On a Teacher’s Teacher’s Lessons

I am often asked, “Why did you decide to create the Juanita C. Grant Foundation?” The answer lies in a combination of experiences and a deep commitment to community service. My journey in the Greater Washington area began in the late 1980s, when I took on leadership roles at the Washington, D.C. Commission on Mental Health, serving for six years and leaving as a Mayoral appointee. My career then led me to head the quality assurance department at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, consult for the Joint Commission on Accreditation, and serve as the Executive Director of Medical Homes for the D.C. Delmarva Foundation. In 2008, I founded The Grant Group, LLC, a healthcare management firm that worked across the Greater Washington area, particularly in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Through this work, I gained an intimate understanding of the barriers to accessing medical care, inadequate housing, and insufficient transportation options that created stress and hardship for many. However, as a contractor, my ability to drive lasting change was limited. Contracts came with defined scopes of work, and while recommendations could be made, follow-up and implementation were left to the client organizations. It was disheartening to return to previous engagements only to find that critical improvements in patient care and clinical standards had not been implemented, or that conditions had worsened. A turning point came when I worked on a contract addressing the high morbidity rate among African American women in Prince George’s County—a rate that consistently ranked as the highest in the region. This frustration, combined with the enduring influence of my parents, who were both community and civil rights activists in my hometown of Gary, Indiana, inspired me to take action. With the support of colleagues, family, and friends, I founded the Juanita C. Grant Foundation in 2014 as a nonprofit in Maryland, honoring my mother’s legacy of community activism. Since its inception, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation has dedicated itself to serving older adults in Prince George’s County through four key areas: elder abuse and fraud prevention training, workforce development and training, promoting the health benefits of social connectedness, and community engagement. Over the years, we have built extensive partnerships to provide training, resources, and forums to amplify the needs of older adults. Our Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Workshop Training Series has educated more than 10,460 residents. The 50+ Workforce Initiative has empowered over 1,600 older adults to connect directly with potential employers, bypassing traditional human resource barriers. Our Village Connector Experience program, designed to reconnect socially isolated older adults with family and friends, now reaches individuals across 22 states. Additionally, the Foundation hosts focus groups, town halls, and online seminars to further elevate the voices of older adults. As we move into 2025, we are excited to expand the Village Connector Experience to foster intergenerational connections, bringing older and younger individuals together to build sustainable relationships and combat social isolation. We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey as we continue to develop and implement impactful programs that serve both older and younger generations.

Joining the board of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation in 2019 was a pivotal moment in my professional and personal journey. As someone deeply committed to the well-being of older adults, I was drawn to the Foundation’s mission, which addresses critical issues that impact everyone—if they’re lucky enough to reach 50 and beyond. Under the leadership of our CEO and Founder, Ms. S. Orlene Grant, the Foundation has established itself as a vital resource for the 50+ community, tackling challenges such as financial fraud, elder abuse, social isolation, and employment navigation. Serving as Vice Chair of this hands-on board has been a deeply rewarding experience. This was my first time being part of a board where every member actively engages in shaping and executing initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. We don’t just sit in meetings and make high-level decisions—we roll up our sleeves and contribute to programming that has tangible impacts. Whether it’s organizing workshops on financial fraud prevention or creating opportunities for older adults to remain in or return to the workforce, the work we do directly improves the lives of those we serve. One of the most pressing challenges we address is social isolation. Many older adults find themselves disconnected from their communities, which can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being. The Foundation fosters meaningful connections through our Village Collector Program designed to bring people together, ensuring that no one feels forgotten or left behind. Similarly, our workforce initiatives help older adults navigate an ever-changing job market, offering guidance and support for those seeking meaningful employment opportunities that align with their skills and experiences. Being part of this board has reinforced my belief that advocacy and action go hand in hand. It has also shown me the power of collaboration—working alongside passionate, dedicated individuals who share a common goal has been both inspiring and fulfilling. But as much as we have accomplished, there is still so much more to do. That’s where you come in. The Juanita C. Grant Foundation needs more board members—leaders who are willing to contribute their time, expertise, and passion to advancing our mission. If you care about the well-being of older adults and want to be part of a team that drives real change, I encourage you to consider joining us. Whether your strengths lie in strategic planning, community outreach, fundraising, or program development, your contributions can help shape the future for countless individuals navigating the later stages of their careers and lives.  Serving on this board has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, and I invite you to explore how you can make a difference. If you’re interested, let’s talk. Visit jcgfdn.org to learn more or reach out to our CEO, Orlene Grant for more information.

