AARP views the opportunity to engage with other leaders and influencers in business, government and trade unions, key nongovernmental organizations, members of academia, civil society and media as critical to shaping the broad implications of aging.

Perhaps what is most needed at this time is a positive view of aging—both for society and for ourselves. We must change our thinking about what it means to get older.

Many older people are healthy and able and willing to engage in volunteer work. Helping their children and grandchildren to better cope with challenges is a strong motivator for older people and provides meaning and direction to their lives.

We look at the potential impact in the private sector when women are in positions of leadership; companies with at least three women on the board outperform those with none by 46%.

The experience of old age for today’s younger generations could change dramatically compared to their parents, with improved living standards and a longer life for some and a shorter, sicker and more poverty-ridden life for others.

Even though older people are not usually early adopters of new innovations, they are particularly well-equipped to join in the movement.