(The pdf for the issue in which this article appears is available for download at: Bifocal, Vol. 38, Issue 1.)
Next Avenue, public media’s first and only digital publication dedicated to covering issues for older Americans, has named its 2016 Influencers in Aging. The list recognized 50 advocates, researchers, thought leaders, innovators, writers, and experts at the forefront of changing how we age and think about aging. "We’ve uncovered a range of leaders who have made exceptional contributions this year,” said Susan Donley, Managing Director of Next Avenue. Learn more about the recognition and the other influencers at http://nextavenue.org/influencers.
Charlie Sabatino: Advocating for Legal Rights
Director, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging
Sabatino has devoted more than three decades to his work at the American Bar Association, specializing in research and project development in health law, long-term care planning and access to legal services for older adults. He has also written and spoken widely on advance care planning. In addition, Sabatino has shared his expertise with students at Georgetown University Law Center as an adjunct professor in elder law since 1987.
Sabatino served as president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and has been active in the organization’s public policy efforts. His work on elder law issues began at the ground level, when he joined Legal Services of Northern Virginia as senior citizens project counsel.
If you could change one thing about aging in America, what would it be?
"My one change has a thousand facets — I would want to strengthen and secure the legal rights, dignity, autonomy, quality of life and quality of care of persons as they age, particularly low-income and vulnerable elders." ■