Full Transcript for Staying Connected: Finding Purpose, Community, and Joy as We Age

00:04:20.089 --> 00:04:22.705 And it's so important that we prioritize connection. 00:04:23.071 --> 00:04:28.979 So as you were saying, essentially, beyond simply having people to talk to, 00:04:29.299 --> 00:04:32.614 like your children who may call and check in a few times a week, 00:04:32.823 --> 00:04:37.825 what does meaningful connection and engagement look like, especially as we get older? 00:04:38.215 --> 00:04:42.174 Absolutely. So, you know, meaningful connection is somebody that knows you. 00:04:42.452 --> 00:04:45.716 It's joining a class or an activity and somebody saying, you know, 00:04:45.716 --> 00:04:49.058 hey, Chrissy, we missed you yesterday. You know, where were you? 00:04:49.349 --> 00:04:52.776 It might be an inside joke that someone has or somebody remembering something 00:04:52.776 --> 00:04:57.676 really specific about you, whether that's, you know, you're a music lover or 00:04:57.676 --> 00:05:01.353 something that you might not like, you know, and it's being missed when you're not there. 00:05:01.696 --> 00:05:06.076 And I think the biggest thing, I think purpose is a huge part of what we inherently 00:05:06.076 --> 00:05:09.346 want to look forward to and find purpose in, right? 00:05:09.346 --> 00:05:13.446 So we never age out of wanting to contribute. We never age out of wanting to 00:05:13.446 --> 00:05:18.028 learn something, to be engaged, to connect, or to feel useful in general. 00:05:18.295 --> 00:05:21.936 And I think it's actually something that our Uniper members have really taught 00:05:21.936 --> 00:05:24.693 me. It's not just being in a room with other people. 00:05:24.931 --> 00:05:27.741 It's having something that you communally can do together. 00:05:28.049 --> 00:05:33.076 Common interest, a shared goal, you know, and that's really the whole idea behind 00:05:33.076 --> 00:05:36.486 Uniper. And the community isn't a feature that we added on top of it. 00:05:36.486 --> 00:05:39.713 It's the foundation of the entire platform that it sits on. 00:05:40.178 --> 00:05:44.396 So we saw early on that older adults don't want to just watch passive TV. 00:05:45.042 --> 00:05:48.246 They want to feel like they belong somewhere. So with Uniper, 00:05:48.246 --> 00:05:53.436 we really turned the TV watching experience from a passive one now to an interactive 00:05:53.436 --> 00:05:56.339 one. And it's that interaction. It's that connection. 00:05:56.588 --> 00:06:01.326 It's seeing other individuals through the TV and engaging with them that I think 00:06:01.326 --> 00:06:06.406 really is a differentiator and something that oftentimes older adults as we 00:06:06.406 --> 00:06:09.000 age, they're missing that community and that connection. 00:06:09.534 --> 00:06:15.490 Thank you so much for giving us that broader perspective about connection, Chrissy. 00:06:16.541 --> 00:06:22.766 Sandy, your story gives us an opportunity to understand what staying connected 00:06:22.766 --> 00:06:28.464 and engaged can actually

look like when our lives change in a significant way. 00:06:29.250 --> 00:06:35.315 Before we talk more about Connection, Sandy, I'd love for our listeners to get to know you. 00:06:35.681 --> 00:06:39.286 Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your story? 00:06:39.872 --> 00:06:46.861 Well, the diagnosis came for my dementia while I was working at the Florida Department of Health. 00:06:47.690 --> 00:06:51.650 It was a difficult time, and my family, and I don't recall this, 00:06:51.952 --> 00:06:56.974 my daughters, they told me that I was really off during that time period. 00:06:57.548 --> 00:07:01.339 There is speculation that my daughter has that I was having maybe some mini 00:07:01.722 --> 00:07:03.789 strokes during that early time period. 00:07:04.212 --> 00:07:06.836 I don't recall it. I have no memory of it. 00:07:07.277 --> 00:07:15.921 They just said that I was totally off the track with my emotions and the way I behaved. 00:07:17.070 --> 00:07:23.570 When I was at the Florida Department of Health, I was the dentist that was responsible for reviewing, 00:07:24.197 --> 00:07:29.002 case files for complaints against dentists that may have violated the law, 00:07:29.629 --> 00:07:34.050 in one way or another where they may have extracted teeth that shouldn't have 00:07:34.050 --> 00:07:39.491 been extracted or they didn't have good dental records or what have you. 00:07:39.787 --> 00:07:41.337 And I would write up the reports. 00:07:42.387 --> 00:07:46.444 Well, after I would write up the report, I would close the file, 00:07:46.444 --> 00:07:52.820 and the file could be anywhere from 10 pages to 100 pages, 150 pages. 00:07:53.285 --> 00:07:56.794 I would close the file, and very often, within five minutes, 00:07:56.794 --> 00:08:01.104 an attorney would come into my office, and they would say, can I review the case with you? 00:08:02.009 --> 00:08:05.664 I didn't even remember what the case was about. I didn't even know the name 00:08:05.664 --> 00:08:08.487 of the dentist. I didn't even know what was going on in the case. 00:08:08.951 --> 00:08:13.794 I was nothing. I knew nothing. So I would always, I covered during that time 00:08:13.794 --> 00:08:17.270 and I said, okay, I'll come into your office and we'll discuss it. 00:08:18.079 --> 00:08:21.984 So what I did do before I got into the office is I opened up the file and I 00:08:21.984 --> 00:08:26.354 walked in with the file, you know, right where I saw it again. 00:08:26.354 --> 00:08:31.254 So it was fresh there so I could recall and then review it with that. 00:08:31.736 --> 00:08:36.184 And that lasted for a few months. And then I saw my primary care physician and 00:08:36.184 --> 00:08:42.452 the diagnosis. Sandy, thank you for sharing so openly about the beginning of your dementia journey. 00:08:42.742 --> 00:08:49.544 So I'd like to hear from you, a Uniper user, what you think really makes people 00:08:49.864 --> 00:08:54.831 successful. Well, I think, so I don't lose my