When writing a blog, my purposeful intention is to engage and hopefully start a dialogue. As Board Chair of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation, I have many opportunities to execute this desired goal. When considering joining the board, I assessed and appraised their 'manifesto,' wanting to know if the foundation met one of my core beliefs, self-empowerment. Six years later, I feel empowered, and more importantly, I feel connected to a larger community through the engaging dialogue that our collective manifesto fosters. A Manifesto has long been used to articulate a view and critique of the past, present, and future. Having one that connects shared visions allows one to address and challenge the systemic causes of inequality in all things that affect our everyday lives. It engages us in a commitment to social justice, a cause that is crucial for our collective well-being. Poems, books, pamphlets, plays, artworks, and documentaries embody the stories and visions of a cause important to the creatives, i.e., artists, filmmakers, poets, etc., that want others to know more about or for personal fulfillment. What is a personal manifesto? It's your declaration of what you want in life, a tool that helps you prioritize what is essential and what you want to achieve. More importantly, your personal manifesto captures what makes you feel most fulfilled. This is relevant to those interested in personal development, as setting realistic and achievable goals requires transparency, honesty, practice with intentions, and empowering your core beliefs and values. Writing a personal manifesto is a powerful tool for motivating you to commit to your growth and well-being. Is a manifesto a good idea, and why? Yes! It keeps you focused. Expands your beliefs and philosophies that are the core of your life journey. How do I write my personal manifesto? Start with I love, I believe, and I am committed. Remember, you are simply declaring your truth and love of wisdom. You seek to better understand yourself, your personal and social relationships, and connectedness in your community while practicing self-care with compassion. I will check on you in the coming year to see how your manifesto is evolving. Reach out to lcolbert@jcgfdn.org if you would like to start a dialogue. I encourage you to be optimistic and have a sense of curiosity. Change can only come with action. Be kind. Be brave. Be you.  Lanita Colbert Board Chair, Juanita C. Grant Foundation

As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your career journey and consider the possibilities ahead. This isn’t just a new year—it’s a chance to harness a lifetime of experience, insights, and creativity to take your career in an exciting new direction. Starting fresh can feel daunting, and it’s also an opportunity to lean into the unique momentum you’ve built over the years. Your skills, resilience, and ability to adapt to challenges are assets that set you apart. Employers increasingly recognize that age-diverse teams drive innovation, foster creativity, and build stronger organizations. By stepping forward, you’re not just opening doors for yourself—you’re shaping a more inclusive and dynamic workforce Rediscover Your Strengths Your career has given you a wealth of experiences to draw from. Reflect on moments that brought you joy and success. Were you a mentor who helped others grow? A problem-solver who streamlined operations? A relationship builder who earned clients’ trust? These transferable skills can fuel new opportunities and position you as a valuable contributor.  Upskill for the Future The job market evolves constantly and staying relevant builds confidence and demonstrates adaptability. Online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and AARP’s Work & Jobs section offer accessible courses and certifications. Many libraries provide free access to some of these tools with a library card. Upskilling prepares you for new roles and shows employers your commitment to lifelong learning. Refresh Your Network Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find new opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues, join professional or community groups, or attend local meetups. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your goals and recent achievements. Sharing your excitement about new possibilities can inspire others to connect with you. Explore New Possibilities A new year offers the chance to view your journey with curiosity and new eyes. This stage offers freedom to design a career that aligns with your passions and lifestyle. Whether it’s part-time work, consulting, volunteering, or starting a small business, embracing flexibility can lead to fulfilling opportunities. Your Impact on a Dynamic Workforce By embracing this time of change, you’re advancing your goals and contributing to a broader societal shift. Older workers bring depth, diversity, and resilience to the workforce, driving growth, creativity, and collaboration. Your participation strengthens workplaces and communities. This year, let your experience guide you toward the future you’ve imagined. The momentum you’ve built is a force for change—not just for yourself, but for the workplaces and communities you’ll inspire along the way. What’s your next step toward a new beginning? Share your thoughts, and let’s inspire one another to make this a year of transformation. What other job search topics would you like to hear about? Send us your suggestions—we’d love to hear what’s on your mind and how we can help you navigate your career journey! --Donna Satterthwaite, Board of Directors Vice Chair, Juanita C. Grant Foundation CEO, MotivAction Career Coaching

