Thursday, September 24, 2009

Investing Over the Life Course

A new friend of GU's, Jack Rowe, recently shared a piece he wrote along with Lisa Berkman that appreared in the Huffington Post over the summer. I wanted to share it because it discusses the importance of investing across the life span verses pitting generations against each other.

Jack has an amazing history and is currently chairing the MacArthur Foundation's Aging Society Network. Using an intergenerational lens will strengthen the work that eventually results from the network's deliberations. Thanks Jack, all of us at GU look forward to doing all we can to contribute the intergenerational perspective to your efforts!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Happy 202 Anniversary!

Yesterday I joined our friends and colleagues at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. To quote HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, "Today there are 8,000 Section 202 developments across the country providing quality, affordable living to over a quarter million elderly households."

It's a great program that has increased the quality of life for so many seniors. Now, because of LEGACY Intergenerational Housing provisions that many of you helped us get passed, some 202 funds are being used to develop housing for grandfamilies.

We're proud of our partnership with HUD and the opportunities we've had to education housing experts about these families and their unique situations. In particular I want to commend Willie Spearman, Aretha Williams, Claire Trivedi and Vyllora Evens for their hard work and commitment. Congratulations and we look forward to working with you over the next 50 years!

Friday, September 11, 2009

September 11th

Like everyone, GU is remembering the victims of 9/11 and all those touched by the tragic events of that day.

After September 11th, 2001 we wrote a piece on some suggested intergenerational responses to the tragedy. There is an important role that intergenerational approaches can play in helping our country heal while preparing for the future.

Click here for September 11th: the Intergenerational Response

Thursday, September 10, 2009

A Question of National Character

President Obama called a joint session of Congress last night to renew his call for health care reform. I was pleased he took the opportunity to dispel the myth that our nation’s seniors will be subject to “death panels.” I also think he made the point effectively that the status quo in our health care system is unsustainable for the uninsured and underinsured. Critics of reform have made the point that we will be unduly burdening our grandchildren with debt if we expand health insurance, but there is greater danger that our grandchildren will never grow up to be healthy, productive adults if we don’t invest in them and their caregivers now. We’ve provided insurance for every older American over 65, it’s time to do the same children and their parents.

One last thought, what is it about South Carolina politicians lately playing out on the national media scene as philanderers and foul-mouthed? Our children and grandchildren deserve better examples of civility and self-control.