Summit 2024: The Movement to Reframe Aging
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The National Center to Reframe Aging presents Summit 2024: The Movement to Reframe Aging, a groundbreaking event centered on our collective goal to revolutionize the way we communicate, think, and act as we all share the universal experience of aging. Panel discussions will delve into the movement's implications across diverse sectors. Be a part of transformative conversations with thought leaders, national experts, federal representatives, and local, regional, and state-based leaders to learn more about the current movement to reframe aging, gain insight into what’s next, and exchange ideas for advancing an equitable and complete story about aging in America.
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Trish D'Antonio, Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs at the Gerontological Society of America and Executive Director of the National Center to Reframe Aging, provides opening remarks.
Trish D'Antonio, Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs at the Gerontological Society of America and Executive Director of the National Center to Reframe Aging, provides opening remarks.
Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
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Nat Kendall-Taylor, PhD, CEO of the FrameWorks Institute, guides participants through the concept of framing using his background in psychological anthropology and communications science to highlight the importance of narrative strategy.
Nat Kendall-Taylor, PhD, serves as the Chief Executive Officer at the FrameWorks Institute, where he oversees the organization's pioneering research-based approach to strategic communications. This approach uses methods from the social and behavioral sciences to measure how people understand complex socio-political issues and tests ways to reframe them to drive social change.
With a background in psychological anthropology and communications science, Dr. Kendall-Taylor guides participants through framing, which is the choices we make in presenting ideas (e.g., values used for an argument, interdependence of ideas, metaphors, pronouns, and verbs used). He then discusses cultural mindsets, which are implicit understandings and patterns of reasoning that influence communication at a subconscious level. Three mindsets that block change are fatalism, individualism, and otherism. Dr. Kendall-Taylor used the framing of tobacco products as an example because, historically, tobacco use was framed as an individual vice (individualism mindset). It was not until tobacco was framed as a defective product/dangerous consumer good that the cultural mindset shifted, and practical policy change occurred.
Kendall-Taylor then discusses the three "ingredients" necessary to shift mindsets:
1. The first is framing and narrative strategy, which is what to say and how to say it. Dr. Kendall-Taylor emphasized the need to include context in messaging and focus on broader, thematic stories about well-being across the life course to avoid individualism.
2. Next, individuals must reset their problem/solution balance in communication practices. For example, issues framed with a high degree of urgency, but low solution efficacy lead directly to fatalism. Therefore, we must focus on telling solution stories and demonstrating positive outcomes to garner support.
3. Finally, Dr. Kendall-Taylor underscored the importance of building momentum and collectivism. Research shows that sharing common stories and brief exposure to a metaphor for building momentum (e.g., momentum is powerful) reduced people's implicit bias by almost a third. Dr. Kendall-Taylor ended his powerful speech with a quote from Adrienne Maree Brown, "There is an art to flocking: staying separate enough not to crowd each other, aligned enough to maintain a shared direction, and cohesive enough to always move towards each other."
Nat Kendall Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
FrameWorks Institute
Nat Kendall-Taylor serves as Chief Executive Officer at the FrameWorks Institute. Nat oversees the organization’s pioneering, research-based approach to strategic communications, which uses methods from the social and behavioral sciences to measure how people understand complex socio-political issues and tests ways to reframe them to drive social change. As CEO, he leads a multi-disciplinary team of social scientists and communications practitioners who investigate ways to apply innovative framing research methods to social issues and train nonprofit organizations to put the findings into practice.
An expert in psychological anthropology and communications science, Nat publishes widely in the popular and professional press and lectures frequently in the United States and abroad. His work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as Science Communication, Human Organization, Applied Communications Research, Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Annals of Anthropological Practice. He has presented at numerous conferences and organizations in the United States and around the world, ranging from Harvard University and the National Academy of Sciences to the Parenting Research Centre in Australia, the Science and Society Symposium in Canada, and Amnesty International in the United Kingdom. He is a senior fellow at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, a visiting professor at the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine, and a fellow at the British-American Project.
Nat joined FrameWorks in 2008; since then, he has led work across the FrameWorks portfolio, with a special focus on issues related to early childhood development and mental health, criminal justice, and aging. He has also led the expansion of FrameWorks’ work outside the United States, working in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Kenya, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Prior to joining FrameWorks, Nat’s research focused on understanding the social and cultural factors that create health disparities and affect decision-making. He has conducted fieldwork on the Swahili coast of Kenya, where he studied pediatric epilepsy, traditional healing, and the impacts of chronic illness on family well-being, and in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, where he studied child marriage and higher education. He has also conducted ethnographic research on theories of motivation in “extreme” athletes. Nat holds a BA from Emory University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
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This panel discussion explores the pervasive impact of ageism, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive age-inclusive environments, public-private partnerships, and the need for challenging conversations to drive societal change.
