Women’s History Month: Honoring trailblazers for older adults
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
As we celebrate the many contributions of women worldwide, we highlight some women who have contributed to the lives of older adults.
MAGGIE KUHN
In 1970, Maggie Kuhn was forced to retire the day she turned 65 because of the mandatory retirement law that was then in effect. This experience both angered and inspired her to take action. Kuhn founded the Gray Panthers, an organization dedicated to working on issues pertaining to older adults. At the time, these issues included age discrimination; pension rights; and social concerns, such as the Vietnam War. The Gray Panthers strived to empower older adults to take control of their lives and to cherish an active life spent championing their beliefs. Kuhn worked tirelessly to educate older adults on their societal impact and how to combat stereotypes regarding agism.
Kuhn continued her work until she passed away at age 89 in 1995, while living in Philadelphia. She is considered the pioneer in advocating for the value of older adults and inspiring reforms nationally and within nursing homes.
No blazed trail comes without challenges. Many believed they knew what was best for older adults, so they placated their elders and treated them like children. Kuhn engaged activists to help shift these beliefs and encouraged older adults to speak their minds. She did this through steadfast activism within the Gray Panthers and its supporters, which still exists today.
“Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind – even if your voice shakes,” Kuhn once said. “When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say.”
DR. BARBARA J. BERKMAN
Dr. Barbara Berkman, 90, is an award-winning pioneer in health care for the aging. She received her doctorate in social work from Columbia University and is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and the New York Academy of Medicine.
Her professional contribution to the knowledge base of social work in health care is evidenced in her publications, which include books, chapters and more than 100 articles.
Berkman has directed 23 federal and foundation-supported research projects in health and aging. Their research suggests a correlation to high physical and cognitive ability with exercise, not smoking, and participation in groups and activities. These findings encouraged more support for older adults, especially those with low incomes. To continue her impact, Berkman is currently principal investigator and national director of the John A. Hartford Foundation’s Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholars Program.
DOROTY RICE
Economist Dorothy Rice was the driving force for Medicare’s early development. Rice, who died at age 94, is known for her contributions to the groundbreaking study of health insurance coverage for older adults. “The 1962 Survey of the Aged” by the National Opinion Research Center and sociologist Ethel Shanas produced a national estimate of the needs of older individuals. One of the findings of this study determined that many adults aged 65 and older were uninsured.
After this foundational research was completed, Rice led the Medicare research division at the Social Security Administration as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Social Security. She was the first female director for the National Center of Health Statistics. To this day, she is credited with laying the foundation for Medicare’s early policies and coverage.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gray Panthers founder Maggie Kuhn testified on Nov. 13, 1989 in Philadelphia to recommend legislation that would ensure all Americans coverage for health care and long-term care.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
