#44 "Elders and the Climate Crisis: A Conversation with Dr Harry R. Moody PhD"

On January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States, The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations seized this historic and uncertain moment to discuss the role of elders in shaping our collective future. In this powerful episode, we welcome esteemed author, educator, and activist Rick Moody to explore with us how those aged 65 and older can engage meaningfully in times of political and environmental upheaval.

At a time when misinformation is rampant, democracy feels fragile, and the climate crisis looms large, Moody challenges the notion of passive aging and calls for action. He makes a compelling case for why hope is not just a feeling but a practice—one that requires rolling up our sleeves and actively shaping the world we will leave behind. Whether you’re newly retired, deeply engaged in activism, or wondering what your legacy will be, this conversation will inspire and motivate you to embrace the power of your years.

In Episode we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Rick Moody about the intersection of aging, climate change, and civic responsibility. We explore how elders can resist misinformation, foster intergenerational collaboration, and take tangible action to create a better future.

Moody shares insights on the importance of truth in an era of political deception, the urgency of climate action, and why aging should be seen as a time of purpose rather than decline. He recalls his experiences working with great thinkers like Hugh Downs and Robert Butler, who coined the term “ageism”, and reflects on how older adults can reimagine their role in society. The conversation is a call for elders to step forward, not step back—to lead, not retreat—to build, not despair.

Moody also discusses his latest book, Climate Change in an Aging Society (2023, Routledge), and his ongoing work with nonprofits and grassroots climate movements. He reminds us that history is not something we inherit—it is something we create, and elders have a crucial role in shaping what comes next.

 

Harry (Rick) Moody, Ph.D., is a leading voice in the fields of aging, ethics, and climate activism. A graduate of Yale University with a doctorate in philosophy from Columbia University, Dr. Moody has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of aging, purpose, and social change.

He retired as Vice President for Academic Affairs at AARP and has held faculty positions at Fielding Graduate University and Tohoku University in Japan. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College, and Chairman of the Board of Elderhostel (now Road Scholar).

Dr. Moody is the author of over 100 scholarly articles and several influential books, including Aging: Concepts and Controversies, a widely used gerontology textbook now in its 10th edition, and The Five Stages of the Soul, which has been translated into seven languages. His latest book, Climate Change in an Aging Society, was published in 2023.

A passionate advocate for climate action, Dr. Moody writes a newsletter focused on climate change and aging. He was named one of Utne Reader’s “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society on Aging.

Subscribe to his climate newsletter here: Climate and Aging Newsletter.

We are deeply grateful to Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA) for their continued support in making this podcast possible. Their dedication to empowering elders to take action on critical social and environmental issues aligns perfectly with the mission of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations.

To learn more about their work and how you can get involved, visit:

• Elders Action Network (EAN)
• Elders Climate Action (ECA)

Thank you for listening and remember: History is not a destination—it is what we choose to do today.