Join host Nancy Griffin on the Glowing Older podcast as sheinterviews Tara Ballman, Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council. Discover Tara's journey from the music industry to becoming a leading advocate for aging in place, and learn about the innovative solutions and resources available to support older adults in living independently and comfortably wherever they call home.

About Tara

Tara Ballman is a nationally recognized aging-in-place expert who is passionate about connecting and supporting professionals serving older adults. She is an author of three books on financial retirement issues, two books on aging in place issues, and conference speaker addressing aging-in place topics. Tara currently serves as the Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council and the Aging-in-Place Business Development Manager at Longbridge Financial.

For years, Tara and her family struggled through theevolving stages of her father’s declining health. Unexpected illnesses, unforeseen situations, and a fear of the future was their reality, with so many questions and nowhere to turn. After her father passed, she had a desire to help other families navigate through the stages of aging and proactively plan for future needs, regardless of what life throws at them.

Key Takeaways

• The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) is focused on education, collaboration and advocacy. The nonprofit trade association provides support and resources for the five pillars of aging: housing, healthcare, finance, transportation, and social engagement.
• The CDC defines aging in place as the ability to live safely, independently, and comfortably in one's own home and community, regardless of age, income, or ability. NAIPC expands the definition to “home is where you lay your head,” which includes senior living communities and memory care.
• Seventy percent of Americans are going to need long-term care but do not have a plan in place. Proactive planning provides a vast number of options where in crisis situations options are limited.
• Advances in age-tech allow older adults to stay safe in their homes longer and provide peace of mind for adult children. Remote sensors detect changes in movement patterns or a fall, smart appliances make activities of daily living safer. Wearables and even newfangled toilets can read vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.