All too often, people say that they are afraid of aging or that they dread growing older. As gerontologists we agree that some fears do hold some truth, however, most of our fears have little factual foundation and represent a single story equating aging solely with decline. We want to help you have a more accurate and holistic perspective about your own aging and the blessings that accompany later life. We want you to feel good about growing older and to love your longevity.
So, listen along and share with us, what are you so f’ing afraid of?
What are you so f*ing afraid of? is a podcast designed for educational purposes and is meant to inform, but not supplant any plan of care or physician's order. Content is for mature audiences and may contain topics, language and content that some may wish to investigate in advance.
E. Ayn Welleford, PhD, received her BA in Management/Psychology from Averett College, MS in Gerontology and PhD in Developmental Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has taught extensively in the areas of Lifespan Development, and Adult Development and Aging, Geropsychology, and Aging & Human Values. As an educator, researcher, and previously as a practitioner she has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals across the caregiving and long term care continuum.
As Associate Professor in VCU’s Department of Gerontology, she currently works to “Improve Elder Care through Education” through her Teaching, Scholarship, and Community Engagement.
Currently, Dr. Welleford serves as co-lead of the Greater Richmond Age Wave coalition with Senior Connections, Executive Director, Dr. Thelma Watson. She has been known to say, “Let’s do something that does something.”
Alexa van Aartrijk is a gerontologist and the Manager of Aging and Disability Services with Virginia's Chesterfield County. Prior to this, she served as the VCU Department of Gerontology’s Community Education Coordinator.
In this position, she had planned, coordinated and implemented the co-sponsored state-wide continuing education and training program, available for those working in Licensed Assisted Living and Adult Day Center settings.
Alexa aims to connect community stakeholders and organizations to strong curriculum and training to ensure optimal person-centered care for individuals residing in long-term care facilities.
Alexa also works with the Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition, including serving as a LongevityU trainer.
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