train of thought, it's the consistency. 00:08:55.365 --> 00:09:03.074 Okay. It's the programming that's done that's consistent, that you know that 00:09:03.074 --> 00:09:07.120 every day, And there's a big coffee jet crew. 00:09:07.393 --> 00:09:10.389 It's the consistency that Uniper provides. 00:09:11.392 --> 00:09:20.728 And then within that consistency, there are members who are consistent within 00:09:20.728 --> 00:09:25.856 that particular programming, virtual programming, that they show up. 00:09:26.355 --> 00:09:31.098 And when they don't show up sometimes, the session leader knows that and other 00:09:31.098 --> 00:09:33.960 people know that and they'll say, well, where's Betty? 00:09:34.401 --> 00:09:37.054 We haven't seen her for two weeks. Is something wrong? 00:09:37.756 --> 00:09:43.688 So that can get reported to Uniper and Uniper. It becomes that people get to 00:09:43.688 --> 00:09:46.268 know when someone's not showing up, there's something going on, 00:09:46.268 --> 00:09:47.271 there's something wrong. 00:09:47.963 --> 00:09:54.818 I think we probably have some listeners wondering if we could learn a bit more 00:09:54.818 --> 00:10:00.554 about the basics of what Uniper is, what it has to offer, how people can find it. 00:10:00.810 --> 00:10:02.900 Could you get into some of that, Chrissy? 00:10:04.092 --> 00:10:07.742 So I'd love to share a high-level overview about Uniper, which really actually 00:10:07.742 --> 00:10:13.353 is all about bringing community care and connection into the homes of older adults. 00:10:13.654 --> 00:10:16.052 And the way that we do that is actually through the TV. 00:10:16.722 --> 00:10:21.072 So we want to make Uniper accessible. That's the biggest piece is making it 00:10:21.072 --> 00:10:25.642 accessible to older adults from the comfort and safety of home through a device 00:10:25.642 --> 00:10:28.436 that's already comfortable and familiar for older adults. 00:10:28.721 --> 00:10:32.186 So what we essentially do is through anyone's existing television, 00:10:32.477 --> 00:10:38.822 we turn the TV into a window to the world to allow that community and care to come in through Uniper. 00:10:39.123 --> 00:10:42.272 So essentially, it's a small device that clicks into the side of your TV. 00:10:42.891 --> 00:10:46.722 And then it comes with a camera. And that allows our members to see each other, 00:10:46.722 --> 00:10:49.369 to see our leaders, to see our instructors. 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:53.851 And it also comes with a remote control. The remote control is also a microphone. 00:10:54.054 --> 00:10:57.812 So you'll oftentimes see our members folding up the remote and they're speaking 00:10:57.812 --> 00:11:03.371 into it. because it really does create that two-way communication directly through the television. 00:11:03.691 --> 00:11:09.512 Now, what members can enjoy on Uniper is a very wide and variety type of content. 00:11:09.512 --> 00:11:13.422 So we have live activities, and those are live

with real instructors, 00:11:13.422 --> 00:11:14.887 real human instructors. 00:11:15.241 --> 00:11:21.116 So that allows our members to really be able to access our content without ever having to leave home. 00:11:21.371 --> 00:11:25.644 The content that we offer our members is across the dimensions of wellness. 00:11:25.882 --> 00:11:29.336 So we have a lot of physical activity classes. We have yoga, 00:11:29.678 --> 00:11:33.166 seated, standing, modified for those that might need it. 00:11:33.404 --> 00:11:39.105 We also have community-based groups. We have small group discussions. We have book clubs. 00:11:39.401 --> 00:11:44.992 We have brain and memory games to help keep our members' brains sharp and alert. 00:11:45.293 --> 00:11:47.752 And all of this is really bundled through the TV. 00:11:48.347 --> 00:11:50.413 And in addition to live programming, 00:11:50.953 --> 00:11:55.333 Members can also go at their own pace. So if they prefer to watch maybe a recorded 00:11:55.333 --> 00:11:57.263 video, that's also available. 00:11:57.571 --> 00:12:00.853 And on Uniper, members can also make video calls with their family, 00:12:00.853 --> 00:12:02.412 family members and friends. 00:12:02.697 --> 00:12:06.383 So directly through the TV, a member can call a loved one and their loved one 00:12:06.383 --> 00:12:09.106 can call them and that would show up on the TV. 00:12:09.309 --> 00:12:13.173 So it really does, again, bring that care, community and connection directly 00:12:13.173 --> 00:12:16.613 into the homes of those that are really looking for it, that are really in need 00:12:16.613 --> 00:12:19.838 and oftentimes struggling with loneliness and isolation. 00:12:20.099 --> 00:12:24.113 Can I add something right here that's important? I don't mean to contradict 00:12:24.113 --> 00:12:26.101 in any way what Chrissy just said. 00:12:26.810 --> 00:12:33.033 I'm on my laptop right now. I prefer to go on Uniper on my laptop and. 00:12:35.213 --> 00:12:40.504 It's fully able to go on to do whatever the TV would do I could do on my laptop. 00:12:40.852 --> 00:12:44.103 I can use my cell phone, my iPhone, and go on to Uniper. 00:12:44.509 --> 00:12:49.783 If I'm over at Starmaking Up, I haven't done this. Let's say we're at Starbucks 00:12:49.783 --> 00:12:54.082 and I wanted to be on Uniper. I could be on Uniper on my cell phone. I could be on an iPad. 00:12:54.662 --> 00:13:01.563 So Uniper has been phenomenal that you can have access not just by a television. 00:13:01.563 --> 00:13:07.793 You could be sitting at the park and as long as you have reception with Wi-Fi 00:13:07.793 --> 00:13:10.633 or whatever, you can go on to Uniper. 00:13:10.973 --> 00:13:14.363 We actually do have, It's a perfect segue, honestly, Sandy, because most of 00:13:14.363 --> 00:13:17.048 our members, Cheryl, prefer to engage through the TV. 00:13:17.332 --> 00:13:21.543 It's comfortable for them. They're in their living rooms. The TV's right there, 00:13:21.543 --> 00:13:23.758 right, big, nice and big in the middle of the living room. 00:13:24.056 --> 00:13:27.143 But we do have members who are a little bit more technologically savvy, 00:13:27.143 --> 00:13:32.264 and they're not fully homebound. So our members like Sandy can also enjoy Uniper on the go as well. 00:13:32.589 --> 00:13:36.223 So we have our flagship TV offering, which is really our broadest offering. 