My Story, by Jonathan Rose
Executive Director

I have always been an advocate for justice, even when I did not realize that I was. Normally an introvert, my other self comes out whenever injustice rears its head.

I grew up in a culture that highly revered and valued the elderly. As a professional scientist in the corporate world, I instinctively sought out the wisdom of those with more years and more experience. My best stores of learning and wisdom came not at universities but as I listened to and learned from elders on the job and in the community.

It is painful to see a wealthy society become so indifferent and negligently abusive of the elderly. Living in black and African immigrant communities, I see this indifference, negligence, and prejudicial actions occur frequently, and the elderly are often powerless to act on their own behalf. I see and hear stories of people unable to bear the financial cost of health care, or the emotional cost of Ageism and racial injustices.

About 15 years ago, my mother was victimized by health care providers, and her health got worse, and but for vigorous intervention by the family, she would have deteriorated and passed away in untimely fashion.

I am grateful to be part of All Elders as we advocate to prevent harm and to empower the powerless.