My “encore” has just begun. My first act was as a teacher for 20 years. I loved teaching pre-school and kindergarten because I could be silly and loving while educating young children, who were like sponges who wanted to learn. Oh, the adventures we had as every day was a challenge and a joy.
The second act was a 25 year career at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. As a grassroots manager and organizer, I had the opportunity to teach, educate and advocate for “older adults.” I loved working for the “older people” and then I became one!
Social Security, Medicare and other issues of aging became my passion. To teach how these programs work, their importance and the challenges that they face is a lot of fun. I love seeing the light bulb go off as the learning takes place, just like the little ones, but with wrinkles!
I had the joy and the privilege of working with professionals in the field of aging as president of the Southern Gerontological Society as well as serve on the boards of several organizations that advocate on behalf of seniors. I also worked with hundreds of senior volunteers who inspired me as they continued to be wonderful advocates and activists.
And now for my encore. As an educator, I can’t waste the information and the ability I have to deliver the information in understandable language and concepts. How Social Security and Medicare work, who wants what and why and what are the politics that affect these programs are some of the topics I will continue to cover.
“Staying connected” is one of the foundations of successful aging. For me, “staying in the game,” connecting with the audience by illuminating the subject matter while having fun is my encore. I plan to make my continued contribution as a teacher and still be loving and a little bit silly before the curtain comes down.