00:13:36.223 --> 00:13:39.123 And most of our members, just from a comfortability standpoint, 00:13:39.123 --> 00:13:40.867 choose to engage through the television. 00:13:41.111 --> 00:13:44.853 But absolutely they can take Uniper with them on the go, on their travels, 00:13:44.853 --> 00:13:47.984 while they're out visiting friends, family, grandkids, Uniper can come with. 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:54.902 Chrissy, from your professional standpoint, and then I'll hear from your standpoint 00:13:54.902 --> 00:13:57.622 as a user, Sandy, through Uniper, 00:13:58.222 --> 00:14:04.082 what have you learned from older adults about what they really want and need 00:14:04.082 --> 00:14:06.531 when it comes to connection and community? 00:14:07.502 --> 00:14:10.402 I love this question. So I think the biggest thing that I've learned is that 00:14:10.402 --> 00:14:14.815 older adults, they are not one large, giant demographic. 00:14:15.134 --> 00:14:18.972 And I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes the way that we design programs 00:14:18.972 --> 00:14:21.171 for older adults, it might suggest otherwise. 00:14:21.456 --> 00:14:25.101 So the needs are different. The wants are different. 00:14:25.397 --> 00:14:29.322 The interests, you know, one person might really get excited about chair yoga 00:14:29.322 --> 00:14:30.790 that starts at nine in the morning. 00:14:31.057 --> 00:14:34.505 Then we have someone else that's really excited for trivia in the afternoon. 00:14:34.755 --> 00:14:37.042 We might have somebody that just wants to come and talk about, 00:14:37.042 --> 00:14:41.212 you know, baseball or they want to learn about technology and someone else just 00:14:41.212 --> 00:14:44.890 might want to, you know, sit down on Tuesdays with their coffee chat friends. 00:14:45.136 --> 00:14:48.902 So it's really changed the way it's really shaped the way I think that we think 00:14:48.902 --> 00:14:52.562 about Uniper. We're bringing this community directly into the homes through 00:14:52.562 --> 00:14:58.511 the television and we're not asking someone to change their behavior or become a technology expert. 00:14:58.831 --> 00:15:03.132 And I think that what makes Uniper so unique is it's so accessible. 00:15:03.132 --> 00:15:07.222 And just with a click of a button, all of this can be available directly in 00:15:07.222 --> 00:15:09.722 the home of that individual through their TV. 00:15:10.317 --> 00:15:14.393 And it really is based on their wants, their needs, what gets them excited. 00:15:14.654 --> 00:15:18.602 So I think from my standpoint, you know,

it's really just the uniqueness of 00:15:18.602 --> 00:15:22.740 our older adult membership and the wide variety of what gets them excited. 00:15:23.025 --> 00:15:27.762 And I think oftentimes, too, we think about older adults as kind of just a category unto themselves. 00:15:28.017 --> 00:15:31.532 And within the older adult group that we're working with, I mean, 00:15:31.532 --> 00:15:35.632 everybody has some spark that just makes them so unique. So I think the diversity 00:15:35.632 --> 00:15:40.697 within our older adult population and what they're looking for really is something that is unique. 00:15:41.517 --> 00:15:48.038 And Sandy, as someone who uses Unipur, what have you learned from yourself as 00:15:48.038 --> 00:15:52.106 an older adult or from the other older adults that you participate with? 00:15:52.402 --> 00:16:01.330 What have you learned that they really enjoy about Unipur? Any of the specific programs or offerings? 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:05.728 Well, I think that people are different and they have different interests, 00:16:05.728 --> 00:16:10.058 which I get to know because some people like gardening. 00:16:10.447 --> 00:16:14.075 Some people like art some people like history, 00:16:14.782 --> 00:16:20.947 but what's amazing and this is because of some of my medical issues i'm up during the night, 00:16:21.463 --> 00:16:27.228 and uniper is available 24 7 through some of its programming that may have been 00:16:27.228 --> 00:16:29.137 recorded through some of the sessions, 00:16:29.602 --> 00:16:34.958 or they may someone that went to greece or someone that went to brazil or and 00:16:34.958 --> 00:16:41.334 they would have it as programming that If you can't watch it during the day, I will watch it at night, 00:16:41.990 --> 00:16:46.091 because I'm up, so I'll watch it for an hour. 00:16:46.735 --> 00:16:53.038 So it's been an outlet, I think, I forgot your exact question, 00:16:53.038 --> 00:16:55.842 but it's an outlet for seniors to... 00:16:56.973 --> 00:17:03.189 Gets the information in such a wide variety of topics that Uniper offers. 00:17:04.212 --> 00:17:10.044 What's speaking to me is that I've read a couple studies that, 00:17:10.044 --> 00:17:15.821 especially for young adults, technology can make them feel more lonely. 00:17:16.117 --> 00:17:18.234 And I'm making an assumption here that 00:17:18.234 --> 00:17:25.534 that comes from really them viewing influencers or videos or that one way, 00:17:26.554 --> 00:17:33.054 of how social media can sometimes be compared to the technology of Uniper that 00:17:33.054 --> 00:17:38.938 we're talking about, which is oftentimes, at least during the regular business hours, is, 00:17:39.391 --> 00:17:45.244 a two-way connection with a facilitator or an instructor and other individuals 00:17:45.244 --> 00:17:46.964 who are using the services. 00:17:46.964 --> 00:17:52.824 So that really sets the technology apart that it's two-way. 00:17:53.126 --> 00:17:56.914 Is there anything that you want to add to that? 00:17:57.374 --> 00:18:00.973 Well, I think even my speaking to you right now, 00:18:01.624 --> 00:18:06.494 if I were to have conversations with you every week, I would get to know you 00:18:06.494 --> 00:18:11.414 better and your family and your life or what things you enjoy doing, 00:18:11.414 --> 00:18:13.574 whether you like to play pickleball or when. 00:18:14.694 --> 00:18:17.431 You enjoy cooking, what's your favorite foods. 