Home. . . Health . . . Happiness: A "Take Charge" Forum for Today's and Tomorrow's Seniors

Traditional methods of managing “old age” don’t fit today’s older adults, who are living longer, healthier, and with greater independence than their parents’ generation. But longevity does not come with a “happiness” guarantee—that takes preparation and planning. For expert guidance on how to take charge as you or your loved ones grow older, plan to attend “Home, Health & Happiness,” a community forum hosted by North Shore Village on Saturday, April 25, from 1:00 – 3:30 pm at Skokie Hospital, 9600 Gross Point Road in Skokie.

Saturday, April 25, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Skokie Hospital

9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie

First Floor Conference Room

Program Details

Home: “As we grow older, the house that worked well for raising a family may need some modifications. Or maybe it’s time to sell,” said Francie Stavish, a Certified Senior Advisor. “In either case, the decision can be made easier with the help of experts who understand the emotional and financial implications.” Ms. Stavish will lead a discussion of the many options available for people who want to age in place. Joining her are Lisa Davis, a Senior Real Estate Specialist with Coldwell Banker, and Fred Weiner, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and President of Total Home Professionals of Wilmette.

Health: Two keys to managing our health care as we grow older are understanding what is “normal” about aging, and being confident in our ability to communicate our desires and concerns to our health care providers. Those topics will be covered by Ellen Browne, MPH, and Victoria Braund, MD, Director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at NorthShore University Health System. Ms. Browne will draw on more than three decades’ experience in health care and aging services to describe the characteristics of normal aging. Dr. Braund will share her experience in transitioning older adults and their families through various levels of care in the community.

“How we age has less to do with genetics—that’s only about 30 percent of it,” Ms. Browne stated, “How we live—our lifestyle, our attitude, our health habits—are the determining factors.”

Happiness: According to AARP surveys, most older adults prefer to age in place at home, with ready access to community-based services and supports. North Shore Village was organized to respond to that desire. “We make connections among older adults who cherish their independence, while appreciating the support and friendship of a caring community of friends and neighbors,” explained Tommi Ferguson, Executive Director of NSV. Founded in 2009 to serve Evanston and Wilmette residents, NSV is expanding in response to community interest in Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie and Winnetka. Ms. Ferguson and members of North Shore Village will share how the Village brings people together for social and educational activities, and helps them access services they need to remain healthy and happy at home for as long as possible.

“The Village is a community asset that adds a new dimension to the existing senior services network,” Ms. Ferguson added. “Over the next two decades, the over-65 population will nearly double. We need to have a wide array of options for the next generation of seniors. The Village is a person-centered approach that responds to our desire for independence.”

The April 25 forum is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Please register in advance via email to info@northshore-village.org, or by phone to the Village office at 847-721-1413. There is ample free parking at Skokie Hospital, and valet parking is available at no charge.

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