Moderator: Hon. Kathy Greenlee, J.D., Senior Director of Elder Justice Initiatives, Advancing States
Panelists:
• Stacy Torres, PhD, Assistant Professor of Sociology (University of California, San Francisco)
• Alicia Harkness, Partner & Healthcare Segment Leader (Guidehouse)
• John Beard, MBBS, PhD, Irene Diamond Professor of Productive Aging (Columbia University)Objectives:
• Establish a common understanding regarding the health, economic, and societal impact of ageism.
• Discuss the compounding effect ageism has on individuals experiencing other forms of marginalization.
• Establish the impact of deeply rooted patterns of thinking concerning our age and intersecting identities.Summary:
The first panel of Summit 2024 explored the pervasive impact of ageism and strategies for fostering age-inclusive environments. Dr. John Beard opened the discussion by examining how stereotypes about aging influence economic policies and research, highlighting the negative connotations associated with terms like "the elderly." Dr. Stacy Torres emphasized the insidious nature of internalized ageism, which fosters fears of aging reinforced by media, family, and societal policies. Alicia Harkness shared how Guidehouse combats ageism by promoting flexible workplace arrangements and eliminating mandatory retirement ages.
The panelists proposed several measures to raise awareness of ageism, including influencing policies, educating all age groups, and encouraging healthcare providers to recognize their biases. They discussed practical steps communities can take to advance age-inclusive planning, such as considering comprehensive transportation, housing, and city planning approaches. Dr. Beard shared his experiences with the World Health Organization's age-friendly cities initiative, while Dr. Torres highlighted the importance of accessible public spaces.
Concluding the discussion, the panelists stressed the diversity and resilience of older adults and the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting age-inclusive communities. They urged collaboration with community leaders and the media to educate the public and reshape perceptions of aging. Audience questions addressed the implications of the term "age-friendly" and strategies for engaging others in the movement, emphasizing the need for open and sometimes challenging conversations to drive change.
Hon. Kathy Greenlee (Moderator)
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging
Kathy Greenlee is an attorney with 25 years of public service experience. She has expertise in aging, long-term care, disability, elder rights, health care, community services, rural aging, and LGBT health.
In 2009, she was appointed U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging by President Obama, a position she held for seven years. During her time in Washington, Greenlee created the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an agency that administers a broad range of aging and disability programs. Greenlee provided national and international leadership on preventing and responding to elder abuse. She chaired the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, created a federal home for state adult protective services programs, and created the national elder maltreatment data collection system. Greenlee also co-chaired the HHS LGBT Issues Coordinating Committee, an endeavor that resulted in comprehensive program and policy improvements for LGBTQ individuals.
In fall 2018, Greenlee launched a consulting business, Greenlee Global, LLC, to pursue aging-related projects regionally, nationally, and internationally. In early 2018, the Sunflower Foundation announced a major grant to support her continued work in the areas of elder abuse and neglect. In May 2020, Greenlee began working with the State of Kansas, serving as the Kansas COVID-19 LTSS Liaison.
Greenlee spent 18 years in Kansas state government. She served in numerous high-level positions, such as Secretary of Aging for Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, General Counsel for the Kansas Insurance Department, and Assistant Attorney General.
Greenlee has a B.S. in Business Administration and a J.D. in law from the University of Kansas. She is a fifth generation Kansan and grew up in a small town near Wichita. She currently resides in Lenexa, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.
John Beard
Irene Diamond Professor and Director of the International Longevity Center (USA)
Columbia University
John Beard, MBBS PhD, is Irene Diamond Professor and Director of the International Longevity Center- USA at Columbia University, New York. He was previously Director of Ageing and Life Course with WHO in Geneva. He was lead writer for the World report on ageing and health which underpins the current UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, oversaw development of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) programme, and established the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. He has worked extensively with the World Economic Forum and participated in the US National Academy of Medicine Commission on Healthy Longevity.
Alicia Harkness
Founding Partner
Guidehouse
Alicia Harkness is a certified health care financial professional and certified change management professional. She is a founding partner at Guidehouse, where she serves as the Health segment leader and former diversity leader. She works with government, commercial, and nonprofit organizations to make a positive impact on society while balancing cost efficiency, service, quality, and compliance. In addition to Commercial Payers, Providers and Life Sciences companies, some of her government clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Military Health System, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Harkness has more than 25 years of experience providing information technology consulting and managing teams. She previously was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a vice president at BearingPoint, and partner at KPMG Peat Marwick.
