381 Joan Greene: A Lifelong Advocate for Aging and Mental Health
From Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined by Gail Zelitzky and Catherine Marienau
May 19, 2026 · 35 min · Season 7 · Episode 381
About this episode
Joan Greene discusses her lifelong advocacy for aging and mental health, reflecting on her experiences and calling for greater support for older adults.
Joan Greene, 84, trained to be a teacher but found her true calling as a social worker and innovative advocate for older adults. In New York State, she helped create programs from the ground up—from nutrition services and Meals on Wheels to case management and family support. When her accomplished daughter was diagnosed with severe mental illness, Joan’s work took on new urgency and personal meaning. In this conversation, she reflects on key turning points in aging, gerontology, and mental health care, while urging our culture to recognize mental health as an essential part of overall health. Joan calls for greater advocacy, research, and access to providers for older adults and families alike. Stay to the end to hear how knitting has become an unexpected source of connection, creativity, and advocacy. Connect with Joan Email: greeneward@yahoo.com Thanking our Sponsor, Plymouth Place, LaGrange Park, IL. As innovators in inspired living, Plymouth Place caters to vibrant and changing lifestyles…with resort-like amenities, fabulous cuisine, and beautiful residences including The Arboretum Villas – their new community for adults 62 plus. Learn how they make each day exemplary at…
People in this episode
Hosts: Gail Zelitzky, Catherine Marienau
Guest: Joan Greene
Topics covered
- aging
- mental health
- advocacy
- gerontology
- nutrition services
- social work
Keywords
- aging
- mental health
- advocacy
- gerontology
- nutrition
- social work
- older adults
- knitting
- program development
Sponsors
Plymouth Place
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