Senator Roz Baker Named Influencer in Aging for 2017

Senator Roz Baker. Courtesy photo.

Senator Rosalyn Baker was named a 2017 Influencer in Aging by PBS’ Next Avenue, public media’s first and only digital publication dedicated to covering issues for people 50 and older.

As a Hawai‘i State Senator, Roz Baker has spent her political career advocating for her most vulnerable constituents. In 2017, Baker sponsored a state bill to provide relief for caregivers, especially families for whom assisted living facilities are too expensive.

Baker’s bill, which Gov. David Ige signed into law on July 6, funds a benefit program that would offer financial support to families helping to provide care for vulnerable older adults. A longtime proponent of accessible health care, Baker focuses on education, domestic violence prevention and elder care.

This year’s Influencers in Aging also includes New York Times reporter Paula Span, whose work for the news organization has brought broad visibility to issues facing older adults and Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, whose most recent work encourages housing and neighborhood design for aging in place.

“Next Avenue is proud to honor these 50 people who are transforming aging in a time when this work is especially crucial,” said Next Avenue Editorial & Content Director Shayla Stern. “More than 100 million Americans are over age 50 now, and as life expectancy increases, it is imperative that policies, housing, science, technology and culture all evolve to better serve our population. These honorees on our list of Influencers in Aging are on the leading edge of this revolution.”

For a complete list of honorees and further information about Next Avenue’s 2017 Influencers in Aging, visit:nextavenue.org/influencers.