Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behavior; observed or perceived power imbalance; and repetition of behaviors or high likelihood of repetition. Bullying can be direct (e.g., bullying that occurs in the presence of a targeted individual) and indirect (e.g., bullying not directly communicated to a targeted individual such as spreading rumors). Don discusses why the staff at senior housing programs should become familiar with characteristics commonly shown among senior bullies and the long term effects of this behavior on both residents and staff.

Adults over age 50 are abusing drugs and alcohol at rates that rival younger generations and in some cases, exceeds them.  The baby boomer demographic was born in between 1946 and 1964 and had the highest substance abuse rates as teens and young adults among any of the other living generations.  Don discusses why boomers pickup drugs once again when the house is empty.  He also discusses those who never stopped using and bring these behaviors as well as other problems like incarceration, homelessness and bully behaviors into housing and how this affects residents and staff.

As the number of younger persons with disabilities living in state and federal elderly/disabled housing projects has grown, the problems associated with mixing tenant populations with different styles of living also have occurred with more frequency.  Staff are required to observe boundaries when working with residents but they often become blurred given the mixed populations that can lead to tension, disrespect and even violence among tenants and towards staff.  Don discusses boundaries and how to maintain them in an ever-changing environment.

The longer people live, the better chance there is that they will experience some form of loss. The loss of jobs, homes, and loved ones will weigh on a person in ways that aren’t always easily identifiable from the outside.  Many times, alcohol is used to fill that void.  With the greater effects that alcohol can carry as a person ages, they may not necessarily need to drink more to experience greater, potentially dangerous effects. Don discusses the symptoms of alcohol abuse and intervention methods.

Do you remember your parents sitting you down to discuss "the birds and the bees"?  Now imagine having this discussion with those who had it with you decades ago.  Is it uncomfortable?  Maybe.  But, age does not protect seniors from sexually transmitted diseases. Older people who are sexually active may be at risk for diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and trichomoniasis.  They are also at risk for sexual assault.  Don discusses how to approach this discussion.