In 2018, Harkness received the Women in Leadership Leading for Impact Federal Health IT Award. Harkness has a Bachelor of Science in business management from Lehigh University and attended INSEAD’s executive education program.Stacy Torres
Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing
Dr. Stacy Torres is an Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing, and an avid public sociologist. She is the author of the forthcoming book, At Home in the City: Growing Old in Urban America (University of California Press). A proud first-generation college graduate, Stacy grew up in New York City.
Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
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Panel 2 highlighted impactful age-inclusive initiatives, including Mississippi's collaborative journey to becoming an age-friendly state, Lasell University's focus on intergenerational exchange, and New York's efforts to enhance healthcare quality for older adults. The discussion emphasized the need for cross-sector leadership and representation, advocating for aging without contributing to age discrimination and promoting intergenerational understanding to reshape community perspectives on aging.
Moderator: Hon. Lance Robertson, Partner, Guidehouse
Panelists:
• Kina White, DrPH, MHSA, FACHE, Office Director (Office of Community Health Improvement, Mississippi Department of Health)
• Joann Montepare, PhD, Director and Professor of Psychology (Lasell University)
• Maria Torroella Carney, MD, FACP, Professor (Institute of Health System Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Chief, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Northwell Health)Objectives:
• Illustrate how age-inclusive initiatives influence how communities understand aging.
• Demonstrate the power of effective communication strategies in creating a shared language for these initiatives.Summary:
Panel 2 began with the panelists sharing impactful examples of age-inclusive initiatives from their fields. Dr. Kina White discussed Mississippi's journey to becoming an age-friendly state over the past three and a half years, emphasizing a collaborative approach. By starting with public health systems work, engaging stakeholders, convening bipartisan leadership, and developing health aging champions—such as older adult ambassadors working alongside public health systems—Mississippi has made significant strides in promoting age-inclusivity.
Dr. Joann Montepare highlighted Lasell University's efforts to become an age-friendly university in 2015, focusing on intergenerational exchange through coursework and candid dialogue. She emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of lifelong learning that embraces all ages. Dr.
Maria Torroella Carney shared insights from New York's age-friendly health system initiative, which began in 2019 and works to improve the quality of care, support for caregivers, and patient experiences, ensuring that age-inclusivity remains at the forefront of healthcare.Throughout the discussion, panelists explored the need for leadership buy-in across sectors to champion age-inclusivity, noting that representation from every part of the ecosystem is crucial to creating actionable change. Dr. White emphasized the importance of identifying and supporting family caregivers in inpatient settings, as many caregivers often do not recognize themselves as such.
When asked what they hoped people would focus on in this conversation, Dr. Carney stressed the need to advocate for aging without inadvertently contributing to age discrimination, raising the question, "How do we give more attention to this area without negatively impacting it?" Dr. Montepare spoke about adopting a holistic lifespan view in education, where age-inclusive programs can be as valuable as focusing on individual achievements.
The conversation also addressed ageism across the spectrum, including against younger generations. The panelists discussed promoting intergenerational understanding and agreed on the importance of retiring generational stereotypes (e.g., "Millennials," "Gen Z") to prevent perpetuating harmful generalizations. Dr. White brought attention to the role of health literacy, noting that bridging the gap for those with lower literacy levels is essential, particularly in a digital age where tools like QR codes may inadvertently exclude certain groups.
Overall, the panel underscored how age-inclusive initiatives can reshape community perspectives on aging. By using effective communication strategies and creating shared language, these initiatives pave the way for more inclusive, understanding, and supportive communities.
Lance Roberston (Moderator)
Director, Guidehouse
Former HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging
Lance Robertson is a Partner in State Health at Guidehouse. He joined the firm in 2021, after serving in Washington DC as the Assistant Secretary on Aging and Administrator of the HHS Administration for Community Living (ACL). From 2007 to 2017, Lance served as the Director of Aging Services for the State of Oklahoma and oversaw the Older Americans Act programs and ran the state’s largest Medicaid waiver. He is also a Past President of ADvancing States, the national association membership group of State Aging Directors. Prior to state service, Lance was an administrator for twelve years at Oklahoma State University. He has served on numerous boards and committees at the local, state and federal levels and speaks regularly at events across the country. He is a subject matter expert on home and community-based services, social drivers of health, community-based organization network development, stakeholder engagement, public sector leadership and more. He has a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Central Oklahoma and is an Army veteran.
