In June, we celebrate aging most at Unison. This month we celebrate Seniors’ Week (June 2 –8), World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Father’s Day (both June 15). If you are subscribed to our e-newsletter you have been hearing about some of the special activities and events going on at Unison to celebrate each of these. You’ll also learn more in this edition of Unison News. Too often, society treats aging as a problem to be solved instead of a journey to be celebrated.
At Unison, we see things differently. For Generations 50+, aging is not a decline - it’s an evolution. It’s a time of rediscovery, contribution, and connection. It’s the moment when experience meets purpose. The truth is, we are living longer and healthier than ever before. That’s not a challenge - it’s a victory. And with that gift of time comes opportunity. The opportunity to mentor, to advocate, to learn something new, to volunteer, to travel, to create, to lead. These aren’t sidelines to aging. They are aging done well.
When I speak with members of our community, I’m struck by how vibrant and engaged they are. From the retired nurse now mentoring health students, to the former construction worker building community gardens, our community is not slowing down—they’re shifting gears. And what they bring to their communities—resilience, empathy, and wisdom— is irreplaceable.
If you visit our YouTube channel you will find Ginny MacColl’s video. At the age of 71, Ginny made history as the oldest competitor to complete an obstacle on the American Ninja Warrior TV show, with a Guinness World record to recognize her achievements. A few decades ago, our members probably hadn’t considered breaking world records or appearing on national television as a Ninja Warrior. However, our world is changing and so are older adults. We must continue to challenge outdated narratives about aging. Age is not a limitation, but a lens - a perspective forged by lived experience. And in a world facing complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, that perspective is not only relevant, it’s essential.
Over the last year I have become a fan of Dr. Peter Attia’s podcast The Drive. Dr. Attia is a physician focused on longevity. In his book, Outlive, he encourages readers to pick 10 physical tasks you want to be able to do until you die. The 10-item list is Peter Attia’s “Centenarian Decathlon,” and it is a focus on proactively preparing yourself to age in a way that is vibrant and allows you to spend your older years in an engaged and active way.
At Unison, we are proud to celebrate this stage of life. We believe in supporting healthy aging through inclusive services, community programs, and advocacy that recognizes the dignity and value of every person over 50.
We work to remove barriers—whether physical, digital, or social—that stand in the way of full participation. So let’s flip the script on aging. Let’s recognize it not as the end of the book, but a powerful new chapter with as much potential, passion, and promise as any that came before. Because aging is not about counting the years—it’s about making the years count.
To the 50+ Generation, I say: your story matters more than ever. Keep writing it boldly. We’re here with you every step of the way.
