Volume 78
September 22, 2021
Snapshots, For the Better
  • Worthy savings
  • Save the Children
  • Power of Positive Attitudes
  • SAVE
  • Hidden GEM
  • Discover more
Greetings!

Speaking of savings, what types are worthy?
As consumers, savings are often about sales and thrill of the hunt.
In finance, savings might refer to bank or retirement accounts.
In sports, goaltenders make great saves, golfers save pars, baseball relief pitchers earn saves and athletic heroes “save the game.”
As space flights accelerate, there is vigorous debate on saving our planet from global warming.
With respect to humanitarian endeavors, awesome organizations are devoted to saving those in need. For example, Save the Children® champions the rights of 2.3 billion children in over 100 countries. Since 1919, their wonderful history demonstrates steadfast commitments. To celebrate…

“Thanks to our supporters, we achieve tremendous results for children. In 2020 alone, we reached more than 197 million children, including 1.1 million in America. As the world’s leading expert on childhood, we believe every child deserves a future.”
In my (very) humble view, with abundant global strife, many humanitarian organizations should be deeply admired for caring missions and life-changing ambitions. By overcoming innumerable obstacles, these goodwill ambassadors better our world.

In the arc of life, segueing from children to seniors and observing various types of Savings in our lives, how do Hearing Health Ambassadors (HHA) in Senior Living Communities (SLC) SAVE others, to their own benefit?

With the Power of a Positive Attitude, it is remarkable how generosity towards others can impact self-esteem, sense of purpose and happiness. Despite activity directors’ diligence, residents quickly tire of the usual, with diminishing engagement and pleasure. Is playing bridge or gin rummy as fun the 100th time? In contrast, progressive SLCs institute mutually beneficial resident-to-resident programs, akin to buddy systems. HHAs SAVE hearing and improve quality of life via these principled methods:
Service:
Instead of “what’s in it for me?” at-your-service precepts are motivated by a “how can I help others?” mindset. Those expecting selfish are surprised with authentic assistance, especially from fellow residents. When good neighbors have difficulty hearing, socializing or taking care of daily living activities, HHA’s politely share their own experiences in rediscovering precious sounds, relevant comorbidity educational materials and your practice’s stellar reputation.
Acts of Kindness:
If random acts of kindness are noteworthy, consistent ones are rare. While hearing experts counsel useful communication strategies, too few in SLCs know techniques. Consider how daily application and role modeling will inspire hearing-challenged individuals to participate in enriching activities. Indeed, easier listening and understanding will shape pathways from stigma to enthusiasm.
Volunteerism:
This is our SAVE quartet’s hidden GEM, characterized by the mantra that, “it is better to give than receive.” How many have learned about groundbreaking research exemplified by “Formal Volunteering as a Protective Factor for Older Adults' Psychological Well-Being?”*

Research indicates well-intended volunteerism can pay it forward to recipients along with self-benefits including:

Social:
  • Meeting new people and making new friends
  • Feeling needed and valued by others
  • Improving social support networks’
Mental:
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Greater sense of purpose and motivation
  • Lower rates of depression

Physical:
  • Better health coping mechanisms
  • Improvement in self-rated health
  • Greater longevity

The research on therapeutic benefits of volunteerism is extensive and to discover more together, Let’s Talk about Volunteerism.

From an SLC decision maker’s vantage point, imagine the value of promoting generosity of spirit, along with enhancing hearing health-related quality of life. Together, celebrate the epitome of resident-centric partnership.
Empathy:
Fellow residents seeking to experience joys of hearing will appreciate empathy, not sympathy. To review fundamental differences, take Brené Brown’s popular comparison to heart. With 17 million views, this 3-minute video is a worthy investment.

With SAVE opportunities outlined, next week’s issue will detail HHA program features including buttons, cards and displays. As a capstone, we will strategize on developing productive connections with near and dear philanthropic causes. Per Steven Covey’s wisdom, Think Win-Win® not zero-sum game.
Bruce Essman
CEO
High Definition Impressions (HDI)



314.276.7392

*Greenfield EA, Marks NF. Formal volunteering as a protective factor for older adults' psychological well-being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2004 Sep;59(5):S258-64. doi: 10.1093/geronb/59.5.s258. PMID: 15358800.
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