Kina White
Director, Office of Community Health Improvement
Mississippi State Department of Health
Kina L. White, DrPH, MHSA, FACHE is the Office of Community Health Improvement Director at the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Her office includes three Bureaus: Healthy Aging, Injury and Violence Prevention, and Community and School Health. Dr. White is the Principal Investigator for multiple federal grant programs, also serving as the State Lead for the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems Initiative (AFPHS) with Trust for America’s Health. Under Dr. White’s leadership, MSDH achieved Exemplar status as the 3rd U.S.-recognized Age-Friendly Public Health System in May 2023. Strategic efforts are underway for age-friendly communities, universities, and health systems to advance the development of an age-friendly ecosystem.
Dr. White serves on the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative Interest Group. She is a board-certified Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and currently serves as Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives of Mississippi. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. White is an equity strategist with an extensive background in healthcare management, policy change, and public health administration.
Dr. White holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctor of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Jackson State University. In addition, Dr. White has completed a two-year NIH-R25 Clinical and Community-Based HIV/AIDS Research Training (CCRT) Fellowship at Brown University. Dr. White is a graduate of the Mississippi Economic Council’s Leadership Mississippi program. She is an Adjunct Faculty at Belhaven University in Adult, Graduate, and Online Studies. Dr. White is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. White has a sincere passion for working with underrepresented communities and increasing equitable access to improve health outcomes.Joann Montepare
Director of the RoseMary B. Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies, Professor of Psychology
Lasell University
Joann M. Montepare, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE, FAPA (Director of the RoseMary B. Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies, Professor of Psychology, Lasell University) is the Chair of the GSA-AGHE Age Inclusivity in Higher Education (AIHE) Workgroup and Editor of the AIHE Newsletter. In addition to conducting research exploring social and personal perceptions of age, she is an advocate of intergenerational teaching and learning and has developed innovative educational programs such as “Talk of Ages” to bring older and younger learners together in and beyond the classroom across the curriculum. She is a co-investigator on RRF-funded research that guided the development of the Age Inclusivity Domains of Higher Education (AIDHE) model to promote age inclusivity in higher education and the Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) to assess campus practices and perceptions.
Dr. Maria Torroella Carney
Medical Director for Continuing Care and Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
Northwell Health
Dr. Maria Torroella Carney is a board-certified internist, geriatrician, and palliative care physician with clinical, research, administrative, and public health leadership experience. She has been at Northwell Health since 2012 and is currently Medical Director for Continuing Care and Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine. She is Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra / Northwell.
Dr. Carney trained in Internal Medicine at Georgetown School of Medicine and The New York Hospital - Weill/Cornell Medical Center and completed a research-oriented fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. She served as commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Health on Long Island, New York serving a population of 1.3 million residents from 2008-2011.
She has dedicated her career to promoting longevity, healthy aging, and high-quality care for older adults and those with serious illness. She was selected as a 2022-2023 Health and Aging Policy Fellow, a national leadership program. In May 2024, The Aging Revolution, a book co-authored with Michael Dowling and Charles Kenney will be published.
Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
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Panel 3, moderated by Hon. Kathy Greenlee, explored state and local initiatives aimed at reshaping the discourse on aging. The panelists emphasized the importance of community engagement, effective communication strategies, and involving diverse demographics to foster a more inclusive understanding of aging.
Moderator: Hon. Kathy Greenlee, J.D., Senior Director of Elder Justice Initiatives, Advancing States
Panelists:
• Nels Holmgren, Division Director, Aging and Adult Services (State of Utah Department of Health and Human Services)
• Jason Kavulich, Secretary of Aging (Pennsylvania Department of Aging)
• Beth Kowalczyk, J.D., Chief Executive Officer (Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging)
• Jess Mauer, J.D., Executive Director (Maine Council on Aging)Objectives:
• Learn how state and local organizations are changing the discourse on aging to create better systems and outcomes for all individuals as they age.
• Review successful examples of reframed communication strategies applied across various sectors nationwide.Summary:
Panel 3, moderated by Hon. Kathy Greenlee, J.D., focused on innovative approaches to reshaping the discourse on aging through state and local initiatives. Jess Mauer from Maine introduced the Power in Aging Project, which aims to eliminate ageism by 2032 and features the Leadership Exchange on Ageism (LEA) training program that has graduated over 200 leaders.
Nels Holmgren of Utah discussed the Disagree Better initiative, designed to foster constructive conversations as the state adapts to demographic changes. Beth Kowalczyk from Ohio highlighted the state's advocacy efforts centered around budget policy and effective communication strategies, wearing a pin that read, "Aging is so cool, everyone is doing it!" to frame the conversation positively.