00:18:18.214 --> 00:18:21.884 You get to know someone not just from the first meeting. 00:18:22.307 --> 00:18:26.784 So this Zoom meeting that we're having now where you're talking to Chrissy and 00:18:26.784 --> 00:18:35.061 myself is the beginning of what Uniper would begin as if it were a first session, so to speak. 00:18:35.723 --> 00:18:44.076 And this, it's a valuable introduction, but with Uniper, it continues each week, 00:18:44.761 --> 00:18:46.776 maybe multiple times during the week, 00:18:47.530 --> 00:18:54.031 and then sometimes off of the Uniper platform, so it becomes the relationships that are formed. 00:18:54.817 --> 00:19:00.323 That are so valuable, particularly for someone that's living without someone 00:19:00.323 --> 00:19:02.828 in their house, you know, their family. 00:19:03.373 --> 00:19:07.663 And you learn that they have their family, their children and their grandchildren, 00:19:07.663 --> 00:19:09.867 and you get to know their lives. 00:19:10.518 --> 00:19:12.683 The only thing I would probably add to that, Cheryl, too, is, 00:19:12.683 --> 00:19:17.026 you know, we talk a lot about technology and Uniper is a technology-based company, 00:19:17.316 --> 00:19:20.474 but we're never going to remove the need for the human connection. 00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:24.427 And actually, as an organization, we double down on that human connection. 00:19:24.694 --> 00:19:28.845 You know, technology is never necessarily standing alone going to make someone feel connected. 00:19:29.205 --> 00:19:33.453 But what makes this virtual experience that our members have on Uniper feel 00:19:33.453 --> 00:19:37.111 so genuine and authentic is the human connection part. 00:19:37.459 --> 00:19:40.633 You know, I can give somebody the fanciest technology in the world, 00:19:40.633 --> 00:19:45.363 but if nobody notices whether they show up, whether no one notices if they are 00:19:45.363 --> 00:19:48.843 there, whether no one noticed if they've reached an accomplishment. 00:19:48.843 --> 00:19:51.553 I mean, that doesn't feel to me like a connection. 00:19:51.831 --> 00:19:55.953 And I think connection happens when someone says your name, when someone remembers 00:19:55.953 --> 00:20:00.133 something that you told them, when an instructor recognizes someone's face that 00:20:00.133 --> 00:20:03.823 they haven't seen in a few weeks and by name says, you know, 00:20:03.823 --> 00:20:06.146 Martha, how are you? We've missed you. 00:20:06.384 --> 00:20:09.593 When another member

welcomes and says, hey, Sandy, how are you, 00:20:09.593 --> 00:20:12.773 buddy? It's been a while. I haven't seen you in a few days. How are things going 00:20:12.773 --> 00:20:15.191 on the health front, that is magic. 00:20:15.614 --> 00:20:20.746 That right there makes someone feel seen, makes them feel heard, makes them feel valued. 00:20:21.135 --> 00:20:25.273 So technology can remove barriers. It can bring the community into someone's 00:20:25.273 --> 00:20:30.255 living room when transportation isn't there, when mobility might prevent them from participating. 00:20:30.597 --> 00:20:35.491 But technology can't manufacture a relationship. People have to do that. 00:20:35.746 --> 00:20:38.313 And I think that that's something that Uniper is so unique in. 00:20:38.313 --> 00:20:42.013 We're bringing community and real human connection into the home. 00:20:42.013 --> 00:20:46.352 This isn't manufactured. This is authentic. And this is what keeps that engagement. 00:20:47.026 --> 00:20:50.877 Going. You know, people keep coming back to Uniper and spending more and more 00:20:50.877 --> 00:20:55.607 time on Uniper because they find a place, a safe place where they can all come 00:20:55.607 --> 00:21:00.545 together and join other individuals who are going through a lot of the same life challenges. 00:21:00.800 --> 00:21:04.672 You know, oftentimes we hear members sharing something so deeply personal, 00:21:04.986 --> 00:21:10.449 you know, the loss of a child, the loss of a spouse, and this community is there to catch them. 00:21:10.734 --> 00:21:15.257 They're there to listen. They're there to support. But more so it's really just 00:21:15.257 --> 00:21:17.526 making sure that everyone feels seen. 00:21:17.804 --> 00:21:22.157 And during times of loneliness and isolation, that community is a bedrock. 00:21:22.157 --> 00:21:27.197 It is a bedrock for that individual to feel like they have a place to go and they're not alone. 00:21:27.499 --> 00:21:31.295 And family members are so wonderful within the broader ecosystem. 00:21:31.516 --> 00:21:35.677 But again, they're only there for certain amounts of time. And there's this 00:21:35.677 --> 00:21:40.237 whole other space in someone's day that oftentimes can be filled in silence 00:21:40.237 --> 00:21:42.092 and it never should be. It doesn't have to be. 00:21:42.731 --> 00:21:45.616 And that really is, I think, at the crux of what we're trying to do at Unipro. 00:21:46.446 --> 00:21:54.735 It sounds like it's also a way to re-engage people's passions and purpose. 00:21:55.089 --> 00:22:00.690 And that encouragement comes from the different types of classes and offerings. 00:22:00.690 --> 00:22:05.570 It comes from the instructors and it comes from also the individuals like Sandy 00:22:05.570 --> 00:22:11.906 who are joining and using. It sounds like a very positive atmosphere that you're providing. 00:22:12.596 --> 00:22:13.990 It is. And I think it's one that 00:22:13.990 --> 00:22:18.070 is very supportive and it's very person-centered. It's person-centric. 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:22.860 So, you know, what we're really every single day looking to do is to kind of 00:22:22.860 --> 00:22:24.619 create this fellowship. 