Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts Named Among Top “Influencers in Aging”

Ecumen President and CEO Kathryn Roberts has been named as one of the 2017 “Influencers in Aging” by Next Avenue, a PBS digital publication dedicated to covering issues for people 50 and older.

Ecumen President and CEO Kathryn Roberts has been named as one of the 2017 “Influencers in Aging” by Next Avenue, a PBS digital publication dedicated to covering issues for people 50 and older.

The award annually recognizes 50 people at the forefront of changing how we think about aging, and it includes advocates, researchers, thought leaders, innovators, writers, and experts who continue to push beyond traditional boundaries.

Roberts has been the CEO of Ecumen since 2003 and has led the company to become one of the largest and most innovative senior housing and aging services providers in the nation. She is currently serving as the Board Chair of LeadingAge, the national association of non-profit aging services providers.

“Next Avenue is proud to honor these 50 people who are transforming aging in a time when this work is especially crucial,” said Next Avenue Editorial & Content Director Shayla Stern. “More than 100 million Americans are over age 50 now, and as life expectancy increases, it is imperative that policies, housing, science, technology and culture all evolve to better serve our population. These honorees on our list of Influencers in Aging are on the leading edge of this revolution.”

For a complete list of honorees and further information about Next Avenue’s 2017 Influencers in Aging go to: nextavenue.org/influencers.

Next Avenue describes the criteria to be named an Influencer in Aging this way: “Tireless work, passion and an unspoken but shared mission to unleash the potential power of older people. This group of influencers is at the forefront of changing how we age and think about aging as they further innovation and knowledge in their respective fields.”

Next Avenue asked all 50 Influencers in Aging this question: If you could change one thing about Aging in American, what would it be?

Roberts answer: “The most important thing we can do to improve aging is to end social isolation. The research is stunning: Social isolation kills the spirit, impairs health and contributes to mortality. Help us end social isolation. No one should age alone!”