Katina Mustipher, Elder Options CEO, answers your questions!
What is your vision of our company in 3-5 years’ time?
Whenever anyone in our community- professional or older individual- thinks of anything related to older adults, I want them to immediately think of Elder Options.. I think we are the best-kept secret but we should not be. I want the community to know about us and what we offer- not just the services but education and program opportunities like Medicare, Fall Prevention, Informal Caregiving, chronic health and many others.
What are some of the biggest challenges the aging population faces today?
*There are some huge challenges such as housing needs, worker shortages, and funding for services but one of the biggest is the stigma our society and culture place on older adults. Aging is a beautiful part of life…it means you are experienced and you know how to survive. Older Adults are a major untapped resource in our community, and I want EO to be a part of showing the vitality and talents of Older Adults.
What are the ways we can address challenges facing the aging population?
Change how Elders are seen in the media and include Elders in decision-making!
We actively seek Older Adult’s input and participation on key issues as we develop initiatives and we recruit Older Adults as volunteers and employees. For example, the consultant that assists Elder Options with grant writing is an Elder. Her insights into the needs and thoughts of older individuals are invaluable. I enjoy working with her because she adds an important perspective to our work, a distinct voice, and I appreciate that.
What are you most excited about?
My new role with Elder Options. I have been at EO for over 25 years and now I get to work closer with our partners so that we collaborate to advance the needs of Seniors and Elder Options. We just partnered with UPLIFT, and organization focused on aging in place, which aligns with our mission.
I want to see how we implement new technologies and programs, and develop new partnerships so that we can Age in Communities!
What does an average day look like for you?
Each morning I’m up by 6:00 for some meditation, By 7:15 I’m on my computer checking emails before any calls start, and at 8:15 we do a Management check-in, Typically I have 3-4 meetings -zoom or face-to-face internal and external after the morning Management meeting.
Afternoons are usually just as busy as mornings, returning phone calls, and meeting with community partners. Evenings are for connecting with friends, catching up on reading, and getting a good nights sleep!
What was the last book you read?
Michelle Obama- The Light We Carry- I loved it.
What was the last photo you took?
I went to a music festival recently and took a picture of Babyface on my phone. He is one of my favorite musicians, truly a prolific songwriter and singer.
What is your most used app on your phone?
Waze- It’s essential for directions to any place I go – our 16-county area is large!
What are your hobbies when you are not working or speaking at events?
Going to concerts, dancing, and reading.
