JFS is excited for the debut of our new speaker series in partnership the Weinstein JCC, “Food for Thought.” The series brings experts in aging, from a variety of professions and fields, together to share their unique advice and experience. Food for Thought will ignite conversation and arm people with all the information to stay healthy and thrive as they age. The event is held monthly at the Weinstein JCC, with a free lunch included. People of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend!
Bill Kallio, the Virginia Director of AARP, will be the first Food for Thought speaker, on Feb 16th, giving a talk entitled “Are We Ready for Aging: Health Wealth and Self”. Bill has twenty-three years of experience with AARP and has served as a dedicated advocate for older adults through his work in various community service roles. He is a member of the board of directors for the Virginia Coalition for the Aging, the steering committee of the Healthcare For All Virginians Coalition, the Futures Board of the Center on Aging at Virginia Tech and is Chairperson of the Board of the Virginia Health Quality Center. Bill was kind enough to give us a little preview into his upcoming talk:
- What are you most passionate about in your work? How did you become interested in advocacy?
I’ve spent my whole career working for organizations with a social mission. AARP is on the leading edge of a major demographic shift as our nation gets older. In the next decade, the population of VA that is 65 and older will almost double. There is a lot of work to do to make sure that individuals, communities and society are ready for the change. That will take a concerted educational and advocacy effort to assure that we all age with dignity and respect.
- Can you give a preview of some of the ideas or themes you will cover at Food for Thought?
The business community often talks about disruptive economies- major changes that happen suddenly that alter the way we view our lives and use our resources. I’ll be talking about disrupting aging- breaking through old stereotypes of aging that don’t fit into our present world. My major theme will be health; wealth and self- Are we ready for aging in today’s world?
- As we age, why is it important to stay informed?
Change is a fact of life but the rate of changing is escalating. We all need to stayed informed and engaged to make the most of our lives and to take advantage of the real possibilities that exist for all of us.
Interested in attending? RSVPs are required and can be made to Shari Menlowe-Barck: 804-545-8611 or sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org.
Upcoming Food for Thought Events:
Mon, Mar 16th The Place for Me- No Wrong Choices: Learn the difference between an Assisted Living Facility, Skilled Nursing Facility, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and Home Care options
Brought to you by: Kevin Parks, President of A Helping Hand Senior Care Services
Mon, Apr 20th A Lot Has Changed: Preserving your assets with proper wills, trusts, and advance directives
Brought to you by: Paula Peaden, Elder Law Attorney
Mon, May 11th What My Body is Telling Me: Stroke causes, warning signs and post care
Brought to you by: Janet Singletary Thomas, American Heart Association Volunteer