Stronger with Age: The Movement to Support and Empower Older Adults

with Beth Kowalczyk,

Chief Executive Officer, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Executive Officer at the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging. During the conversation, the pair discusses Kowalczyk’s extensive background in advocacy and policy work, emphasizing the importance of combating ageism and reframing societal perceptions of aging. They highlight the critical role of area agencies in supporting older adults and share personal reflections on the need for continued advocacy and cultural shifts to value and support older adults in society.
Play Video

Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Beth’s Background and Journey to OAAAA (1:15)
  • Legal Aid and Advocacy (2:20)
  • Understanding Area Agencies on Aging (5:23)
  • Challenges in Awareness (8:46)
  • Changing Perceptions of Aging (10:56)
  • The Role of Reframing Aging (12:52)
  • Impact of Language on Policy (14:19)
  • Personal Transformations (17:49)
  • Age-Friendly Messaging (22:10)
  • Understanding Ageism (24:30)
  • Promoting Advocacy (26:30)
  • Abundant Aging Question for Beth (29:59)
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways (31:18)

 

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Get in Touch

Copyright ©2025 All Rights Reserved