Monday, May 18, 2026
On April 16, AgeGuide’s 52nd Annual Meeting brought together a community grounded in the belief that aging should be defined by purpose, connection, and ongoing contribution. The day offered opportunity for celebration with thoughtful reflection on the challenges ahead.
Purpose, Caregiving, and a Pro-Aging Future
CEO Marla Fronczak was recognized for 15 years of transformative leadership. She opened the meeting with a personal story about her mother, Rose, grounding a broader “Pro-Aging” vision with the reminder that “aging doesn’t have to be about winding down. It’s about continuing forward with purpose.” She also spoke candidly about caregiving as a central reality for many, underscoring the need for stronger support for families balancing work and care.
Celebrating Leadership and Lasting Impact
Each year, the Robert J. O’Connor Award recognizes a Board member who exemplifies exceptional service, compassion, and commitment to advancing AgeGuide’s mission of improving quality of life for older adults and caregivers. This year’s recipient is Dr. Debra Mayconich Baron, our 2nd Vice Chair elect, and Chairperson of the Program and Grants Committee. Deb was recognized for her extraordinary leadership, collaboration, and her lasting impact on individuals and systems across northeastern Illinois.
Rethinking Longevity: Stories, Science, and Community
Ken Stern, Founder and Chair of The Longevity Project and former CEO of NPR, delivered an inspiring keynote on the power of strong communities and intergenerational relationships. Drawing on his work and his book Healthy to 100, he challenged attendees to see longevity as an opportunity to reshape how we live, work, and connect across generations, including rethinking workplaces to better support older adults and multigenerational teams.
Turning Vision into Action
Building on this vision of connection and possibility, the conversation naturally turned to the action needed to sustain it. With ongoing threats to Older Americans Act funding, the meeting emphasized the urgent need for advocacy, calling on everyone to raise their voices and protect essential services by sending a letter to their legislators. Together, we can continue to stay engaged, visible, and committed to the future of aging.
