Joseph CascianiGeropsychologist, Consultant, Public Speaking, Freelance · Podcast Host of the Living to 100 Club | Clinical Strategies for Senior Residential Settings & Lifestyle Directors | Geropsychologist | Keynote Speaker

Improving the Lives of LGBTQ+ Older Adults with Michael Adams

26 Jul 2024 · 1 min

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In this brief personal testimony, Michael Adams, the head of SAGE, reflects on his 18‑year tenure leading the organization and its core mission to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults. He recounts how his involvement began in his mid‑40s, prompted by his close relationship with his grandmother, whose declining health and eventual passing gave him an early, intimate view of the challenges faced by older adults. Despite her strong family support, the final years of her life were difficult, underscoring for Adams the critical importance of SAGE’s work. The narrative connects his personal experience to the broader purpose of SAGE, emphasizing a deep, personal commitment to serving LGBTQ+ elders.

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You know, I think for me, I'm in my 18th year as the head of SAGE, and this work and SAGE's mission to improve the quality of life of LGBTQ+ older adults means a great— it means a great deal to me. And I first got involved with SAGE when I was in my mid-40s, and at the time, I my grandmother, who I was very close to, was struggling with her health, and she actually passed away shortly after I arrived at SAGE. And it was, in a sense, an early window into how important SAGE's mission is, because my grandmother was very fortunate to be surrounded by a large family of people who loved and loved her and cared about her. And even with all that support, the The last couple of years of her life were, were difficult in a variety of ways.