We are delighted to introduce Board Member Paula Basta. Paula is a seasoned professional with more than 40 years of experience in the field of aging. In January, Paula started a new role as the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Program Development at the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP). Before beginning this role, Paula served as the Director of the Illinois Department on Aging. Her appointment to this prestigious position in March 2019 by Governor J.B. Pritzker is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to the welfare of older adults.
For the first twenty years of her career, Paula worked at non-profit organizations, including Little Brothers—Friends of the Elderly and Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.). She also worked with the City of Chicago’s Department on Aging as the Director of Information and Assistance before transitioning to a 14-year career as the Regional Director of the Northeast (Levy) Senior Center. Overall, she spent the past 22 years in government.
***
Q: Paula, your career has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults. Could you share the moment when you realized this was your true calling?
I have always been comfortable being around older adults. Growing up, I lived near my grandparents and saw them often. They were wonderful to be around!
After my grandfather died, my grandmother moved in with my family. Having her live with us was a constant source of joy and laughter!
Q: As someone who has seen the aging field through various perspectives throughout the years, what positive changes have you seen in the aging space?
Throughout my career, I have seen many services and programs for older adults grow. There has been a real effort for aging services to be more inclusive of the rich diversity of our growing population of older adults. Providers must take into consideration the identities and backgrounds of the people they serve. It is great to see aging services’ consideration of a senior’s language, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, etc. because all of this results in better service and happier, healthier seniors.
Q: That being said, many changes are still needed to improve our society’s aging services. What do you think are the most pressing needs today?
While aging services have grown over the past decades, more work remains to be done. Our society must address aging in all aspects, especially in healthcare. Our senior population continues to grow, and our healthcare system needs to expand to support these individuals.
We also need to prepare to address solo-agers, especially those who have no family support and few financial resources.
Q: You have spent time as an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University, specifically mentoring students in the Bridge program. What’s your favorite part of mentoring the next generation of aging service providers?
Bridge is a great program! I loved meeting with my mentee – she was always asking the right questions and was very enthusiastic to learn more about the depth and breadth of aging services. I appreciated her curiosity about the field and my ability to share my career expertise. I also enjoyed coaching her about day-to-day workplace practices, like how to provide good supervision, and navigate challenging work situations –things students might not discuss in a classroom.
Q: We greatly appreciate your leadership on our Board. Could you share which CMSS programs and initiatives you are most enthusiastic about and what you eagerly anticipate for the organization?
I really love the West Suburban Senior Center and all the programming and activities they provide daily. From healthy meals to exercise and art classes, this program is helping seniors stay engaged. And I really admire their emphasis on inclusion and the fact that CMSS offers an LGBT+ program for older adults in the western suburbs.
Q: Congratulations on your newest position. Can you share a little about your new role and what lies ahead for you?
I recently accepted and began a part-time position at the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP). IATP is a non-profit organization that aims to provide Illinoisans of all ages with disabilities and health conditions greater access to assistive technology devices and services. I love IATP’s focus on providing assistive technology to our older adult population across Illinois. As many of us age, we want to utilize technology to make the process easier and more comfortable. IATP uses a vast array of technologies to keep older adults and people of all ages with disabilities in their homes as long as possible. It’s a great mission, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
