As we kick off October with the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons, it’s fitting that we begin the month with Maria Alvarez, an iconic leader who has been at the forefront of advocating for older Americans for more than 30 years. In today’s episode, Maria who is Executive Director of the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, explains the mission of her grassroots organization, which brings seniors together from across the state for self-empowerment and improvement of the quality of life for older New Yorkers and their families. She’ll explain why it’s critical to have consumer representation and involvement in public policy and why seniors are so vital to strengthening the fabric of our society. And Maria will offer her broad perspective as to what aging looks like in the years ahead, and how the Senior Action Council will continue to conduct its wide-ranging advocacy campaign for future generations.