2025 Advocates for Aging

Honoring eight people who have committed to empowering older adults, celebrating their perspectives and making life better for all of us as we age

Travel expert Rick Steves is reflecting on his early days as a wanderer and looking ahead with purpose after successful treatment for cancer. Lindsay Goldman, CEO of Grantmakers in Aging, is working to address structural and systemic issues tied with the long-term challenges of serving older adults.

Reuben Ng, a behavioral and data scientist, is studying how TikTok is used as a tool to combat ageism. And after a long career, Alicia Munnell has stepped down as the leader of the Center for Retirement Research, but before she goes, she's continuing to tackle top-of-mind topics like Social Security.

Once again, Next Avenue, in partnership with the American Society on Aging (ASA), is proud to present eight Advocates for Aging. Members of this year's class are committed to making life better for older adults, to show them what's possible and to help them reach what author Judith Viorst, 94, calls "the final fifth" of life with a sense of wellbeing.

Michelle Singletary

Rick Steves

Reuben Ng

Judith Viorst

Dan Stewart

Alicia Munnell

Lindsay Goldman

Keri Vogtmann

Alicia Munnell: Improving Retirement for Everyone

As the founder of a highly regarded research center, this 2025 Advocate for Aging measured and studied retirement savings, Social Security and how families can build wealth for future generations

Dan Stewart: Advocate for LGBTQ+ Aging Adults

As a transgender man and gerontologist, Stewart understands challenges and works to promote inclusive care and equitable policies for older population

Keri Vogtmann: An Innovator in 'AgeTech'

She advocates that older adults 'be comfortable with technology' and be involved in the co-design of products for aging well

Lindsay Goldman: A Mission To Make Longevity 'the Gift It Should Be'

The CEO of Grantmakers in Aging believes 'our entire way of life needs to be adapted to account for increased longevity'

Judith Viorst: Speaking Up for the 'Final Fifth' of Life

In her new book, the bestselling author, 94, addresses aging with candor and humor

Reuben Ng: Researcher on Portrayals of Older Adults in Culture

Scientist studies stereotypes about aging in society and on social media platforms

Michelle Singletary: Accessible Financial Advice

A reassuring source of advice on family, finance and retirement, this 2025 Advocate for Aging makes unfamiliar ideas easier to grasp and difficult choices easier to make

Rick Steves’ Next Adventure: Turning 70

The beloved world traveler gets real about getting older