When considering the ideal retirement, some of us may picture ourselves surrounded by family and friends, traveling with a spouse or partner, or meeting new friends while volunteering or picking up a new hobby. Finally spending quality time with our chosen people is the vision many have for their golden years. Unfortunately, it may not be the reality for all retirees. Some may experience bouts of loneliness or social isolation during retirement. Social isolation is defined by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging as a “lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.” The loss of a spouse or friends, moving to a new area, experiencing age-related health challenges, among other things, can contribute to the problem. Social isolation can even lead to financial challenges. Because scammers know the impact a lack of connectedness can have on someone, they can take advantage of those experiencing it through a relationship investment scam. In this type of scam, a stranger connects with you on social media or through a dating or messaging website or app. Or a random person might text you pretending to be an old friend. They may even send you a message like, “So sorry, but I’m going to be late for lunch!” that seems intended for someone else, hoping you’ll respond out of politeness. After you begin to communicate with the stranger, they might offer financial advice or express romantic interest. But what they’re also offering socially isolated people is someone who wants to talk to them, someone who wants to form a connection with them. They often spend months building trust - through friendship, romance, or an offer to help achieve financial goals - before they begin to defraud you. The scammer might even suggest meeting in person but come up with plausible excuses for why it never happens. Once they’ve established a friendship or relationship, scammers might offer investing advice or suggest you use the financial adviser they use. No matter how trustworthy someone might seem, don’t make investment decisions based on the advice of anyone who makes unsolicited contact with you online, through an app, or text message. Do your own independent research and ask questions . What sets this type of scam apart from the classic romance scam is that scammers aren’t asking you for money directly. Instead, they’re asking you to invest your money, often in complicated schemes that turn out to be fake. The scammer may show you what appears to be returns on your “investments” on what looks like a legitimate investment app or website. You may even be able to withdraw money at first. But eventually, the scammer steals your money. Most of these scams are operated internationally, with very little chance you’ll ever see your hard-earned money again. If you receive an email or text message from a person, number, or email address you don’t know or recognize, that’s a red flag of fraud — especially if the message is vaguely worded or appears aimed at someone else. Don’t respond. Instead, report it and block these senders from your phone or messaging app. Similarly, don’t share any information relating to your personal finances or identity (including your bank or brokerage account information, tax forms, credit card, Social Security number, passport, driver’s license, birthdate, or utility bills) with someone you don’t know who contacts you online, on a social media platform, or through text message. For additional details about relationship investment scams, read our Investor Alert . Be sure to check out our Investor Alerts and Bulletins on a regular basis so you can be aware of the latest types of investment scams and how to avoid them. Visit Investor.gov for more information about saving and investing. To report securities fraud, go to sec.gov/tcr . By taking these precautions to protect the money you’ve been saving and investing for your entire life, you can help keep your finances safe and preserve your vision for retirement.

What is meant by a "senior moment" A "senior moment" is defined as a lighthearted term used to describe a temporary lapse in memory or mental clarity, often associated with aging. We have all had these at some points. Sometimes they are short lived others, well, they are still a mystery. I briefly caught a snippet of Jane Fonda talking about redefining “senior moments” on a recent Sunday Morning show. She was throwing down the gauntlet claiming a new interpretation of strength and accomplishment.. Redefining a "senior moment" as an outstanding accomplishment celebrates the rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom that come with age. Instead of viewing these moments as lapses, we can see them as reflections of a life well-lived, where the mind is continually processing a wealth of knowledge and memories. Each "senior moment" becomes a testament to the incredible journey an individual has undertaken, filled with countless lessons, relationships, and adventures. Recognizing these moments in this light shifts the narrative from one of decline to one of achievement, highlighting the beauty and strength in the aging process. These newly established senior moments could be crossing the finish line for the Boston Marathon. Starting a non-profit in your late fifties. Becoming a Pilates instructor. Starting art classes and excelling in your craft. Taking that lifetime cruise to Greece and seeing all there is to see on that journey.

