The April 1 Timeless Newtown panel discussion “Attitudes Toward Aging and Why They Matter” was very well attended.

The event was presented at Newtown Community Center, and continued the series being presented this year by multiple local organizations working together to counteract negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging.

Those present last Tuesday evening heard from a panel that represented all ages from the 20s to the 80s. Panelists were John Boccuzzi Sr, a retired educator of 41 years and the current president of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS); Dr Brianna Garrison, a researcher and professor of gerontological social work at Southern Connecticut State University; Marissa Greene, master’s student of gerontological social work, Southern CT State University; and Ann Nancy Rhodes, APRN, BC, author and consultant on aging and caregiving.

FONS Vice President Peter Schwarz moderated the event.

The audience had many opportunities to ask questions and make comments on what they heard.

It was clear that perspectives on aging vary widely but all agreed that a positive attitude made a big impact on how one could just survive or thrive. The discussion was supported by much research from qualified sources and the attitudes expressed by audience members also support what the research tells us.

There was ample evidence that a positive attitude extended not only life span but also health span — research has stated that a positive outlook could extend health span for an average of seven and a half years.

Related Events

This program will be followed by a pair of related events.

On Tuesday, April 15, from 5:30 to 7 pm, “A Holistic Perspective on Health” will be presented at the community center, 8 Simpson Street.

(Note the name of this event has been updated slightly from its original title of “A Holistic Health Perspective.” The focus and presenters will remain the same, however.)

A moderated panel of health professionals will discuss emotional, physical, mental and social implications of aging and discuss why everyone of every age should know about this.

Experts will include Social Worker Alexa Griffin, Newtown Social Services; Alfred Mingrone, master’s student of gerontological social work, Southern CT State University; Dr Peter Licht, MD, primary care and internal medicine; and Susan Licht, PA-C, physician’s associate, primary care and internal medicine.

Each panelist will offer a unique perspective on aging. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring questions and thoughts. Open discussion with the audience will follow the panel discussion.

Registration is requested and available through info@friendsofnewtownseniors.org.

Gerontologist Dr Joseph DeMayo will then present “Factors that Impact the Aging Process” on Thursday, April 24, at 3 pm, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street.

In his 60-minute presentation, DeMayo will explore the importance of human connection and involvement in maintaining overall well-being. He will also discuss the role of a healthcare provider as a partner in healthy aging.

A Q&A session will follow, offering attendees the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion.

DeMayo, MD, MPH, earned his Masters in Public Health at Yale School of Medicine. He is also a John Hartford Scholar in Geriatrics, UConn medical school. A retired geriatrician who has taught in the Clinical Skills (CS) and Medical Coach Experience (MCE) courses as volunteer faculty for ten-plus years at Yale, he practiced internal medicine and geriatrics for over 40 years.

He is also a national lecturer on Alzheimer’s disease, neurotransmitters, neuropathy, and the aging and disease overlap.

Registration is also requested for the April 24 program and available at chboothlibrary.org or by calling 203-426-4533. The program will be in the meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street.

“Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” is a 2025 initiative of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS), C.H. Booth Library, and the Town of Newtown Commission on Aging. The series strives to counteract the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging. All ages are encouraged to attend the myriad events, the majority being presented free of charge.

Built on the absolute understanding that everyone ages, the series will first attack the negative beliefs internalized by many older adults about what the aging process looks like. The series emphasizes the individual nature of aging and the concept of health span as different from lifespan.

Supporting this discussion of healthy aging will be part two of the series, which provides information on the latest research in aging and what simple things people of all ages can do to age in a manner that maintains a high quality of life.

The third part of the series will bring together the information from the first two parts and help dispel ageist views and bring together Newtown residents of every generation in discussions that clarify the value of every age group in society.

“Timeless Newtown” hopes to be a model for other communities who desire to foster intergenerational activities and conversation about nutrition, exercise, creative expression, and the mind/body connection for life.