It is the simplest of tools designed to help us tackle the complexities of life. It helps reduce errors, remember what’s important, assess and reflect on what and how we’re doing. Pilots, astronauts, builders and surgeons use them to save lives.

What is this elementary yet powerful tool?  A checklist.

Is it possible that a simple checklist could do for the growing issue of social isolation among older adults what previous versions have done for saving lives in surgery?

Bob McKinnon, host of the podcast Attribution, talks to Sandy Markwood, CEO of US Aging, a national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging, and the organization behind the Social Isolation Self-Assessment Checklist to discuss the promise of this tool.  At the end of the episode, listeners will have the opportunity to self-assess as we review each of the questions on the checklist.

For more information on The Checklist and the resources mentioned in this program, please visit:

US Aging

Eldercare Locator

Social Isolation Self-Assessment Checklist

The Checklist is a WLIW-FM special program that is part of the “Aging Together in New York” initiative from public media stations focusing on social isolation and loneliness among older adults. This program is funded by the New York State Education Department.

HOST

Bob McKinnon is a writer, designer, and teacher who asks us to reconsider the way we see success and the American Dream. 

His work has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Fast Company, NPR, and PBS.

His own journey out of poverty was captured in his TEDx talk: How Did I End Up Here. Through his writing and this podcast, he hopes to pay tribute and thanks to all those who have helped him and others move up in life.

CREDITS

Attribution is distributed in part by NPR station, WLIW-FM. You can listen on WLIW.org/radio or on NPR One mobile app as well as other major podcast networks.

This show was edited by No Troublemakers Media. Music by Jonnie “Most” Davis.

Our final credit goes to you, the listener, and to everyone who helped you get to where you are today. If this show has reminded you of someone in particular, make their day and let them know.