We recently connected with Suzanne Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Suzanne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

As a youngster, I truly believe that you do not fully understand the importance of the lessons taught by your parents, though later, in hindsight, regardless of how resistant and hard headed you were (still are?), clarity starts to worm its way in, and the truth reveals itself. Using that rear view mirror perspective, I have realized that I was taught to be a kind, loving human, focused on making a positive impact on my community, and somehow, that soaked in, despite my impertinent youth.

My parents walked the kindness talk, demonstrating engagement in programs that offered assistance, offered love of animals, and generally filled the needs of people who might be down on their luck. They literally were “shirt off your back” people. I watched them show acts of kindness such as giving away one of our cars to a young woman who taught with my mother and needed transportation for she and her kids. Granted, this was a 12 year old Honda that my dad rebuilt, but the sweat equity in the vehicle made it priceless, much less the fact we didn’t have any money either.

Another great memory was Thanksgiving which was always a time that the door to our home was wide open to anyone who needed fellowship and a temporary family. Mom would traditionally make a feast, laying the spread out on the eating bar for all to partake. I never knew half of the folks who showed up to eat with us, and as a kid, having strangers at the table was confusing. As an adult, I understand the generosity of that act for the folks who came

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in the Dallas area and found myself in central Texas in my 20’s, attending Trinity University in San Antonio and obtaining a MA in Educational Psychology. Once out of school, I went to work for Special Olympics Texas, which began a long career in non-profit management. After working with Special Olympics Texas for 26 years, I had the opportunity of a lifetime, and switched gears to a focus on older adults and caregivers. Working at AGE of Central Texas has been an incredible privilege. The organization had been important to me personally as I navigated the journey of caregiving for my father. I used AGE’s services as part of creating a care plan for him, because it was his desire to age in place in his home. I came to work with AGE after his passing, but with a unique understanding of what is to caregiver for a parent.

The reality of this ever changing landscape of aging and caregiving, is that most older adults want to age in place, staying at home through end of life, so now the question is, how do we create a community that supports the older adult through social interaction, healthcare, food security, transportation, and the list goes on. Some of the fact around the older adult population are:

-Older Population more ethnically diverse: In 2050, 37% nonwhite vs in 2012, 21% nonwhite

-Older adults are living longer, with more functional impairments

-Likelihood of living alone increases with age: Especially African American and Non-Hispanic White Women, 47% of women by age 75

-Desire to age in place: AARP, 90% of older adults want to stay home as they age, and most do not have the funds to do otherwise.

Our opportunities are:

Opportunities:
– All of us deserve to live independently, safely, and engaged.

-Seniors provide a valuable resource – Their experience, perspective, and willingness to be of service can be utilized for part-time work, volunteering, and training programs.

AGE of Central Texas is so important in fulfilling the older adults desire to age in place. Not only that piece, but we are here to lift up the care-partner as they navigate the realities and opportunities of caregiving. We do this through 6 programs of direct support.

Thrive Centers Wellness & Social – Adult Day Health Center
• Providing vibrant daytime care for older adults with physical or cognitive needs in the longest-operating licensed, non-residential Day Activity and Health Service Centers in Central Texas.
• Specialized care in secure facilities for individuals with dementia or memory loss.
• Locations in Austin and Round Rock, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Full-time nurse at each site to assist with medication management and health monitoring.
• All-inclusive: activities, meals and snacks, and transportation options.
• Activities designed to engage mind and body including music, brain boosters, exercise, and more.

Caregiver Education and Resources
• Navigation center offering free personalized assistance and guidance by phone, email, or walk-in.
• Free educational seminars, workshops, and conferences, with respite services available.
• Free monthly caregiver support groups in Austin and Round Rock. Call 512-600-9275.

CaregiverU
• Free evidence-based caregiving courses for non-professional, family caregivers.
• Classes offered year-round at convenient locations in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties.
• Visit www.CaregiverUcentx.org to find a free caregiver class near you.

Health Equipment Lending Program
• Free loans of gently-used durable medical equipment and free incontinence products available.
• Call (512) 600-9288 or email [email protected] to request and reserve items.

Memory Connections Online
• A program of innovative virtual services for older adults experiencing challenges with their memory or cognition.
• Monthly subscription program offering a variety of 60-90 minute virtual activities throughout the week. Each small group session is interactive and strengths-based.
• In collaboration with you, we create a personalized video meeting schedule to meet your goals, needs, and interests.
• Brain Exercise such as trivia, word, and logic games; Discussion & Reminiscence such as educational and travel presentations; Creative Activities such as live music, art, and creative writing; plus, emotional support groups, physical exercise, and social time to connect with others.
• Email [email protected] to schedule a consultation or to request more information.

AGE Computer Lab
• Peer-to-peer technology instruction and personal coaching for older adults through the Senior Connect Program.
• Visit www.AGEcomputer.org for class schedules and more information.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

It is so hard to not get stuck in the day to day operations of an organization. Nor do you have the opportunity to say to yourself “well, that was enough for today” giving the overwhelming need in the community for our services. The importance, apart aside from taking good care of yourself mentally and physically, is to stay forward facing. What I mean by that is though the past informs, it is not where leadership should be focused. Strategic thinking and thought leadership within the organization and community leads to a higher organizational profile and better focus on what truly matters, which is community based needs.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I would absolutely choose the same profession. There has been nothing more fulfilling than to work in the nonprofit space within a mission that resonates with your own values. Not only do are you a servant leader, but you get to work with incredible people with the same passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ageofcentraltx.org
• Instagram: ageofcentraltx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageofcentraltx
• Twitter: @ageofcentraltx
• Youtube: AGE of Central Texas