Grace Birnstengel

Grace Birnstengel is a writer and editor for Next Avenue, currently leading an editorial initiative on age-friendly health care — what it means and how people can identify and access care that meets their unique needs. Her other areas of focus include LGBTQ issues, mental health, the arts and ageism. Grace holds a bachelor of arts in journalism and gender, women and sexuality studies from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. You can find her Next Avenue work here.

Most Recent

Dual Stigma: HIV Positive and Over 50

Half of Americans with HIV are 50+, but care and prevention skew younger

JULY 5, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

Voices From the Stonewall Era

Recollections from three who've been with the LGBTQ movement since its start

JUNE 25, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

How to Support a Transgender Child or Grandchild

Actionable advice from transgender people and advocates

JUNE 18, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

The Nation’s Largest LGBTQ-Inclusive Affordable Housing for Older Adults

In the heart of Brooklyn, a community in great need is welcomed home

JUNE 6, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

How to Be an LGBTQ Ally

It takes a concerted effort to move from pleasantries to real support

JUNE 4, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Health

If Health Care Was Designed Just for You, What Would Need to Change?

For most of America's aging population, health care leaves much to be desired

MAY 28, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

What’s It Like to Go to War?

‘Going to War’ on PBS shows the veteran experience firsthand

MAY 27, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Health

Resources for Your Next Doctor Appointment

These letter templates have the potential to significantly improve your care

MAY 8, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Health

What Is Age-Friendly Health Care?

Older Americans aren't getting the care they need. Here's why that matters.

FEBRUARY 8, 2019 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

Living Life With the End in Mind

A public radio host is bringing Minnesotans together to talk about death

DECEMBER 7, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Health

One Doctor’s Plea: Consider Palliative Care

An oncologist grapples with letting patients suffer when there’s an alternative

NOVEMBER 9, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

What’s It Like to Be a Rock Star’s Mom?

In her book, Dave Grohl’s mother shares stories of 19 rock stars' moms

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

Alzheimer’s Anthems, Sung by Those With and Around the Disease

This one-of-a-kind show was created especially for the Giving Voice Chorus

OCTOBER 11, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Health

Jamie Mitchell: Bettering Health Care for Older African-American Men

This 2018 Influencer in Aging studies communication between older African-American men and their physicians

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Health

End-of-Life Rallies: Miraculous and Deceiving

The fleeting turnaround before death is a little-understood marvel

AUGUST 24, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

Why It’s Great to Have a Hobby

Here are a few benefits of making time to pick up a hobby

AUGUST 17, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Technology

Older Women Are Instagram Influencers, Too

Everyone could learn a thing or two from these much-adored online icons

JULY 13, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Living

‘Art Makes My World Complete’

Watercolor painter Maria Bodette won Next Avenue's older artists contest

JUNE 29, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Work & Purpose

Minted Online Community Helps Older Artists Sell — and Find Buddies

The thriving platform can be a viable side hustle or retirement gig

JUNE 22, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Technology

Worth a Listen: Living in the ‘Gray Area’ of Aging

A podcast from Columbia students on growing older around New York City

JUNE 8, 2018 | By Grace Birnstengel

Caregiving

When a Parent Dies: Ways to Help Yourself and Your Surviving Parent

A grief-support expert shares a letter she wrote to a grieving friend

Special Report

Age-Friendly Health Care

Follow our in-depth examination of current health care offerings through an age-friendly lens. What does age-friendly health care look like, and how do you locate and access it? We cover how to prioritize your unique needs when selecting providers and treatments for yourself or a loved one.

Presented by

Special Report

Strengthening Rural Health Care for Older Adults

This special report includes storytelling, news and information about health care for older adults in rural areas

Presented by