Jean Owen always thought of herself as "somebody's someone" – first as her mother's daughter then as her husband's wife. It wasn't until she moved to Villa Gardens that she began stepping into her power as "Just Jean." As president of the resident council and key contributor to Sarah Friedland's award-winning film Familiar Touch (filmed on location at Villa Gardens), Jean has discovered a renewed sense of purpose and identity. Join us for this fascinating conversation about finding yourself and discovering the power of community at any (and every) age.
Chapters (timestamps)
00:00 — Welcome & show intro
00:41 — Anna Hall on purpose, belonging & memory care
04:38 — Meet today's guest: Jean Owen (Pasadena roots)
05:46 — Teaching, volunteering & community building
06:28 — Adopt-a-School: seniors + elementary students
08:02 — Proactive planning & the decision to move to Villa Gardens
12:11 — What "four levels of care" means (independent to skilled)
14:20 — Resident Council President: a personal self-awakening
15:49 — Embracing life's "third act"
17:01 — Making the film Familiar Touch at Villa Gardens
18:24 — Why the story matters; residents as cast & collaborators
20:25 — Authenticity: filming in a real community
22:11 — Talking openly about aging & dementia
23:41 — Normal changes vs. dementia; learning to wait for words
25:02 — "You move to retirement community to live your fullest"
25:53 — What's next: LeadingAge screening & closing reflections
26:53 — Credits & thanks
Key takeaways
Community is a choice—and a catalyst for purpose and growth.
Intergenerational connection changes attitudes on both sides.
Proactive moves to senior living can increase independence and options.
Authentic storytelling helps de-stigmatize dementia and aging.
Leadership and identity can deepen in later life ("one of one").
Guest bio
Jean Owen—Pasadena educator and community builder—helped launch Kidspace Children's Museum and coordinated Adopt-a-School partnerships (including Villa Gardens with Jefferson Elementary). Widowed in 2017, she moved to Villa Gardens, where she became Resident Council President and contributed to the film Familiar Touch—continuing her lifelong work of building community.
Host Bio
Anna Hall is a purpose-driven leader with over 25 years in senior living, spanning employee engagement, life enrichment, training, and innovation in age-tech and program design. A certified life coach and dynamic speaker, she helps people connect with meaning and motivation at every stage of life. She is the creator of The Purpose Equation®, an evidence-informed framework that empowers individuals to define and activate their unique purpose to enhance wellbeing, engagement, and collaboration. As Chief Culture & Community Officer at Front Porch Communities & Services, Anna leads initiatives that foster belonging, creativity, and human thriving—building communities where everyone feels valued and inspired to make a difference.
Resources mentioned
Kidspace Children's Museum (Pasadena)
Familiar Touch (feature film shot at Villa Gardens)
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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered, legal, health, tax, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for specific advice related to your situation.
#Aging #Community #SeniorLiving #Dementia #Purpose #Intergenerational #FamiliarTouch