00:22:24.921 --> 00:22:29.610 And I think that people have forged such great friendships and those coming 00:22:29.610 --> 00:22:32.820 together. It's almost like, you know, you have a group of your biggest cheerleaders 00:22:32.820 --> 00:22:35.970 on Uniper because everyone is kind of getting to know each other and they're 00:22:35.970 --> 00:22:38.388 understanding little pieces of everyone's life. 00:22:38.760 --> 00:22:43.501 And what we're really looking to do is also foster that. We want people to get excited again. 00:22:43.774 --> 00:22:47.510 We want people to get rejuvenated with things that maybe they've put on the 00:22:47.510 --> 00:22:49.388 shelf for a really long time. 00:22:49.701 --> 00:22:52.950 And now they have the opportunity to get back into those passions, 00:22:52.950 --> 00:22:54.391 back into those hobbies. 00:22:54.693 --> 00:22:58.330 And Uniper is such a beautiful place to be able to showcase those, 00:22:58.330 --> 00:23:01.460 have people come together and support each other. It really, 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:03.611 really is just such a supportive community. 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:11.030 Would you prefer to age independently in your own home or live in a nursing facility? 00:23:11.558 --> 00:23:16.359 I know what I'd rather do. Friends Life Care membership offers just that. 00:23:16.870 --> 00:23:21.798 Plan today for a future lived at home with vitality, independence, 00:23:21.943 --> 00:23:25.072 growth, and resilience while protecting your savings. 00:23:25.415 --> 00:23:28.944 Learn about your options at a free seminar or webinar. 00:23:29.397 --> 00:23:38.888 Register at friendslifecare.org slash register or call 215-628-8964. 00:23:41.344 --> 00:23:44.896 Welcome back to Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care Vigor. Today, 00:23:44.896 --> 00:23:50.246 I'm joined by Chrissy Knappe from Uniper and Sandy Halperin for a conversation 00:23:50.246 --> 00:23:55.699 about social connection, staying engaged, and finding purpose and community as we age. 00:23:57.743 --> 00:24:02.937 It can be difficult to be the new person in any group. 00:24:03.407 --> 00:24:13.171 How do you go about helping new people to the organization feel welcomed? 00:24:13.987 --> 00:24:17.156 So everyone we really promote, everyone goes at their own pace. 00:24:17.156 --> 00:24:18.736 We are so member-centric. 00:24:19.044 --> 00:24:22.486 So we might have somebody that joins Uniper and they're really excited for live 00:24:22.486 --> 00:24:24.407 activities and live classes. 00:24:24.605 --> 00:24:27.786 One thing I wanted to mention that is kind of the way that we get to know our 00:24:27.786 --> 00:24:32.116 members and start really promoting content and activities that will meet their 00:24:32.116 --> 00:24:35.360

needs and their goals is, again, the human connection. 00:24:35.570 --> 00:24:40.376 So once someone joins UNIPR, they are actually assigned a UNIPR PAL. 00:24:40.376 --> 00:24:43.256 That stands for Partner for Aging and Longevity. 00:24:43.644 --> 00:24:48.692 The Uniper Pal you can kind of think of is that one central person on the Uniper 00:24:48.692 --> 00:24:52.340 team that's going to check in with you every week over a video call. 00:24:52.566 --> 00:24:57.302 So every member has a Uniper Pal, and that job of the Uniper Pal is to get the 00:24:57.302 --> 00:25:00.819 member comfortable on Uniper, navigating Uniper. 00:25:01.098 --> 00:25:05.039 But right after that, we want to get to know you, and we want to go at your pace. 00:25:05.266 --> 00:25:09.232 So again, someone might love live activities and be ready to join and be ready 00:25:09.232 --> 00:25:12.951 to be on camera, but we also have members that are a little bit more on the shy side. 00:25:13.243 --> 00:25:17.742 They want to go at a slower pace. So what we really try to do is ease our members 00:25:17.742 --> 00:25:21.102 into that kind of live experience before they're just thrown in, 00:25:21.102 --> 00:25:23.210 unless they want to join live, and that's fine. 00:25:23.517 --> 00:25:27.462 But the PAL meets with the member every single week, and they're wondering, 00:25:27.462 --> 00:25:30.782 what did you love last week that you joined on Uniper? Tell me a little bit 00:25:30.782 --> 00:25:32.474 about some of your favorite activities. 00:25:32.741 --> 00:25:36.822 Then they're talking about, you know, what that member can do the following week. 00:25:36.822 --> 00:25:42.072 So they'll review our schedule of activities and find ones that get that member 00:25:42.072 --> 00:25:46.792 excited. And we'll start to baby step into maybe joining live activities as 00:25:46.792 --> 00:25:50.458 they start to kind of gain a little bit more confidence on the platform. 00:25:50.772 --> 00:25:55.472 So it is very much at the member's pace. And once we do see members join live 00:25:55.472 --> 00:25:59.558 activities, though, that really is kind of the magic because we see them on camera. 00:25:59.831 --> 00:26:02.692 We see members that previously might have not been on camera, 00:26:02.692 --> 00:26:06.855 not fully ready, start joining activities and start engaging. 00:26:07.116 --> 00:26:11.023 So the PAL is really there to go at the members' pace, to check in with them, 00:26:11.244 --> 00:26:13.566 to kind of get them ready for those live activities. 00:26:13.746 --> 00:26:17.076 But again, when members are joining, our leaders are welcoming them by name. 00:26:17.262 --> 00:26:20.642 So even if they haven't met that individual yet, say you're joining for the 00:26:20.642 --> 00:26:24.172 first time, Cheryl, and I'm your instructor, you're going to get a big welcome 00:26:24.172 --> 00:26:27.293 from Chrissy. It's going to say, Cheryl, we're so happy you're here. 00:26:27.554 -->

