A NEW VIRTUAL SERIES! Next Chapter Conversations: A Quarterly Compass
Introduction from Kyle Longton, Executive Director of the Senior Living Foundation
Welcome to SLF’s Next Chapter Conversations: A Quarterly Compass — a new conversation series created to inspire meaningful dialogue around healthy aging, wellness, personal growth, and life’s evolving journeys.
Through authentic stories, expert insights, and shared experiences, this series aims to empower individuals and families with knowledge, support, and connection. Join us as we explore the conversations that matter most — because every new chapter deserves community and understanding.
Subscribe to our SLF YouTube channel, follow us on Facebook, and join our Facebook group so you can stay tuned for upcoming conversations.
Q2 Topic: Healthy Aging & Book Feature
Book Feature: Elderhood by Dr. Louise Aronson
We are excited to introduce the first feature in the SLF Book Club series focused on the topic of Healthy Aging. Our featured selection is Elderhood by Dr. Louise Aronson — a thoughtful and compelling exploration of aging, caregiving, and what it means to grow older in today’s world. Through personal stories, medical insight, and cultural reflection, the book challenges common misconceptions about aging and encourages readers to view elderhood as a meaningful stage of life.
Dr. Aronson is a geriatrician, professor of medicine at UCSF, and a leading advocate for improving elder care and redefining society’s understanding of aging.
We also encourage our community to watch her inspiring TEDMED Talk, “Embracing Elderhood as a Stage of Life.”
Learn More:
- Book author's official site: https://louisearonson.com/books/elderhood/
- Link to her "About" page: https://louisearonson.com/about/
- TED Talk Link: TEDMED - Louise Aronson "Embracing elderhood as a stage of life": https://www.tedmed.com/talk/embracing-elderhood-as-a-stage-of-life/
Click here to view valuable resources, including videos, articles, and other books, curated on the topic of Healthy Aging.
Q3 Topic: Caregiving
Book Feature: The Unexpected Journey by Emma Heming Willis
The Unexpected Journey, Emma Heming Willis discusses the importance of self-care for caregivers. Her husband, Bruce Willis, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2022. After leaving the doctor’s office, she found herself lost on what to do next. She wrote this book to help other caregivers “feel less isolated, better prepared, and empowered to navigate this journey with strength and support.” Learn more about Willis at https://emmahemingwillis.com/.
Click here to view valuable resources, including videos, articles, and other books, curated on the topic of Caregiving.
Opening Remarks & Session 1: Moving Forward: A Road Map to Better Mental Health
Opening Remarks:
The Honorable Marc Grossman, Chairman, SLF
Jim Eden, Chairman, The Eden Group, LLC
Session 1:
A discussion of mental health challenges commonly faced by seniors, and the tools needed to overcome them.
Dr. Charles Rosenfarb, Medical Director, Bureau of Medical Services, Department of State
Presentation: Moving Forward: A Road Map to Better Mental Health
Session 2: Coaching for a Healthy Lifestyle
Insights on one-on-one coaching programs available in the FEHB that are currently helping elderly patients overcome obstacles and realize optimal health.
Ted Borgstadt, CEO, Trestle Tree, Inc.
Presentation: Coaching for a Healthy Lifestyle
Session 3: Panel Discussion- Care Management A-Z
A discussion covering the A-Z of senior care management to include pre- and post-hospital confinement, inpatient rehab, and in-home care services.
Kate Aubert, Social Work Consultant, SLF (Moderator)
Monica M. Micklos, Director, Care Management Program, Seabury Resources for Aging
Irene Paplos, Director, Clinical Health Services, Aetna
Presentation: Care Management A-Z
Session 4: Retiree Resources, Annuities & State Department Updates
A discussion covering frequently asked questions on retirement. Topics include retirement resources available to seniors, Foreign and Civil Service annuities and a demo from the Retirement Networks of the U.S. Department of State.
Jeffrey Mounts, Managing Director for Global Compensation, Office of the Comptroller/Global Financial Services, Department of State
Sonja K. Rix, Director, Office of Retirement, Department of State
Edward Capers, Jr., Deputy Director, Office of Retirement, Department of State
Presentation: Retiree Resources, Annuities and State Department Updates
Closing Remarks & Session 5: Planning for Change Estate Planning & New Tax Laws
A discussion of important legal documents and changes in the new tax code.
Jonathan Kinney, Partner, Bean, Kinney and Korman, P.C.
Lauren K. Rote, Shareholder, Bean, Kinney and Korman, P.C.
Presentation: Estate Planning
Closing Remarks
Jim Eden, Chairman, The Eden Group, LLC
Paula Jakub, Executive Director, SLF