Creating a Society Where All Ages Thrive Part I
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The American Society on Aging (ASA) has been a steady voice in the national conversation on aging since 1954. Today, under the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, the organization is shaping what many call the “North Star” for practitioners in the field. With more than 4,000 members representing health, housing, caregiving, technology, academia, philanthropy, and government, ASA convenes and equips a multidisciplinary network committed to reimagining how America grows older.
On today’s episode of The Retirement Insiders, host Tony Kalinowski and co-host/producer David Alexander sat down with Dr. Clark-Shirley for a two-part discussion. Part I explores her personal journey into the field, ASA’s mission, and why demographic change is making collaboration more urgent than ever.
A Journey Shaped by Curiosity and Connection
Asked about her first job, Dr. Clark-Shirley shared a story that set the tone for her career: working at a True Value Hardware store in Northeast Ohio as a teenager. “I got fired for talking with the customers too much,” she laughed, noting that perhaps it was a sign she was meant for a path where relationships mattered most.
That path emerged in college, when she enrolled in a course titled Introduction to Our Aging Society. “I remember thinking, can you really talk about aging for a whole semester? Turns out the answer was yes—and here I am, almost 30 years later, still talking about aging every day.”
Her early interest in connecting with older adults soon developed into a career that now places her at the helm of ASA, guiding a national platform that elevates voices and breaks down silos across sectors.
What ASA Really Does
At its core, ASA is a membership society for everyone working with and on behalf of older adults. Dr. Clark-Shirley describes it as “an amazing choir” of professionals: leaders of community organizations, advocates in Washington, age-tech innovators, academics, marketers, caregivers, and city planners, each bringing their own perspective.
The Society’s flagship On Aging Conference, the nation’s largest multidisciplinary convening on aging, serves as the central gathering place for these voices. Scheduled next for April 20–23, 2026 in Atlanta, the conference inspires new collaborations and elevates best practices from across the field.
But ASA’s impact extends year-round. Through its On Aging Institute, publications under the Generations portfolio, and ASA Studios programming, the organization equips professionals with evidence, ideas, and tools to “advance equity in aging and build a field that reflects the full diversity of our nation’s elders and workforce.”
Multisector Plans for Aging
The conversation also addressed the changing landscape of aging in America. For the first time in history, the U.S. is approaching a demographic tipping point where adults over 65 will soon outnumber children under 18.
“This has never happened before,” Dr. Clark-Shirley emphasized. “With that sheer volume comes increased visibility and a greater recognition of just how diverse older adults really are. There’s a perception that older people are one monolithic group. The truth is, they are the most diverse group of people on the planet, bringing varied experiences, needs, and goals into later life.”
That recognition, she explained, is fueling movements like Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs), state-level blueprints that coordinate health, transportation, housing, social connection, and more. “It’s about bringing the usual suspects and the unusual suspects together—parks and recreation, libraries, grocery stores, drivers, businesses, philanthropy, and most importantly, everyday people,” she said.
Retirement as an Ecosystem
Tony connected the discussion back to The Retirement Insiders framework: the six pillars of retirement—faith, family, friends, fitness, finance, and fun. “For many, those years after 65 are about rediscovering purpose,” he noted. “ASA is helping communities, employers, and families rethink how older adults can keep contributing and thriving.”
Dr. Clark-Shirley agreed. “We are in a relentless pursuit to make sure all of us have a fair shot at living a good, long life on our own terms. That requires breaking down barriers of ageism and recognizing the wisdom, skills, and contributions older adults continue to bring.”
Looking Ahead
As the conversation closed, Tony underscored why ASA matters not only to professionals but also to the broader public. “When ASA brings people together, it isn’t just about policy. It’s about reshaping the ecosystem that families, employers, and cities rely on to thrive in an aging America.”
Part II of the discussion will continue to explore ASA’s programs, research, and practical advice for leaders shaping the future of aging.
Where to Learn More
About ASA: asaging.org/about
On Aging Conference: asaging.org/on-aging
On Aging Institute: asaging.org/on-aging-institute
Generations Journal: generations.asaging.org
Local MPA Resources: Missouri
National MPA Resources: https://multisectorplanforaging.org/map
Recent October 9th Ageism Awareness Day