Research and lived experience show that voting, belonging to an organization, and volunteering can positively impact an individual’s physical and mental health for the individual. Yet participation in these activities fluctuates and differs widely among societies across the globe.

Environmental crises don’t discriminate. In fact, everyone will someday feel the effects of climate change, plastic-filled oceans, and polluted air. Yet the rate and severity of these effects are not distributed equally. Like so much else, marginalized communities do and will continue to suffer sooner and more than privileged communities.

If we’re lucky, we get the opportunity to age. But simply reaching a certain age doesn’t ensure well-being, dignity, or a better quality of life. What ways can we support people across all communities and stages of life as they grow older?