The theme of the recent LeadingAge Annual Conference was “What If?” A simple question urging us to think about new possibilities and alternate viewpoints.
What if all individuals lived their later years with dignity and respect?
What if jobs in our field were valued and coveted?
What if all older adults had access to high-quality services and supports?
And, what if, to make all that happen, we were able to overcome the inertia and obstacles in our way?
I recently spent an afternoon at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, and I watched a video of a speech his brother Bobby Kennedy gave in 1966.
I immediately drew parallels to the work we do and the mindset we must adopt.
In what became known as his Ripples of Hope Speech, it was as if Bobby Kennedy was talking directly to me and to everyone in this field. He said:
“This world demands the qualities of youth; not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.”
Imagination, courage, and an appetite for adventure. This is the youthful state of mind that we need to overcome the inertia and obstacles in our way.
We must make our voices heard, take action, stand up for what is right, and change our society. To do so, we need to put forward real solutions.
In response to a negative story in the media, call the reporter and suggest another angle.
In response to proposed regulations, respond to our Action Alerts and add your voice to the debate.
And, proactively create space for new ideas, try different approaches, challenge our teams, and listen deeply.
I believe the biggest obstacle we will ever confront is inertia. A reluctance to act and a failure to innovate. So, WHAT IF we take some risks? Flex our muscles, amplify our voices, and lead by example?
For most of you, this is not a bridge too far. We are ready to help. Please be in touch.