A keynote presented before participants at the Rhode Island Attorney General Elder Justice Summit sponsored by AARP Rhode Island on May 20, 2022 . We must come to terms with terminology. “Let’s elder justice” Elder” is not only a noun that connotes sage wisdom, or implies reduced competency; a subject…

Concerned Persons need help from experts like you; in turn, you need their help, too — in partnership. Together, let’s practice philanthropy—the love of humanity. — Wednesday, October 6 Today, our session focuses on the vital role of family, friends, and neighbors who — as Concerned Persons — help mitigate elder abuse. And who — as Concerned Persons — need help, as they seek to help older adults.

Make your bucket list your catalyst. Here’s how… — Digging into Your Bucket List Almost everyone I know has a bucket list that cites their hopes and dreams, propels them to action, and covers wishes that to some may be tricky to bring up in conversation. If some items on your list may seem far, far away — in…

National service opportunities may provide an answer, guided by public-private partnerships — Congressional representatives have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Service (CORPS) Act (S.3964), which meets need with opportunity. If passed, the bill will provide national service for younger adults and older adults — through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, respectively. …

The United States’ favorite federal agency serves as a daily connection in and between our communities. It needs strengthening, not neglect — This ‘letter to the editor’ was submitted to, but not accepted by, The New York Times for publication. To the Editor: RE: “Trump Called the Postal Service a ‘Joke.” I’m Trying to Save It” (Opinion, April 26, 2020) I commend Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and her Postal Banking Act, which if…

Let’s hack contagion to spread a new anti-ageist social norm; (y)our future is at stake. Why? — Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about. — Benjamin Lee Whorf X-TRA, X-TRA! Read All About It! Headlines are filled with words and feelings that trigger implicit bias. Words from these headlines ultimately fill our heads and show up on our brows. But, when…

Your input on challenges faced by family caregivers will assist the federal Family Caregiving Advisory Council. — If you are the caregiver for a family member or friend, you know first-hand the challenges and sacrifices that come with the job. On the one hand, it may be a privilege to help someone who has likely helped you in the past, but on the other hand, the responsibility…

Why Helen Karr has worked for decades to help stamp out elder abuse. — Helen Karr, Esq. is the founder of the campaign to create the semipostal (fundraising) stamp. Naturally, Helen launched the campaign with a stamp and a letter, posted May 23, 2000. In 2019 the Stamp Out Elder Abuse Act was re-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (by Congressman Peter King)…

Elder Justice Coordinating Council member agencies can engage and empower society, more—by working with ‘concerned persons’ — Charge: “Thoughts and Ideas” for the Elder Justice Coordinating Council I have provided my personal thoughts and ideas in response to a request by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which sought public input on EJCC priorities (by December 31), detailed at Public Input.