“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” — Tia Walker

July 16, 2025

Dear friends,

It is my great pleasure to introduce this issue of The Navigator for the first time as Executive Director. My first days have already showed me that the Village community of members, families, staff, and friends lives the mission with heart and commitment. The power of community is clear and present.

Thanks to Village staff member Darien Bloom for sharing her experience as an adult child whose aging parents suddenly needed her support. It shows that we are all aging together and our roles and responsibilities shift and change over the years. The Village stands ready to help families plan for and manage life and heath transitions.

As we go forward, I want to learn from the Village community - to know as many of you as possible - to hear your stories and understand your perspectives so that together we can build on the Village’s strong legacy to shape its exciting future.

Warmly,

Molly Conley, Executive Director

"Caught Off Guard: The Moment I Realized

I Wasn't Ready"

"I am a 58 year old woman, aging solo, with a daughter in college. My father is 82 years old with his primary caregiver being my 79 year old mother. My father had a surgery, serious but not life threatening, and developed hospital acquired delirium defined as a period of confusion, disorientation, and impaired thinking during or after a hospital stay and is usually attributed to anesthesia. It is more common in older adults, but it can happen to anyone.

"At first, no one was able to predict if this was a long term reduction in cognitive capacity or temporary. The family was thrown into a panic - we were worried sick and not prepared at all.

"We needed to find a short-term rehabilitation facility for my father to go to. We had no idea what was included in his insurance or what role the hospital social worker could play."

This family is not alone. While most people want to be there for their parents, many confess they’re nowhere near ready — emotionally or financially. Despite the looming challenges, a recent study shows that nearly two-thirds (65%) worry about how they’ll afford it, and over 40% believe they’ll have to scale back at work or even leave their jobs entirely to take on caregiving responsibilities. 

And few families are actually talking about caregiving plans. Only 30% of people have had “the talk” with their parents, and an even smaller number — just 27% — have taken steps to research long-term care options or insurance.

The result? A lot of uncertainty, a lot of stress for a generation of people grappling with their own issues.

The Squeeze Generation: "Generation Jones"

Born roughly between 1954 and 1965, Generation Jones occupies the often-overlooked demographic space between the Baby Boomers (1946–1964) and Generation X (1965–1980). The term “Generation Jones” was coined by social commentator Jonathan Pontell in the early 2000s. Some well-known members of Generation Jones are Kamala Harris, Stephen Colbert, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Michelle Yeoh, and Barack Obama, who acknowledged, “I identify with this generation between the Baby Boomers and Generation X. My mother was a Baby Boomer, and I'm part of Generation Jones.”

They differ from the older Boomers because they came of age during one of the most tumultuous transition periods in modern Western society. They missed the Summer of Love and they weren’t old enough to protest Vietnam in college, but they were old enough to watch Watergate unfold on grainy television sets.

Raised on the optimism of post-war prosperity, they entered adulthood facing oil crises, economic stagflation, and the gnawing realization that maybe—just maybe—the world wasn’t their oyster after all.

And now they find themselves caught by the often conflicting and competing priorities of children, parents, and career - experienced through a lens of skepticism acquired during their formative years.

Managing Life Transitions

A few years ago, The Village Chicago conducted some qualitative research on the complexity of life transitions for older adults. Adapting to the needs of aging parents evoked some deep feelings:

“I’m sad. My declining parents are no longer able to parent me. I feel orphaned.”

“We, the children, were not prepared. The signs of decline were around us, but we ignored them.”

The feeling of not being in control is a debilitating, counterproductive barrier to successful outcomes. The first and hardest step is to accept the changing reality and make a plan. There are many resources available to guide families through life and health transitions. Here are just a few.

An Important Insight from Our Experience

The Village's Director of Membership and Operations, Callie Alton, frequently hears from adult children who say, "This Village is just what our Mom needs" and signs Mom up as a member without speaking with her first. Alton says, "It's important to have a conversation with your parent before deciding. Not consulting the parent first can lead to feelings of resentment and distrust. It also makes it less likely that they will actively engage in Village activities. There's every chance the Village is exactly what was needed - but it has to be a joint decision."

Books

• A Bittersweet Season: Caring for Our Aging Parents--and Ourselves by Jane Gross 

• The Complete Eldercare Planner, Revised and Updated 4th Edition: Where to Start, Which Questions to Ask, and How to Find Help by Joy Loverde

• Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir by Roz Chast

• My Aging Parent Needs Help!: 7 Step Guide to Caregiving with No Regrets, More Compassion, and Going from Overwhelmed to Organized [Includes Tips for Caregiver Burnout] by Cynthia Kaye

Programs

The Village Chicago Health and Wellbeing Programs - Education and support programs that help individuals and families gain the confidence to make informed healthcare decisions.

The Village Chicago Brain Health & Memory Loss Program - Provides assistance in locating services and resources. Creates a broader community of support by connecting to others on the same journey including care partner support groups and engagement events.

Advance Care Planning: Preparing for Future Medical Care - Part of a series on planning for end of life care for individuals and families, hosted by the Chicago Area Villages Collaborative.

Meet Molly Conley, Executive Director

With energy, vision, and a proven track record, Molly Conley stepped into the role of Executive Director at The Village Chicago on July 7. She brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership, and a commitment to supporting older adults in living purposeful, connected lives. Her professional work in aging services at the HAP Foundation and personal experience as a caregiver have fueled her vision for an innovative, fiscally strong Village, attuned to the interests and needs of its members.

Save the Date! The Village Chicago

Annual Fundraiser

We're thrilled to invite you to this year's fundraiser, featuring an auction, games, entertainment, food, drink, and fun. This year, we're delighted to celebrate at a new venue, The Arbory, a beautiful space we think you'll love.

We are counting on you to join us for an unforgettable evening of impact and inspiration, where your generosity will help transform lives and create lasting differences in our community. By joining the host committee or becoming an underwriting sponsor before Thursday, July 31, you will be acknowledged in the printed invitation, mailed later this summer, and recognized as one of the champions who believe in the important work of the Village. 

We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests!

Officers

David Baker,

Chair

Judith Gethner,

Vice Chair

Liz Metzger,

Secretary

Thomas C. Eley III,

Treasurer

Joan Goldstein

Kathie Kolodgy

Karen Terry

Board of Directors

Don Bell

Jacie Brandes

Stefanie Clark

Tom Pasker

Lois Stuckey

Vamse Kumar Subbiah

Carlos Terrazas

Advisory Council

Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD

Robyn L. Golden, LCSW

Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD

Executive Director

Molly Conley

The Village Chicago is a community of people who choose to share interests, experience, and friendship as we age. Together with a professional staff, volunteers, and an extensive network of services and service providers, we offer new social connections, lifelong learning, opportunities to find purpose, and support through life transitions.  Everyone needs a Village - who's yours?

2502 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614. 773.248.8700

www.thevillagechicago.org