August 2011

It’s Off to Work I Go

The baby-boom generation is redefining aging. Today’s older American is living longer and is healthier. Current economic conditions, the availability of health insurance, and the need to maintain income security for retirement are causing many older Americans to remain in or rejoin the workforce. This changing landscape of America’s aging population means it is critical that workforce legislation address new requirements.

Communicating Age4Action’s Recommendations

Now that the Age4Action Network has released recommendations in the Modernizing the Older Americans Act (OAA) report, it is time for constituents and supporters to articulate these recommendations to legislators. An Age4Action webinar (download a pdf of the presentation) highlights three ways to share recommendations with members of Congress: write them, call them, or meet them in person.

New Resources – August 2011

The Win-Win of Senior Volunteering (Serve.gov, 2011); Unemployment Statistics on Older Americans (Urban Institute, 2011); and Baby Boomers Are a Growing Force In Healthcare (CBS, 2011)

July 2011

Miguel Angel Nuñez: Feeding Others Nourishes His Soul

Every Monday and Wednesday, 67-year-old Miguel Angel Nuñez rises at 4:30 AM. By 5:00, he is standing in line at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to pick up groceries for the food program at All Peoples Community Center in south L.A. Miguel is an RSVP volunteer at All Peoples but his work goes beyond volunteerism. Miguel is an entrepreneur, always on the lookout for deals that get more and better food for the people that the food program serves. He is one of four contest winners that Age4Action announced last month. Read Miguel’s story.

Meet the Network: Judy Diaz, Next Avenue

Judy Diaz is the first president of Next Avenue, a major new public television initiative that seeks to inform, inspire, and engage America’s booming and diverse older population as they plan for and live a second stage of adult life. Diaz sees Next Avenue as the media arm for organizations that serve the nation’s older population.

August Recess: A Perfect Opportunity to Engage Members of Congress

August is traditionally the month when congressional members take a recess. Recess doesn’t mean that members of Congress check out and lie on the beach; they actually do much the opposite. Members go to their districts and attend town hall meetings and other events to connect with constituents and supporters. It is a great time to reach out to members, but do your homework first.

New Resources – July 2011

Investing in National Service (Huffington Post; 2011); Data Warehouse (Urban Institute; 2011); and The Elephant in the Room: Age Discrimination in Employment (National Seniors Australia; 2011)

Featured

Modernizing the Older Americans Act

Age4Action conducted Idea Forums in six U.S. cities to learn how the OAA can help adults age 50+ who want to make contributions as dynamic advocates, valued workers, committed volunteers, lifelong learners, and respected leaders. The Forums drew more than 700 participants and used surveys, testimonies, and discussions to produce many important findings and promising ideas.

June 2011

Age4Action Contest Winners

In April, Age4Action announced a contest to select four people 50+ who are blazing new trails in work, service, learning, and leading. We are excited to announce the winners: Marie Jobling, Miguel Angel Nuñez, Peggy Brick, and Stan Roth.

Peggy Brick: A Champion for Sex and Intimacy in Later Life

Peggy Brick, 83, is a trailblazer in the field of older adult sexuality. She began her first “encore” after retiring from teaching high school as the education director at Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern New Jersey. Then she retired again and began focusing on sex-ed for older people. “For people 50+, sex education is no longer about the birds and bees. It’s often about learning how to talk about sex without being embarrassed,” says Brick. “Sometimes it’s about unlearning useless notions about sexual rights and wrongs, do’s and don’ts.” She is the author and co-author of several sexuality education manuals, including two addressing older adults. Read more about Peggy Brick, a remarkable educator.