USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards program recognizes Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs that have developed and implemented cutting-edge concepts, innovative ideas, and successful strategies to support older adults and their caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
Thrive with Pride provides safe and affirming spaces and addresses social isolation for older adults, especially those in the LGBT+ community. AgeOptions started the program in 2019 with funding from Community Memorial Foundation.
“As LGBT+ people grow older, they face unique challenges as compared to their heterosexual peers,” AgeOptions CEO Diane Slezak pointed out. “Thrive with Pride provides a safe place for LGBT+ people over 50 and their loved ones to meet others without discrimination or stigma and connect to the world of aging services.”
Thrive with Pride programs offer LGBT+ older adults and caregivers information and socialization opportunities tailored to their needs. One way it addresses social isolation is by bringing people together for presentations and events, including Thrive with Pride Cafes and intergenerational dinners. The dinners, called SAGE Tables, bring older and young adults together virtually for an evening of conversation over a shared meal that Thrive with Pride delivers to participants’ homes.
Monthly presentations by experts provide information on benefits and services as well as topics of interest to older adults and caregivers, with community partner sites hosting follow-up discussions. Group events have met virtually during the pandemic.
For information about Thrive with Pride, go to https://www.thrivingwithpride.org/.
Thrive with Pride by AgeOptions was among 13 local aging programs to receive Aging Innovation honors during USAging’s 47th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 10-13 in Austin, Texas. The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including Advocacy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Elder Abuse Prevention, Healthy Aging, Home and Community-Based Services, Nutrition, Social Engagement and Workforce Development.
USAging members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence, and dignity in their homes and communities.
It supports the success of its members through advancing public policy, sparking innovation, strengthening the capacity of members, raising their visibility, and working to drive excellence in the fields of aging and home and community-based services. For more information about USAging, AAAs, or Title VI programs, visit www.usaging.org.