Jason Kavulich from Pennsylvania recounted the development of their Multisector Plan on Aging (Aging Our Way PA), set to launch in May 2024, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration and direct outreach to older adults.
The panelists shared insights on influencing change, with Holmgren advocating for kindness and grace in communication, while Mauer noted that discussing aging openly improves perceptions. Kowalczyk emphasized that reframing the narrative requires thoughtful framing of language.
In response to audience questions about incentivizing LEA training participation, Mauer explained their strategy focuses on embedding early adopters to build momentum. Ultimately, the panelists highlighted the necessity of community engagement and involving all demographics to create a more inclusive society regarding aging.Hon. Kathy Greenlee (Moderator)
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging
Kathy Greenlee is an attorney with 25 years of public service experience. She has expertise in aging, long-term care, disability, elder rights, health care, community services, rural aging, and LGBT health.
In 2009, she was appointed U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging by President Obama, a position she held for seven years. During her time in Washington, Greenlee created the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an agency that administers a broad range of aging and disability programs. Greenlee provided national and international leadership on preventing and responding to elder abuse. She chaired the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, created a federal home for state adult protective services programs, and created the national elder maltreatment data collection system. Greenlee also co-chaired the HHS LGBT Issues Coordinating Committee, an endeavor that resulted in comprehensive program and policy improvements for LGBTQ individuals.
In fall 2018, Greenlee launched a consulting business, Greenlee Global, LLC, to pursue aging-related projects regionally, nationally, and internationally. In early 2018, the Sunflower Foundation announced a major grant to support her continued work in the areas of elder abuse and neglect. In May 2020, Greenlee began working with the State of Kansas, serving as the Kansas COVID-19 LTSS Liaison.
Greenlee spent 18 years in Kansas state government. She served in numerous high-level positions, such as Secretary of Aging for Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, General Counsel for the Kansas Insurance Department, and Assistant Attorney General.
Greenlee has a B.S. in Business Administration and a J.D. in law from the University of Kansas. She is a fifth generation Kansan and grew up in a small town near Wichita. She currently resides in Lenexa, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.
Nels Holmgren
Director
Division of Aging and Adult Services, Utah
Nels Holmgren is the Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services at the State of Utah, which oversees programs mandated by the Older Americans Act to promote healthy and secure lifestyles for Utah’s growing senior population. Working with local partners, the Area Agencies on Aging, and other interested parties in the Aging network, the Division provides critical services to empower Utah’s seniors to remain independent in their own homes. Additionally, the Division oversees Utah’s Adult Protective Services which investigates cases of abuse neglect and exploitation among Utah’s seniors and vulnerable adults, and works to resolve protective needs, as well as the Utah Office of Pubic Guardian, which serves as the guardian of last resort for adults across the state.
During his time with the Division, Nels served on a number of related boards and commissioned and is currently the president of the board for ADvancing States, which represents state aging agencies across the nation. Prior to coming to the Division, he was a Senior Business Manager in Convergys Corporation’s healthcare and Pharmaceutical division.
Nels received Bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University and his Masters of Business Administration from the Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. He and his wife Emily are the parents of five children.
Jason Kavulich
Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
In 2023, Jason Kavulich was nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as Secretary of Aging for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where one in three residents will be age 60+ by 2030. Secretary Kavulich is leading and advocating for an aging network of quality, sustainable programs that support Pennsylvania’s growing older adult population to stay healthy and active, age in their home settings of choice and thrive in their older years with safety and dignity. One of his first actions has been to lead the development of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan to transform the state’s infrastructure of aging services.
A lifelong resident of Scranton, PA, Jason has brought 24 years of experience within the human services field to the mission, most recently as director of the award-winning Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging.
Beth Kowalczyk
Chief Executive Officer
Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Beth Kowalczyk was named Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging in January 2024 after serving 11 years as the Association’s Chief Policy Officer. Ms. Kowalczyk has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and a Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law. Ms. Kowalczyk has served in state government and was also a legal aid attorney for several years. Ms. Kowalczyk is also now serving her second term as a City Councilmember in Worthington, Ohio, and she is currently President Pro-Tem.
Jess Maurer
Executive Director
Maine Council on Aging
Jess Maurer is the Executive Director of the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA), a multidisciplinary network of 140 businesses and community members working to ensure we can all live healthy, engaged, and secure lives as we age. She leads data-informed policy change efforts on issues related to ageism, equity, poverty, housing, transportation, workforce, and care. With the goal of ending ageism in Maine, Jess co-designed the Leadership Exchange on Ageism, an innovative program that has inspired over 200 leaders to take meaningful action on ageism. An attorney, Jess worked for 17 years in the Maine Office of the Attorney General.
Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
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Panel 4 of Summit 2024, titled "Elevating the Aging Discourse: The Federal Perspective," explored the pivotal role of federal policy in shaping the conversation about aging, emphasizing collaboration among agencies and intergenerational engagement. Panelists discussed the importance of the principles to reframe aging, highlighting AmeriCorps and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion initiatives to foster community service and healthy aging across the lifespan.
Moderator: Hon. Lance Robertson, Partner, Guidehouse
Panelists:
• Yen Lin, MPH, Healthy Aging Lead, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• Kari Benson, MPH, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging (Administration for Community Living)
• Atalaya Sergi, MSW, Director, AmeriCorps Seniors (AmeriCorps)Objectives:
• Demonstrate why the way we communicate about aging is essential on a federal level.
• Discuss the vantage point of federal stakeholders and why the dialogue on aging is essential for all of us.Summary:
In this engaging panel, the discussion centered on the critical role of federal policy in shaping the discourse on aging. Atalaya Sergi highlighted her efforts with AmeriCorps, emphasizing the engagement of individuals over 55 in community service, presenting a model where older adults actively contribute to societal well-being. She elaborated on the costs associated with service participation, the potential of grant opportunities to alleviate these costs, and the need to frame such service as beneficial to the nation.
Kari Benson stressed the importance of collaboration among federal agency partners, particularly those who may not traditionally view their roles as contributors to the aging discourse. She shared insights into her office's efforts to develop a national plan on aging, which involves collaboration with various stakeholders and rethinking approaches through a reframing strategy.
Yen Lin discussed the initiatives of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) in raising awareness about healthy aging across the lifespan. She mentioned the department's engagement with reframing efforts since 2020 and how lessons learned from the National Center to Reframe Aging have informed the refresh of content on health.gov.
The conversation touched upon inclusivity, with Benson mentioning her team's commitment to training and creating safe spaces for open discussions about reframing aging. Sergi raised concerns about the competition inadvertently created between older and younger generations, advocating for a shift towards intergenerational collaboration.
Lin pointed out that the Healthy People 2030 initiative collects disaggregated data by age group, which aids in informing policymakers and engaging various collaborators and funders. The audience Q&A segment highlighted the involvement of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security in reframing aging initiatives.
The panel concluded with Sergi expressing hopes for strengthened partnerships between AmeriCorps and higher education to encourage lifelong service participation. Lin emphasized the necessity of involving multiple sectors—including law enforcement, housing, and urban planning—to maximize the impact on communities.
Lance Roberston (Moderator)
Director, Guidehouse
Former HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging
Lance Robertson is a Partner in State Health at Guidehouse. He joined the firm in 2021, after serving in Washington DC as the Assistant Secretary on Aging and Administrator of the HHS Administration for Community Living (ACL). From 2007 to 2017, Lance served as the Director of Aging Services for the State of Oklahoma and oversaw the Older Americans Act programs and ran the state’s largest Medicaid waiver. He is also a Past President of ADvancing States, the national association membership group of State Aging Directors. Prior to state service, Lance was an administrator for twelve years at Oklahoma State University. He has served on numerous boards and committees at the local, state and federal levels and speaks regularly at events across the country. He is a subject matter expert on home and community-based services, social drivers of health, community-based organization network development, stakeholder engagement, public sector leadership and more. He has a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Central Oklahoma and is an Army veteran.
Yen Lin
Healthy Aging Lead
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Department of Health and Human Services
Yen Lin leads Healthy Aging for the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the US Department of Health and Human Services. She has led a series of national Symposia and action planning workshops to strengthen collaboration among public health and aging and adult services leaders to support the health and well-being of older adults. She leads strategic data visualization for the Healthy People 2030 initiative and advises several federal Healthy People workgroups, including Older Adults and Dementias Including Alzheimer’s. She represents ODPHP on interagency workgroups focused on health equity and environmental justice. She holds a Master of Public Health from Case Western Reserve University.
Kari Benson
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging
U.S. Administration for Community Living
Kari Benson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Administration for Community Living. In this role, Kari leads the Administration on Aging in advocating on behalf of older Americans. She guides and promotes the development of home and community-based services policy designed to afford older people and their caregivers the ability to age with dignity and independence and to have a broad array of options available for an enhanced quality of life. This includes the promotion and implementation of evidence-based prevention interventions proven effective in avoiding or delaying the onset of chronic disease and illness.
