A New Communication Tool that We All Need to be Using NOW
When we talk about aging, something gets lost in translation. We in the field of aging know that age is so much more than a number, but the public reverts to negative stereotypes when the word “old” is mentioned. The Reframing Aging Initiative has a solution to that communication conundrum. Led by the Leaders of Aging Organizations (NCOA is a founding member), the Reframing Aging Initiative is powered by research and tested strategies. The new Communication Best Practices guide from the Reframing Aging Initiative will help senior center directors, program and service managers, and other professionals in the Aging Network reframe their messages to tell a more accurate and complete story about aging. Ultimately, this will increase knowledge about the positive aspects of aging, shift attitudes towards actions and solutions, and grow support for programs and funding.
Laurie Lindberg
Project Manager
Reframing Aging Initiative
Laurie Gibson Lindberg is the Project Manager of the Reframing Aging Initiative at The Gerontological Society of America (GSA). She has been a trained Reframing Aging Facilitator for two years. Laurie’s background is in health and aging policy and programs with an emphasis on advocacy. She has held legislative roles on Capitol Hill as committee and personal staff, and directed educational programs at the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement. At GSA, she coordinated the Dementia Caregiving Network and the National Research Summit on Dementia Care and Services held at NIH. Lindberg graduated from Cornell University with a degree in history and attended graduate school for health policy at The George Washington University.
Tracey Colagrossi
Senior Center Director
Arlington Heights Senior Center
Tracey Colagrossi has over 20 years' experience working with older adults in community-based settings. Ms. Colagrossi became Director of the Hanover Township Department of Aging Services, during her 15-year tenure in Bartlett, IL. Currently, Ms. Colagrossi is the Senior Center Manager for the Arlington Heights (IL) Senior Center, a unique model of 8 tenant agencies serving older adults, including the Arlington Heights Park District. Ms. Colagrossi is the Chairperson of the NISC Executive Committee with NCOA. She has a BS in Organizational Management and Leadership and a MS in Gerontology Aging Services.
Stephanie Pilato (Moderator)
Senior Director, Finance and Contract Management
National Council on Aging
Stephanie Pilato is a 15+ year member of the NCOA Finance department and enjoys working on the annual budget, forecasting, and assisting project managers with proposal budgets.