Aging is a natural and wonderful aspect of life. For many, it means the chance to retire and celebrate a new chapter. Unfortunately, aging can be misperceived as decline or the end of a chapter, leading to barriers and closed doors for aging adults across the commonwealth.
PositiveAge Virginia is a nonprofit based in Glen Allen working to improve how people age in Virginia by utilizing partnerships, advocating for policy change and providing innovative solutions. It operates under the LeadingAge Virginia umbrella, which serves as a network of mission-driven aging service organizations “dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults across the care continuum.”
We spoke with Betsy Archer, executive director of PositveAge, to discuss the organization’s mission, common challenges facing older adults and how everyone can use their voice to support our aging community.
What is the core mission of PositiveAge?
Once someone reaches retirement age, it’s assumed that their contributions—be they professionally, socially or civically—are behind them. That mindset limits not only older adults, but all of us.
Our mission is to change that narrative. Aging is not an endpoint; it’s a significant, vibrant stage of life. If we’re fortunate, we’ll spend between 30 and 50 years in older adulthood.
At PositiveAge, we’re working to ensure that every Virginian can age with purpose, dignity and opportunity, because if we’re living, we’re aging. We should all have the chance to do that well.
What are some of the biggest challenges for aging adults across the commonwealth?
There are many challenges, but three stand out as urgent and interconnected.
First, we lack an equitable system to finance long-term care. Right now, the system works for those with significant wealth and for those who qualify for Medicaid, but not for the forgotten middle. Many people are forced to spend their life savings, rely heavily on family or receive care in higher-acuity, higher-cost settings like hospitals or premature nursing home admission. We need a system that makes aging affordable and accessible, not a financial emergency.
Second, we’re facing a caregiving crisis. This includes both paid and unpaid caregivers. Our paid caregiving workforce, including home health workers and direct care workers in nursing homes, assisted living communities and hospice and palliative care, is stretched dangerously thin. Demand is rising rapidly, but workforce pipelines and compensation structures haven’t kept pace. At the same time, thousands of unpaid caregivers (family members, friends, neighbors) are holding up the system. In 2023 alone, Virginians provided an estimated 529 million hours of unpaid care, valued at over $10 billion. These caregivers are essential; and many are exhausted, unsupported and invisible in policy decisions.
Third, we must change how we think about aging. There is a deep cultural fear of aging in this country, often tied to fear of decline or loss. Yet, in other countries and cultures, aging is celebrated, elders are honored and older adults thrive. In those cultures, aging is associated with wisdom, leadership and respect. We can have that here in Virginia, too. If we shift how we value aging and truly see it as a meaningful, productive phase of life, then we can create the conditions to solve the structural challenges.
What should people know about PositiveAge?
We’re here to advocate for you — not just today, but for the future you’re aging into.
In order to tackle complex challenges that no single organization can solve alone, we foster collaboration across sectors of healthcare, housing, workforce, transportation and public policy.
At the same time, we’re elevating the voices of older adults and caregivers to ensure that real experiences shape real solutions. We conduct research, build coalitions and work directly with older adults in our community to drive change with policymakers.
What is the best way for the community to support PositiveAge?
Share your story! Research and data will convince some people, but stories change hearts, minds and systems.
Whether it’s a challenge accessing healthcare, navigating long-term care, finding affordable housing or balancing caregiving responsibilities, your experience helps us identify gaps and push for change.
Those stories don’t just inform our work, they influence policymakers, providers and communities across Virginia. Tell us your story. Tell your healthcare providers and elected officials. Your voice has the power to shape a better future for aging in Virginia.
Learn more, access resources or make a donation by visiting the PositiveAge website.