00:26:30.562 Great that you're joining us. We hope we're going to see you later on this week, 00:26:30.562 --> 00:26:32.715 too. And it's a welcoming experience. 00:26:33.356 --> 00:26:38.972 Environment, you know, for our members. And they feel welcomed with a big warm hug. 00:26:38.972 --> 00:26:42.902 And our leaders and our instructors are so in tune with that. 00:26:42.902 --> 00:26:46.973 And more so to the pals, really being able to help our members feel comfortable 00:26:47.206 --> 00:26:51.722 and maximize getting the benefits that they're looking for out of Uniper at 00:26:51.722 --> 00:26:52.887 the most, the highest level. 00:26:53.539 --> 00:27:00.142 And it's interesting for me, as I communicate through some individuals on, 00:27:00.142 --> 00:27:03.518 let's say, LinkedIn or Facebook or by person, 00:27:04.110 --> 00:27:10.988 for them to understand the value without experiencing itself sometimes. 00:27:11.272 --> 00:27:19.294 To understand, like, we're trying to explain to you what the inherent value of Uniper is, 00:27:19.881 --> 00:27:29.177 but to experience it and to be on it is something that is sometimes difficult, 00:27:29.682 --> 00:27:32.562 for some individuals to garner. 00:27:32.902 --> 00:27:38.122 It could be a home care agency that may want to sponsor groups of people, 00:27:38.644 --> 00:27:46.398 let's say 12 to 15 people that they treat by making that home care agency. 00:27:46.746 --> 00:27:52.792 So for them to understand the value for these individuals when the caregiver 00:27:52.792 --> 00:27:57.733 can't be there, when a family member can't be there, and they were home alone, 00:27:58.395 --> 00:28:02.516 that's where the gap can be filled in with Uniper. 00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:07.706 I mean, their son or daughter's not there. They don't have a spouse. 00:28:09.002 --> 00:28:13.942 They don't have a family member. They're home alone. And there's Uniper. 00:28:13.942 --> 00:28:19.962 So to explain that to somebody and the value of having that fill that gap of 00:28:19.962 --> 00:28:25.621 that time of day with sessions or prerecorded sessions is valuable. 00:28:26.846 --> 00:28:32.891 And so, Chrissy, do you typically partner with organizations to provide Uniper 00:28:32.891 --> 00:28:36.616 or is it something that individuals can join? How does that work? 00:28:37.197 --> 00:28:40.891 Thanks for asking. So it's actually both. We primarily work with health plans, 00:28:40.891 --> 00:28:46.344 aging organizations, community-based organizations, home care groups, senior living. 00:28:46.663 --> 00:28:51.911 And those groups make Uniper available to the members and people that they serve at no cost. 00:28:52.161 --> 00:28:56.421 So if someone was listening and thinking, wow, I really want Sandy's social 00:28:56.421 --> 00:28:58.714 life, first of all, I don't blame you. I do too. 00:28:58.964 --> 00:29:02.900 But I would also encourage you to visit online at UniperCare.com. 00:29:03.138 --> 00:29:07.511 We can

let you know if there's Uniper coverage in your area or anyone else that 00:29:07.511 --> 00:29:13.961 would like to join can give us a call at 888-471-7623 and reach out to our team. 00:29:14.199 --> 00:29:17.421 We also have a direct-to-consumer model that Uniper is building, 00:29:17.421 --> 00:29:22.564 so individuals will be able to have access outside of our partnering agencies as well. 00:29:22.866 --> 00:29:26.071 So give our call a team or reach out to us online, and we'd be more than happy 00:29:26.071 --> 00:29:27.946 to see if there's coverage in your area. 00:29:28.655 --> 00:29:35.121 Yeah. Sandy, something that I want to ask if we could touch on about you a little 00:29:35.121 --> 00:29:39.916 bit that I got away from earlier when we were talking is that 00:29:40.265 --> 00:29:44.402 you're very open about your journey with dementia. 00:29:44.716 --> 00:29:51.194 And you've spent many years advocating for people who are living with dementia. 00:29:51.903 --> 00:29:56.721 What made you decide to speak openly about your experience? 00:29:57.457 --> 00:30:01.971 When I would speak to large audiences, sometimes there were 600 people, 00:30:01.971 --> 00:30:09.183 1,000 people, 1,200 people, and I was fortunate through my advocacy, I never, ever. 00:30:11.091 --> 00:30:15.689 In any circumstance, accepted any monetary money, not a nickel. 00:30:16.583 --> 00:30:23.230 I did it from my heart. I wanted to be there for people who were dealing with 00:30:23.230 --> 00:30:27.493 memory deficit and how to live better lives. 00:30:28.134 --> 00:30:34.040 And when I would speak to these large groups that were healthcare providers 00:30:34.040 --> 00:30:41.263 and people that worked in memory centers or healthcare providers of some sort. 00:30:42.620 --> 00:30:46.372 I would I was so committed, 00:30:46.991 --> 00:30:51.722 to having them work together out of their silos because it was so common, 00:30:52.314 --> 00:30:57.940 for them to have their own mission and do their own thing so I spoke a lot about 00:30:57.940 --> 00:31:02.438 get out of your silo work with other people and people that are living with, 00:31:02.885 --> 00:31:06.076 dementia I made it the term dementia, 00:31:07.060 --> 00:31:11.870 when i first went to the alzheimer's association and they had me on the early 00:31:11.870 --> 00:31:17.780 stage advisory group for alzheimer's i was videotaped and they said and i used 00:31:17.780 --> 00:31:20.220 the word dementia that i had dementia, 00:31:20.875 --> 00:31:23.093 they said no we want you to say alzheimer's, 00:31:23.768 --> 00:31:26.010 i said no i have dementia, 00:31:26.716 --> 00:31:31.280 and there's because there's so many kinds of dementia so i would speak about 00:31:31.280 --> 00:31:37.181 that and i felt that that was of value when I was in front of groups of people 00:31:37.565 --> 00:31:38.890 to speak about dementia. 00:31:38.890 --> 00:31:42.670 And that would even be true of those that are on Uniper. 00:31:42.670 --> 00:31:46.812 They have, if they have memory deficit, I can't say, well, by the way, 00:31:47.085 --> 00:31:52.840 you've got Alzheimer's because of whatever, what tests did they have? 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:54.318 How were they diagnosed? 