Atalaya Sergi
Director
AmeriCorps Seniors
Atalaya Sergi leads AmeriCorps Seniors, the federal grant-making office focused on engaging people aged 55+ in national service and volunteerism. She has spent her career as a leader in national service, community engagement, and education, working in the public and nonprofit sectors. Atalaya launched her former organization’s only AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent program and co-founded Los Angeles Generation to Generation, to engage older persons in supporting young children. At AmeriCorps Seniors she has led the development of new funding opportunities to support pandemic recovery, partnerships with Tribal nations, and workforce development - a service to work opportunity for older persons.
Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.
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Panel 5 of Summit 2024, titled "Ageism's Political Footprint: Voters, Candidates, and Policies," explored the impact of ageism on the upcoming Presidential Election, emphasizing the need for more informed media coverage and the importance of understanding older voters' diverse perspectives. The panelists discussed strategies to address misconceptions about aging, advocate for age-inclusive policies, and encourage collaboration among individuals and organizations to combat ageism in political discourse.
Moderator: James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD, Chief Executive Officer (GSA)
Panelists:
• Liz Seegert, Health Reporter/Writer/Producer
• Moira O'Neil, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research Interpretation (FrameWorks Institute)
• Nancy LeaMond, MA, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer/Executive Vice President (AARP)Objectives:
• Discuss ageism's role in the Presidential elections and its impact on voters, candidate platforms, and age policy agendas.
• Explore the misconceptions about aging that contribute to the perpetuation of ageist attitudes surrounding candidates.
• Address what should be expected of news outlets regarding the accurate reporting on aging topics in general and ageism in particular.
• Explore what individuals and organizations can do to respond to ageism in election coverage, recognizing that discourse drives public thinking.
• Apply knowledge of current age-inclusive policy needs and how we can advocate for these policies in the upcoming elections.Summary of Discussion:
James Appleby initiated the final panel discussion by discussing ongoing ageism in election coverage. He noted that many reporters do not understand aging science, and the media often portrays life expectancy issues negatively. Seegert was asked how we can get more journalists and the media to integrate robust science into how they cover age and ageism in the upcoming election.
In response, Seegert remarked that most journalists do not cover ageism full-time, so their knowledge is superficial. Seegert emphasized the need to engage local media outlets, as this is where most Americans get their news, as well as engaging health and business reporters on the science of aging to generate understanding. Dr. O'Neil discussed the need to proactively reach out to the media with resources on the science of aging to push these messages out to the public.
Questions then turned to analyzing ageism in the upcoming Presidential Election, where LeaMond remarked that there are currently more discussions on younger voters in this political cycle even though in almost all elections, older voters have historically been the deciding vote as they comprise most voters. However, older voters are incredibly diverse, and trends show growing frustrations, especially among older women voters, on whether elected officials are in office for the right reasons. Panelists discussed the role of implicit bias in shaping the public's perception of candidates who are "too old." Dr. O'Neil explained that we should not focus on candidates' physical attributes but on their skills and capacities to lead our country in shifting the conversation.
Seegert added that although age is a legitimate issue in all elections, we should broaden the discussion to include health, capacity for decision-making, who candidates surround themselves with, and their policies and programs so that age is not the sole focus or deciding factor in political elections. LeaMond then highlighted AARP research that shows older voters are looking for candidates who will work together, understand complex situations, and focus on the country's most significant issues: cost of living, immigration, and threats to democracy.
Panelists were then asked to share advice for individuals to focus on in their interactions with media and the upcoming election. Seegert suggested conducting outreach with local reporters on the science behind aging and engaging with social media channels, as this is where younger generations often get their news. Dr. O'Neil added to conduct bi-partisan conversations about ageism while not trying to campaign for a specific candidate and to reach out to social media influencers to spread appropriate aging messaging.
The panel ended with cautious optimism for the reframing aging movement as many communities are hearing about this issue for the first time. LeaMond emphasized the need for leaders in aging communities nationwide to press this conversation on, as this work takes time, discipline, energy, and sustained commitment. Seegert is hopeful that journalism will continue to see reporters interested in this topic, and Dr. O'Neil expressed excitement that younger generations want to be involved in anti-ageism initiatives.
James Appleby concluded Panel 5 by stating the media can better educate themselves about aging issues, and it is evident through research that even small interventions can reduce implicit bias and ageism. We all play a role in lowering ageism all the time.
