We. Need. YOU.

A couple of days ago, I had the pleasure of attending a day-long conference with nearly two hundred other pPorofessionals and volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to making life better for older adults—not just in their older age, but throughout the aging experience.

Sponsored by the @American Society on Aging, the day featured a number of subject matter experts who addressed the various challenges and opportunities—yes, OPPORTUNITIES—adults, families, businesses, and communities are likely to face as our global population continues to age.

I met so many new people—some for the first time in general, and others for the first time in person. I reconnected with old friends. And together, we learned a lot, brainstormed ideas, and recommitted ourselves to continuing to address the many and varied tasks ahead.

As great as all the presentations were, to me the best part of the day was being in the room with such a diverse group of like-minded people:

Men and women from across the State of Colorado. Representing the gamut of ages, races, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. From government, the business community, social services, healthcare, the media, research, the nonprofit world, and more.  

What I discovered while sitting in that room was the POWER of being surrounded by so many people who’ve dedicated themselves to making a real, lasting difference in people’s lives.

It was exciting. Energizing. And inspiring.

I realize that right now there are many people who are struggling to find a job—and that age (be it younger or older) has, perhaps, served to be an obstacle in one way or another.

What I’d like you to know that becoming a part of this incredible community of people who are focused on enhancing the way people age might be an option worthy of your consideration.

Perhaps more importantly, we who work in the “aging” world need YOU.

We need activists and advocates and caregivers and advisors. Big thinkers and big doers. People willing to listen and learn and plan and execute and strategize and evaluate—and then listen and learn and plan and execute and strategize and evaluate some more.

So plug in. Sign up. Raise your hand. And spread the word.

Because, if we’re lucky, we’re ALL going to be older adults one day.

And wouldn’t you want someone like you fighting for a better life for all of us?

I would.