At 71, I continue to work in a senior administrative position three days a week. Wonder why I continue to work at this age? Many (including myself) ask. Allow me to share my reasons. Continuing to work keeps my mind sharp and engaged. Numerous studies suggest that staying mentally active can help prevent cognitive decline and keep the brain healthy. Engaging in work-related tasks, problem-solving, and learning new skills provides me with the mental stimulation that I feel is beneficial as I age. Retiring might mean living on a fixed income, which can be challenging, especially with rising living costs and unexpected expenses. Continuing to work, even part time, provides additional financial security and allows me to maintain my current lifestyle without worrying about depleting my savings. Work provides me a sense of purpose and identity, and I continue to fulfillment and satisfaction in my business-related activities. Retiring could lead to a feeling of loss or lack of direction. Being in the workforce helps me maintain a sense of purpose and contributes to my overall well-being. Workplaces are often a source of social interaction and camaraderie, and I do not care to socially isolation. Continuing to work helps me stay connected with colleagues and maintain important social relationships. Staying active and engaged has positive effects on my physical health. I enjoy tasks that require some level of physical activity (even if it’s getting up from the chair to stretch), which helps keep me fit and healthy. Having a routine and purpose motivates me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A workplace offers opportunity to learn new technologies, taking on new challenges, and most significantly mentoring younger people (they all are younger) folks. Retirement can lead to boredom and a lack of structure in daily life. Continuing to work provides a routine and keeps me busy with meaningful activities. This helps prevent feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction that some retirees experience.  I find satisfaction in knowing that my work makes a difference. Whether it’s through a paid job or volunteer work, continuing to contribute to society is incredibly rewarding. Many workplaces today do offer flexible working arrangements for those who care to show up, and often can be part time or remote work. This flexibility allows me to continue working while enjoying more leisure time and pursuing other interests. Ultimately, the decision to continue working or retire is a personal one. For me, the fulfillment and joy I get from my work are reasons enough to keep going. If I love what I do and it brings me happiness, there’s no reason to stop just because I’ve reached a certain age. Stay active and involved. Continue to make a difference, for yourself and others. It just feels right.

Ernest Hemingway once said, "In our darkest moments, we don't need solutions or advice; what we yearn for is simple human connection, a quiet presence, a gentle touch; these are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels too much." This connection is crucial for solo agers, who often face unique challenges. Maintaining social connectedness as a single dweller is one of physical and mental wellness's most significant behavioral benefits. According to the 2023 U.S. Census, about 28% of people 65 and older, or 22 million older people, live alone. In 2021, AARP stated approximately 12% of them are considered 'solo agers.' As solo agers become more common, how do the unique challenges the 'Golden-Agers' face impact their quality of life and well-being? These unique challenges can include social isolation, lack of immediate emergency support, and the need to manage all aspects of daily life alone. However, with the right community and support, solo living can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, whether by choice or circumstances. Death of a spouse, having no family nearby, or those who have a strong sense of identity and self-reliance wanting to continue to live a purposeful life can be underlying factors of solo living. We know social wellness is vital to your health, regardless of age. Solo Agers seek a sense of self, purpose, and community. Staying active, volunteering, finding your community, practicing healthy habits, finding your passion, and creating a solid support network can and will be the foundation for the purposeful life of a Solo Ager. The term "Elder Orphan" was first coined by Dr. Maria Carney, Chief of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at Northwell Health of Great Neck, N.Y, a leading researcher in elder care; the AARP picked up the baton, then Visiting Angels, then the media. This label, "Elder Orphan," to identify those of us who age alone, has become the standard, morphing into "Solo Agers and Solo Living. The characterization brings awareness to unique situations as we age, thus the need for customized planning. Reframing aging plus self-identity as we age is crucial. Thought leaders in the aging field share it's a good thing. It affects our self-esteem as older people, social identity, and the roles we play in our community. Personal identity is the concept you develop that evolves throughout your life. Recognizing and valuing your identity is key to living a purposeful, well-lived life.

On Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, I invite you to make a lasting impact on the lives of older adults in our community. Aging presents many unique challenges—shrinking social circles, navigating a complex healthcare system, and, for many, unexpected financial insecurity. The Juanita C. Grant Foundation is assertively addressing the national social isolation and loneliness crisis through our Village Connector Experience (VCE) service, which has been active in 22 states beginning at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020. Our trained Village Connector Ambassadors provide structured, scheduled outreach phone calls to older adults. Our VCE Ambassadors help relieve the sense of loneliness through dedicated time and building a relationship that allows the VCE members to sustain their challenges and reconnect with friends and family. Your contribution will help services evolve to include intentional activities and events that bring younger and older people together to share mutual strengths and interests in bridging the age gap to build multigenerational bonds that will eradicate social isolation. Our Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Series originated in 2017 in partnership with Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation to deliver this community education awareness campaign directly to older adults in senior activity centers and community centers throughout Prince George’s County. Since then, this program has evolved to include a panel of experts through partnerships with federal and state prosecutors, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Elder Justice Initiative, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, and Prince George’s County Police Department, PGC Family Justice Center and our original partner, Prince George’s Parks and Recreation. The preventive education awareness training will add the Security Exchange Commission and the Cybersecurity Association to our expert panel of presenters. Domestic violence abuse increased during the COVID pandemic. As a result, we are including the “red flags” of domestic violence in later life in our presentations.