“It’s expensive to age in this country. That’s why we seek partners like BridgingApps who will change the status quo and help create a world that values aging.”
–Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of Next50
“Easter Seals Greater Houston is so grateful for Next50’s support for our national award winning BridgingApps Program’s work using mobile technology to improve the physical, mental, social, and financial health of older adults. This funding will help provide the tools and skills our older neighbors need to maintain independence as thriving members of our community.”
–Elise Hough, CEO of Easter Seals Greater Houston
Easter Seals Greater Houston (ESGH) has received a $75,000 grant from the Next50 foundation, for BridgingApps to use in expanding our financial literacy/financial technology training for older adults. This funding will allow us to empower even more Houston-area seniors through skills like online banking, expense tracking, financial planning, and developing affordable-aging budgets. New projects will include:
- More small-group training sessions in English and Spanish
- More educational content for our BridgingApps YouTube channel
- More collaborative work with local community centers and other organizations serving older adults
We are pleased to offer free programs and resources for seniors, especially those with limited incomes, so they can keep up with the rapid technological and economic changes in today’s world.
About Next50
ESGH/BridgingApps is one of 35 organizations to recently receive “Changing Aging” grants from Next50. The grants are for U.S.-based organizations that provide financial-related services to older adults, especially in marginalized communities (disabled, lower-income, homeless, immigrant, BIPOC, etc.).
Next50 is a Denver-based organization dedicated to “a world that values aging” and to making it “less expensive to age” by supporting reduced expenses, increased income opportunities, and better financial services. The foundation, established in 2016, emphasizes digital equity, standing against ageism, and aging in place.
(See also “Next50 Awards Over $5 Million in Changing Aging Grants,” which provides a full list of the latest Changing Aging recipients.)
What Every Senior Adult Should Know About Financial Literacy
According to the Elder Care Alliance, 40 percent of older adults in the U.S. know little about available community resources for aging in place. Many senior widows, in particular, have limited knowledge of money matters because another household member “always handled that.” Limited financial literacy makes a person vulnerable to excessive debt, poverty, eviction, and fraud.
Not everyone needs to be a financial expert, but everyone should at least know:
- How to make and keep a personal/family budget
- Where all their money is (don’t laugh: many people have no idea what they legally own or where their spouse invested household income)
- How savings accounts work, and how to choose the right options
- How to keep adequate funds available for emergencies
- The basics of credit scores
- How to keep up with annual credit reports
- How to get—and stay—out of debt
- How to recognize common scams, and how to avoid losing money to fraud
- The basics of building an IRA or other retirement account
- The basics of investment
February Is Senior Independence Month
National Senior Independence Month (in February) has roots as far back as the 1800s, when growing urbanization and social reforms highlighted the need for senior services in the U.S. (Note that Senior Independence Month is distinct from Older Americans Month, which comes in May and originated in 1963.)
Things you can do for Senior Independence Month:
- Introduce an older friend, relative, or neighbor to your favorite accessible apps. (See our BridgingApps for Older Adults and Seniors list, also our lists of senior-recommended apps for memory care, recreation, and social connections.)
- Show someone how to use basic digital functions and/or find the accessibility settings on a digital device.
- Attend intergenerational programs and events.
- Speak up (and vote) for affordable senior services and older-adult employment opportunities.
- Volunteer for senior programs at community centers or hospitals.
- Give an older family member or neighbor the gift of your time. A couple of hours talking face-to-face is priceless for anyone whose life is feeling lonely. (And the break from “busyness” will do you good as well.)
- Always respect your elders as equals—and never forget the value of their wisdom and experience.