James Appleby (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer
Gerontological Society of America
James C. Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), is the Chief Executive Officer of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The Society works to advance innovation in aging and disseminate information among scientists, clinicians, policy makers, and the public. He is leading the Society’s current initiative to “reframe aging” in America by fostering accurate narratives of aging to replace the outdated “conventional wisdom” that dominates public understanding. The 5,500-member Society is advancing major initiatives related to improving adult immunization rates, earlier detection of cognitive impairment, improving oral health, and demonstrating the impact of the longevity economy. Appleby also is currently serving a four-year term on the National Advisory Council on Aging after being appointed by the U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, and he additionally serves on the National Alliance for Caregiving Board of Directors. Prior to joining GSA, he had a 17-year career with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) where he served in a variety of roles before being appointed Chief Operating Officer. Before joining APhA, he was on faculty at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (PCPS). Appleby holds a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from PCPS and a master of public health degree from Temple University. He has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
Liz Seegert
Independent Journalist
Liz Seegert is an award-winning, independent journalist who has written about health for more than 30 years. Her primary beats currently include aging, social determinants of health, women’s health, and health policy. She’s the contributing editor on aging for the Association of Health Care Journalists, helping reporters better understand the topic’s many nuances. Her freelance work has appeared in dozens of national and local media outlets, including Fortune.com, The Wirecutter, TIME, Consumer Reports, The American Journal of Nursing, Medscape, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Liz also co-directs two fellowships, mentoring and training emerging journalists in aging and in health reporting. Read more about Liz here.
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Bksy: lizseegert.bsky.socialMoira O’Neil, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President of Research Interpretation
Frameworks Institute
Moira O’Neil serves as Senior Vice President of Research Interpretation at the FrameWorks Institute. In this role, she leads FrameWorks’ efforts to interpret and share communications science with the nonprofit sector so it can more effectively drive social change. Moira manages a team of communications professionals and social scientists who help fields of practice frame social issues in ways that have the proven power to deepen understanding and inspire action. She oversees the team’s efforts to synthesize framing research, teach advocates to apply it to strategic communications, and train sectors to unite around evidence-based framing recommendations. A senior researcher, Moira also directs the organization’s efforts to analyze framing patterns in the media and nonprofit sector and writes in-depth research reports on a wide range of topics, including immigration, child mental health, and housing and homelessness.
A sociologist with expertise in how frames impede or advance social movements, Moira has helped hundreds of organizations strengthen their communications capacity. She regularly delivers presentations and lectures on issue framing at nonprofit organizations, colleges, and universities around the country and abroad. And she publishes regularly in the academic press, with articles appearing in peer-reviewed journals including Child Abuse and Neglect, Generations, Qualitative Research, and the Revue Internationale d’Education de Sèvres. Her work has also appeared in USA Today, The Hechinger Report, The Boston Globe, and other publications.
Moira joined FrameWorks more than a decade ago. Since then, she has conducted framing research around dozens of social issues and has led major projects to reframe the public discourse around immigration, race, and criminal justice. She also brings deep expertise in issues related to sexual violence, equity, and equality. Prior to joining FrameWorks, Moira worked as a research associate for the Vera Institute of Justice on projects related to immigration policy and at the Institute for Scientific Analysis on issues related to substance misuse and drug policy. She holds a BA in sociology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she studied the medicalization of war trauma at the turn of the 20th century in the United States.
Nancy LeaMond
Executive Vice President, Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer
AARP
As AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, Nancy LeaMond leads government relations and campaigns for AARP, widely seen as one of the most powerful advocacy organizations in the country. She also oversees AARP’s public education and outreach initiatives, including work to support America’s 48 million family caregivers.
Nancy has led many landmark advocacy campaigns for AARP, including the Fair Rx Prices Now campaign focused on convincing federal and state lawmakers to take action to lower the prices of prescription drugs. Her leadership in this arena positively influenced the historic signing of 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act to include helping millions of Medicare enrollees better afford their life-saving medications.
Nancy has been named by The Hill as a “Top Lobbyist” every year since 2011 and as one of Washington, D.C.’s Most Influential People Shaping Policy in the healthcare category by Washingtonian Magazine four years in a row.
Prior to coming to AARP, Nancy served as the chief of staff and assistant U.S. trade representative for congressional affairs at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. She also served in the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Education and as chief of staff to a senior member of Congress.
Nancy holds a bachelor's degree from Smith College and a master's degree in public policy and city planning from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Trish D'Antonio
Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs The Gerontological Society of America
Executive Director, The National Center to Reframe Aging
Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is the Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Trish directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. Trish represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief and Chair of the Friends of NIA. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. Before joining GSA, Trish served as Executive Director for the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy and Program Manager for the Pharmaceutical Control Division, where she was responsible for the regulatory and policy development for the practice of pharmacy and served as liaison to the FDA, DEA, and other federal, state, and city organizations that promote safe handling of medications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.