director, informed by knowledge and expertise gained through support provided to retirees at the center. The insights can be helpful, no matter what stage you are in your "Next Chapter." Next Chapter Insights Article Series | Retirement Center

Staying Connected to University Faculty Governance -- Strengthening the Clemson University Emeritus College.

I had the privilege of serving on the Faculty Senate for the last 2 ½ years of my career as a full-time faculty member of Clemson University. Through that experience, I developed a deep appreciation for the vital role the Faculty Senate plays in representing and advocating for the rights and welfare of the faculty. It provides a place for faculty and administrators to have regular, open, and frank conversations. After joining Clemson’s Emeritus College, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to continue in that advocacy role as the Faculty Senate liaison on behalf of the Emeritus College faculty. While emeritus faculty do not have a vote in resolutions or bylaw changes within the Faculty Senate, we have been enthusiastically welcomed and included in regular meetings and discussions with faculty senators, the provost, and other administrators.

By having an emeritus faculty representative attend Faculty Senate meetings and review agenda and resolution items, we feel it supports the following:

• maintaining healthy, open communication channels with current university administrators, faculty leaders, and faculty senate committees.
• staying abreast of critical issues that impact university bylaws, teaching and research policy, and challenges facing the university community.
• ensuring that the welfare of the emeritus faculty is considered with respect to policy and resource changes.
• and keeping the value of the Emeritus College and faculty visible to our university colleagues and giving the emeritus faculty a voice in matters that could impact the robustness of our community of retired scholars.

Karen A. Kemper, MSPH, PhD, Associate Professor Emerita, Clemson University Emeritus College, kkaren@clemson.edu

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Retirement Trends and Resources

Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices

Most older adults want to age in place so they can continue to live in their own homes or communities. As the older population grows, the degree to which it can participate in community life and reach needed services will be determined, in part, by how communities are designed. This report examines state policies that can help older adults age in place. These policies include integrating land use, housing and transportation; efficiently delivering services in the home; providing more transportation choices, particularly for older adults who no longer drive; and improving affordable, accessible housing to prevent social isolation. National Conference of State Legislatures with the AARP Public Policy Institute Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices

National Institute on Aging – Aging in Place Update/Resources

Many people want to stay in their homes, maintain their independence, and turn to family and friends for help when needed as they age. If staying in your home is important to you, you can find ways to help you age in place. Use these tips to get around, be safe, and stay connected:

• Reach out to people you know.

• Be prepared for a medical emergency.

• Get help during the day.

• Talk to a geriatric care manager.

Find more resources to help you age in place

New Age of Aging: A Landmark Age Wave Study

Aging most definitely is not what it used to be. We are living at a pivotal moment in history as today’s modern elders, inspired by multiplying numbers of influencers, are re-imagining new possibilities for their extended lifespans. Aging, for most, is an emotional ascent and a time of peak happiness and freedom. However, neighborhoods, workplaces, homes, medical systems, media, educational systems, transportation, shopping centers, and our digital world—as well as all systems of government from the local to the national level—need to adapt as the older population grows like never before. We must create more healthy, active, engaged, and contributory ways of living at every stage in life to truly capitalize on our longevity bonus. This includes adopting a broader societal view of older adults as a rich and untapped resource of knowledge, wisdom, and social contribution. https://agewave.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08-07-23-Age-Wave-The-New-Age-of-Aging-Report_FINAL.pdf

The National Plan for Aging

Today, more than 55 million people living in the United States are 65 years old or older.

• More than 16 percent of our country’s population will continue to grow rapidly over the next thirty years.
• Between 2022 and 2040, the number of people who are 85 or older will more than double.
• Older adults contribute to our society in countless ways:

 Volunteering as the backbone of many community programs,

 Caring for grandchildren, making it possible for the children’s     parents to work, and providing the support that others depend     upon to continue to live independently,

 Contributing to our economy – nearly 20 percent of people 65 and                      older are employed – and the fastest growing segment of the U.S.                      workforce is people who are between 65 and 74.

At the same time, the aging of our population will create challenges, e.g., nearly three quarters of Americans will need some type of assistance from caregivers to age in their communities. With thoughtful, intentional planning and action, we can enhance these opportunities and address the challenges. Report to Congress - Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging

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Come Join Us in Transforming Retirement

Since 2002 AROHE has supported both institutions and individuals by transforming the experience of retirement – the preparation, the transition, and post-retirement programming – into a smooth and productive life-course change.

To renew, join or learn more, visit arohe.org or contact AROHE by emailing info@arohe.org or calling (530) 219-1049.

Tell Us Your Story

AROHE members are encouraged to submit stories that reflect activities, news and events from your retirement organization and campus that support retirees and highlight the value retirees bring to their colleges and universities.

The November issue of AROHE Matters will focus on how retirement organizations support their retirees with aging in place issues and housing alternatives to enable retirees to have the most comfortable, connected and affordable later life chapters.

Articles are limited to 250 words. A relevant picture (jpeg or png) and web links are valued additions to any article.

Share your story for the November issue of AROHE Matters by October 18, 2024, to Patrick Cullinane, editor, at pcullinane@berkeley.edu.

About AROHE

AROHE's mantra is "Transforming Retirement."

At AROHE, we know that higher education retirees are assets of society who reinvent, NOT retire from, life; positively impact their communities; and contribute to the greater good.

AROHE champions transformative practices to support all stages of faculty and staff retirement, their mutually beneficial engagement, and continuing contributions to their academic institutions. By sharing research, innovative ideas, and successful practices, AROHE emphasizes the development and enhancement of campus-based retiree organizations and programs which support this continuing engagement in higher education.

Privacy policy: AROHE will never sell or give your personal information to sponsors or partners without your expressed permission. This permission is typically done as a part of an event registration where members and registrants "opt in" to receive email notices from a partner or sponsor. In this case a member or registrant's email address is provided to the sponsor or partner.

Copyright © 2020 AROHE. All rights reserved.
Contact email: info@arohe.org
Contact phone: 530-219-1049

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Meditative Moment

The Dew of Little Things

“For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed”

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