The field of aging encompasses a wide variety of professions.  Fields include law, business, marketing, social work, expressive arts therapy, medicine, affordable housing, design, public health, nutrition, fundraising, and public policy.

For a comprehensive list of careers in aging visit:  Exploring Careers in Aging.

Learn about what some of our members are doing in the field of aging:

I am the Program Coordinator for the City of Newton Department of Senior Services. In my role, I develop and oversee all of the programs at the Newton Senior Center. We have a wealth of programming, including fitness, art classes, day trips, educational workshops, and special events, and I am always looking for new and interesting programs that will appeal to seniors. I create a bi-monthly newsletter which advertises the upcoming programs and is mailed to all of the seniors in Newton. I also oversee the Senior Services website, our social media accounts, and marketing in our local newspaper. I would describe my job as busy, creative, fun, and very fulfilling; every day I see the positive effects of my work and I experience the gratitude of seniors who are benefiting from the Senior Center’s programs!  by Ilana Levine Seidmann

As a retired Intergenerational Educator I am eager to introduce others to this important job in the field of aging. This position creates meaningful encounters between children and/or young adults, and older adults. It enables stereotypes that each generation has of the other to disappear, and provides instead a sense of the value and importance each generation has in society. Sustainable, quality intergenerational programs are ongoing interactions that encourage mutual benefits for each age, and include an educational component that allows each to learn about the other’s stage of life. There are so many exciting opportunities for program development that can evolve around school curricula, children’s play, or creative expression. I have been told a program gave meaning to a widow’s life again, and children have often developed lasting friendships. What can be more fulfilling than providing purpose and meaning in a person’s life – whatever age! by Barbara Friedman

As a Clinical Social Worker at the Elder Service Plan (ESP) of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center I work as a member of an interdisciplinary team with the goal of supporting elders to stay in their homes and communities for as long as safely possible. ESP is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) which is a national model of wraparound care for elders. As a social worker I conduct assessments of participants’ emotional, cognitive, and social well-being and support them with counseling, case management needs, and crisis intervention. I facilitate family meetings to discuss health care wishes and provide caregiver support to family members in distress. I love the variety of my job at ESP, each day is different, whether I’m counseling someone with depression, helping with alcohol abuse issues, developing a pain management group with rehab staff, or providing support at end of life. by Kelly Marcella

As a Hospice Social Worker with Good Shepherd Community Care, I work as part of an interdisciplinary team with nurses, chaplains, home health aides, and volunteers, to help people die comfortably at home.  I work with clients and their families to ensure a safe and comfortable death.  In my role I conduct psycho-social assessments, assist in case management, and provide supportive and bereavement counseling.  I make home visits to clients and families, focusing on the individual needs of that specific family.  Every family is different and every day is different. by Katie Kelley

I am the Member Engagement Manager at LeadingAge Massachusetts. LeadingAge Massachusetts represents the full continuum of mission-driven, not-for-profit providers of health care, housing, and services for older persons in Massachusetts. My role focuses on the enhancement of member relations and engagement as well as recruitment of new members.  As a trade association, we provider education and resources to leaders of member organizations so that they can better serve their clients. I publish a bi-monthly newsletter highlighting important topics and events relevant to our membership.  In addition to member management I also engage our business affiliate and sponsor level members. Each day is a little different, I might be at a member site addressing new programs, at a member roundtable discussion or working to enhance our database and website. I also work closely with our national affiliate, LeadingAge, and stay up to date on their new tools and resources available to LeadingAge MA members. By Rita Kostiuk

I am the Enhanced Living Manager at Orchard Cove, a Continuing Care Retirement Community—or Life Plan Community—sponsored by Hebrew SeniorLife. I am responsible for the success and positioning of Enhanced Living (formerly known as Assistance in Living) as a desirable destination for residents throughout Orchard Cove. My job, in overseeing the Enhanced Living Department, is to change 22 years of perceptions about Enhanced Living, by focusing on residents’ quality of life, and working to make Enhanced Living a vibrant platform. I oversee the Enhanced Living Department, coaching and supervising the Enhanced Living Coordinator and thirteen Resident Assistants who directly care for Enhanced Living residents. I work closely with the Enhanced Living team to guide and support the shift from a “what’s the matter?” mindset to a focus on “what matters most” to each of our residents utilizing a wellness coaching model and assessment system called Vitalize 360. By Ilana Klarman

I am the the Director of Counseling and Support Services at Ethos. Ethos is the Aging Services Access Point for Southwest Boston, a nonprofit helping elders and individuals with disabilities remain living in the community with dignity and independence.  In my role at Ethos I oversee the agency’s volunteer-based programming, including Medicare counseling in SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone), in-home depression screening and therapy in the Healthy Ideas Program, assistance with monthly financial management in the Boston Money Management Program, Friendly Visiting, Medical Escorts, Grocery Shopping Assistance, and group volunteer engagement.  I am responsible for writing and reporting on grants to support these programs, hiring, training and managing staff, program evaluation, strategic planning, and representing these programs in outreach to both clients and volunteers.  Everyday in my job is different, and I enjoy thinking creatively with my teams to meet the needs of the growing elderly population and expand the resources in these programs. By Meg Barhite