Founder Linda Wiener

My affection for older adults was sparked early in my life. As a child my family moved frequently and I often found myself the new kid on the block. More often than not my new best friend was an older adult. When I reflected on how I went on to become a gerontologist I realized that I subconsciously set the stage in a college writing class when as a business major I wrote an essay about “the plight of the elderly.” I haven’t a clue what I wrote at the time but my guess is that the theme must surely have been about making a positive difference in the lives of older adults.

My career in gerontology began when I went to work for AARP. For thirteen years I worked with older job seekers, and the employers that hired them. During that time not only was I directly involved in helping thousands of older job seekers re-enter the workforce but also trained other program directors and managers, nation-wide. In 1995, NCOA honored me with their prestigious Maturity Works Alliance Dorothy Bauer award, “National recognition and appreciation for your many years of exemplary service to older workers.” I also spent two years in the AARP Oregon state office where I worked extensively with older volunteers and was directly involved with other senior advocacy issues. I made a positive difference in the lives of older adults.

After fifteen years with AARP I took a career break. Because of my extensive experience recruiting, training and managing older workers and my understanding of the workplace, within a year employers and business organizations sought me out to advise them about staffing issues. In response I developed and continue to present the Adapting to an Aging Workforce™ workshop. Since 1999 I have also been the Age Issues Expert for Monster.com. As an online career counselor I host the Age Issues message board and write job search articles.

Nationally recognized  as an expert on mid- career issues I am  regularly called on as a professional speaker and frequently interviewed by the press; AARP Bulletin, AgingWell, New York Times, US World & News Report, Wall Street Journal, HR Executive, etc. Most recently I have specialized in helping students and recareering adults explore careers in the field. My Exploring Careers in Aging workbook is the first of its kind and is used by university gerontology programs nation-wide and this accompanying website has become THE go-to research site for those interested in working with older adults.

By helping to shape the view of gerontology I am helping to change the perspective of aging itself.              

My current memberships include:

American Society on Aging

National Career Development Association

NextAge Speakers Bureau