00:31:54.747 --> 00:32:03.284 There's many, many sorts of dementia. So I was committed to advocate to... 00:32:04.158 --> 00:32:11.920 Have people living with dementia to live in the present like I am with you right now. 00:32:12.547 --> 00:32:15.972 And there was a book written, and I have in the living room, I've given this book. 00:32:16.256 --> 00:32:21.823 I've probably bought this book for probably 20, 30 people, 40 people, I don't know how many. 00:32:22.218 --> 00:32:25.829 It's called The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson. 00:32:26.479 --> 00:32:31.325 And it's about, you know, there's all these cliches about living in the present. 00:32:31.325 --> 00:32:35.609 Don't live in the past, don't worry about the future because that's not there yet. 00:32:36.213 --> 00:32:42.875 So I would talk about to the people living with dementia when I would be speaking 00:32:42.875 --> 00:32:46.557 to them in caregiving groups, live in the present. Here we are. 00:32:46.992 --> 00:32:51.375 We have a group of 20 people here. Let's talk about what's going on right now. 00:32:51.631 --> 00:32:55.525 What happened yesterday is not relevant necessarily or what in the future. 00:32:55.525 --> 00:32:58.498 Let's talk about right now, which I'm doing right now with you. 00:32:59.067 --> 00:33:03.392 You're interviewing me and Chrissy, and I'm just being in the present. 00:33:04.442 --> 00:33:09.943 Answering your question that you just asked. So it was a pleasure for me to 00:33:09.943 --> 00:33:17.913 go out and advocate and to have people that were in the world of caring for 00:33:17.913 --> 00:33:19.270 those living with dementia. 00:33:19.566 --> 00:33:24.213 And yes, and Uniper does circle around to that with their, they've got a brain 00:33:24.213 --> 00:33:29.584 gym, they've got cognitive training, they've got sessions on cognition. 00:33:29.979 --> 00:33:34.037 So they're advocating even with themselves. 00:33:34.327 --> 00:33:39.888 On Uniper and helping people that may have memory issues like myself. 00:33:40.492 --> 00:33:46.743 And what do you wish more people understood about what it's actually like living with dementia? 00:33:47.083 --> 00:33:50.541 Thank you. This is something that really is important. 00:33:51.475 --> 00:33:57.545 There's someone that, there's an organization called InvisibleDisabilities.org. 00:33:58.451 --> 00:34:05.073 And what's really painful for people living with memory loss and it is really 00:34:05.073 --> 00:34:07.733 difficult and i've spoken to many, 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:14.005 obviously being in the early stage advisory group and all of the advocacy for the years, 00:34:14.829 --> 00:34:17.836 they look at someone with dementia like you're looking at me right

now, 00:34:18.499 --> 00:34:22.293 but you can say but you look good and there was a book by that title and it's 00:34:22.293 --> 00:34:26.533 right over there it's right on the wall but you look good someone can have a 00:34:26.533 --> 00:34:31.762 medical problem you don't know that my chest right now feels raw and irritated, 00:34:32.445 --> 00:34:34.569 my my throat is raw. 00:34:35.569 --> 00:34:41.850 I've got sores on my arm from my chemotherapy that are irritated. 00:34:42.373 --> 00:34:48.233 There's things that, you know, I've got cardiac calcifications that are severe, 00:34:48.802 --> 00:34:51.751 and they're of concern, moderate to severe. 00:34:52.401 --> 00:34:56.075 But you could look at me, you're looking at me right now, but you look good. 00:34:56.922 --> 00:35:01.137 And that was someone with a memory problem. And they're on Uniper. 00:35:01.444 --> 00:35:04.091 And someone looks at them and they've got a memory problem. 00:35:04.796 --> 00:35:10.863 And someone says to them, but you look good, it's sort of dismissing their medical issue. 00:35:11.780 --> 00:35:15.435 Right now, you could have a very bad headache, but you look good. 00:35:16.509 --> 00:35:24.048 And that's where I don't pigeonhole someone, 00:35:25.382 --> 00:35:33.012 with a memory disorder like dementia of some sort and go invalidate them with 00:35:33.012 --> 00:35:35.563 whatever medical issue they may have, but you'll look good. 00:35:37.582 --> 00:35:45.552 And take it as a dismissal. So I guess my advocacy really circled around to 00:35:45.552 --> 00:35:47.354 a lot of different things. 00:35:48.231 --> 00:35:55.581 And even though, Sandy, you are going through so much right now, 00:35:56.370 --> 00:36:04.031 You remain as active, engaged, and connected as you can. 00:36:06.022 --> 00:36:12.818 What keeps you going and continuing to put yourself out there? 00:36:13.433 --> 00:36:17.575 The good question, and my wife has posed that to me, 00:36:18.754 --> 00:36:27.713 I've developed these skills through my life from childhood, having bad asthma and breathing and. 00:36:28.978 --> 00:36:36.513 Having other issues to the time when I was diagnosed with the dementia with 00:36:36.513 --> 00:36:42.369 all these other things going on right now that are like I find it hard to remember myself, 00:36:42.976 --> 00:36:44.453 all these things that I'm dealing with. 00:36:44.453 --> 00:36:50.418 I don't have to go put on a piece of paper or go that I've learned coping skills, 00:36:51.376 --> 00:36:55.184 which I'm using right now with you to answer these questions. 00:36:56.333 --> 00:37:01.467 And I've got to, I've accepted that there's these other aids that I need. 00:37:02.653 --> 00:37:05.560 I can take a pill, literally take a pill. 00:37:06.117 --> 00:37:12.235 And if I don't mark it down, I have no idea if I took that pill. I have no idea. None. 00:37:12.826 --> 00:37:14.359 I mean, it happens a lot. 00:37:14.980 --> 00:37:19.603 So I've got to be very careful. And I have a page each day where I check off 00:37:19.603 --> 00:37:21.974 and I take each of the medications that I need. 00:37:22.548 --> 00:37:26.120 Because if I don't, I have no idea whether I took it or I didn't take it. 00:37:27.273 --> 00:37:33.673 So I've learned these coping mechanisms to allow me to take the pill to know 00:37:33.673 --> 00:37:38.078 that I took it. It's not, you know, it's been taken. I checked it off. 00:37:38.880 --> 00:37:47.083 You are a true example of resilience, and it goes to show that. 00:37:48.287 --> 00:38:00.123 Despite going through so much, there are avenues to remain connected and in community with others. 