Audrey Hilliard started as a Senior Planet student in 2016 before quickly joining the staff as an outreach coordinator. Ever since, she’s been a vital team member hopping from project to project until her most recent stint on the Connected NYCHA hotline.  

We chatted with her about her years of experience with Senior Planet and how younger generations don’t own the concept of “wanting more.” For more information about the Connected NYCHA program click here! 

How did you first get involved in Senior Planet? 

I started working with Senior Planet when I was 66, now I’m 72. Back in 2016, Senior Planet came to my senior center with a computer class and I graduated from it. Since then I’ve been working on and off doing various surveys and projects, including this most recent time on the Connected NYCHA hotline. 

To tell you the truth I enjoy it, it brought me to where I am now. It helped me identify who I am. 

“Aging with attitude means you want better.” 

What’s your favorite part about working with Senior Planet? 

It’s the connection with my coworkers. It’s interesting to me to hear them talk. I’ve worked with a variety of people and that is how I learn – by talking with others. 

Plus every time I’ve worked with Senior Planet it has helped me grow personally. Helping other seniors helps my lifestyle. It’s helped me to be more audible – I didn’t really speak much until I started doing surveys. 

 How have things changed with working from home due to the pandemic? 

It’s been good. This is like medicine for me, when I get on here and I do work. It takes me away from all the distractions. There’s so much going on right now in the world. 

And it’s not just me – Senior Planet has opened the door for a lot of seniors to let them know that it’s not over. I can speak for them! It’s not over!
 

What does aging with attitude mean to you? 

It means to me… moving forward into the future to do better. It means you want better. And I feel that all Seniors want better. 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she runs Senior Planet’s Supporter program in addition to being a contributing writer for this site. She can be reached at supporters@seniorplanet.org.