00:38:00.788 --> 00:38:06.988 So in closing, I'm going to start with you, Sandy, and then I'll close with you, Chrissy. 00:38:07.328 --> 00:38:12.598 Sandy, what would you say to someone who feels like their world has gotten smaller 00:38:12.598 --> 00:38:18.458 as they've gotten older or gone through health crisis, and they're just not 00:38:18.458 --> 00:38:20.597 sure how to start reconnecting. 00:38:21.387 --> 00:38:27.028 Well, you know, it can often be difficult for some people that I know to, 00:38:27.428 --> 00:38:33.494 on an individual one-on-one basis, to go, if I were to leave my apartment and go down the hallway, 00:38:34.028 --> 00:38:36.388 and someone would say to me, hey, Cindy, how are you feeling? 00:38:36.388 --> 00:38:40.878 And it's all I say to them, and my grandchildren laugh, I say I'm managing, 00:38:40.878 --> 00:38:43.641 that's all I say. I don't go through a litany of things. 00:38:44.378 --> 00:38:49.074 So I think that there's, without any doubt, 00:38:49.813 --> 00:38:55.868 Uniper has filled a gap in my life where it's been sort of this gem that has 00:38:55.868 --> 00:39:00.470 filled gaps of time for me that have been so valuable. 00:39:01.050 --> 00:39:06.828 Not just for what the session will do, because I may not remember much from 00:39:06.828 --> 00:39:12.608 the session, but from the social interactions that I will have during those sessions. 00:39:12.823 --> 00:39:17.623 And that has been valuable, including the relationships that I have formed with, 00:39:18.164 --> 00:39:20.608 a number of people that have been valuable to me. 00:39:21.363 --> 00:39:26.181 And it's amazing that it's been done virtually without me physically seeing them. 00:39:27.295 --> 00:39:32.795 And Chrissy, do you have any words of encouragement for individuals who are 00:39:32.795 --> 00:39:39.579 experiencing that loneliness, isolation, and they're hesitant to put themselves out there to reconnect? 00:39:40.194 --> 00:39:43.345 Absolutely. I think the first thing that I would tell them is you are not alone. 00:39:43.345 --> 00:39:47.675 There are so many other older adults who are experiencing feelings of loneliness 00:39:47.675 --> 00:39:49.720 and isolation. It is so common. 00:39:49.993 --> 00:39:53.301 And it's not something I think that we talk about enough to normalize

it. 00:39:54.155 --> 00:39:56.845 You're not alone. And I that I would tell them that they don't have to make 00:39:56.845 --> 00:39:59.936 their entire world bigger overnight. Let's start small. 00:40:00.203 --> 00:40:04.115 Let's just make it manageable and start really small. Find one thing that you 00:40:04.115 --> 00:40:07.505 really enjoy. And it doesn't have to be something that someone told you that 00:40:07.505 --> 00:40:10.873 you should be doing as an older adult, right? Drinking more water or stretching. 00:40:11.146 --> 00:40:14.075 Find something that you're actually passionate about. Music, 00:40:14.075 --> 00:40:17.409 sports, cooking, exercise, books, whatever that is. 00:40:17.723 --> 00:40:21.734 Find one thing and find a way to experience it with another person. 00:40:22.013 --> 00:40:26.390 The beautiful thing is we have technology and we can do these types of things virtually now. 00:40:27.115 --> 00:40:30.505 So I would tell someone who maybe feels like their world is getting a little 00:40:30.505 --> 00:40:35.745 bit smaller, stay curious, stay connected. You're allowed to meet new people. 00:40:35.745 --> 00:40:38.139 You're allowed to do things that you've never done before. 00:40:38.406 --> 00:40:41.651 There are still people that you haven't met yet that are out there that are 00:40:41.999 --> 00:40:45.995 possibly going to become important people in your lives. So take the step, 00:40:45.995 --> 00:40:48.455 put yourself out there just a little, little bit. 00:40:48.875 --> 00:40:50.455 And there's technology. Uniper 00:40:50.455 --> 00:40:54.588 is one of many other great solutions that can offer that connection. 00:40:54.890 --> 00:40:58.655 And I honestly, I promise you there is a window to the world out there waiting 00:40:58.655 --> 00:41:02.099 for you to help you feel connected. You just need to find it. 00:41:02.786 --> 00:41:10.182 Well, I want to thank you both so much for sharing so openly and honestly, 00:41:10.662 --> 00:41:17.332 about your professional and personal experiences and encouraging others who 00:41:17.332 --> 00:41:23.812 may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, medical complications to 00:41:24.126 --> 00:41:30.133 start building some connections and adding some more purpose and, 00:41:30.609 --> 00:41:32.492 you know, joy into their lives. 00:41:32.492 --> 00:41:36.512 And I appreciate the time you both took out to join me today. 00:41:36.512 --> 00:41:39.096 Thank you. Well, thank you. It's been wonderful. 00:41:39.283 --> 00:41:41.942 Thank you so much. This has been phenomenal. Thanks, Cheryl. 00:41:41.942 --> 00:41:43.686 We really appreciated you having us. 00:41:45.306 --> 00:41:49.022 Thank you for listening to Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care Vigor, 00:41:49.362 --> 00:41:54.052 a unique program focused on aging with vitality, independence, 00:41:54.052 --> 00:41:55.656 growth, and resilience. 00:41:55.975 --> 00:41:57.792 You can find links and show notes 00:41:57.792 --> 00:42:03.348 from this episode on our website at friendslifecare.org slash podcast. 00:42:03.801 --> 00:42:08.332 If you'd like to learn more about Uniper, Chrissy, Sandy, and their work, 00:42:08.332 --> 00:42:10.424 we'll include links in the show notes. 00:42:11.103 --> 00:42:16.292 If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe, share this episode 00:42:16.292 --> 00:42:20.872 with someone who may need it and join us next time as we continue exploring 00:42:20.872 --> 00:42:23.659 what it means to age honestly and age well.