The Alliance for Aging Research is proud to have dedicated staff members supporting the organization in its mission to improve the universal human experience of aging and health. This month, we are featuring Matthew Thompson, the Alliance’s Digital Communications Coordinator.
What do you do at the Alliance for Aging Research?
As the digital communications coordinator, I express the Alliance’s mission to online communities, share updates and engage our audiences on social media around topics that impact aging Americans.
How long have you worked at the Alliance?
I joined the Alliance in August. As of this month, I’ve been a member for 3 months!
Where are you from, and what brought you to the Washington, DC area?
I was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. I am deeply connected to the local culture and much of my work prior to joining the Alliance involved preserving our local heritage.
What is your favorite project or topic you’ve worked on while at the Alliance?
I really enjoy working on our Project LOOP campaign because it surrounds an evolving issue that we at the Alliance are leading advocacy efforts on. Our work has truly advanced the discussion. I’m proud to be creating tangible change.
Do you have a personal connection with any of the health issues/conditions the Alliance works on?
Many of the older members of my family have experienced health issues and conditions that we spread awareness around. Furthermore, I (like the rest of the planet) have been impacted by COVID-19 these past 2 years. Working at the Alliance is my way of advocating for the people closest to me.
Is something you’ve learned about healthy aging since working at the Alliance that has either changed your view or impacted the way you personally approach aging?
Though I may not be considered an “older adult” just yet, the issues around healthy aging that I often cover on socials impact me directly. Healthy aging isn’t some concept that only becomes relevant after you’ve reached a certain age. The decisions I make today affect my quality of life tomorrow and since joining the Alliance, I’ve been more intentional about making choices that don’t contribute to health issues further down the line.
What is your favorite book?
I’m currently finishing a Haruki Murakami book called “Killing Commendatore” that’s up there for me. This is the first Murakami I’ve ever read but I’m in love with his writing style. I’m Looking forward to getting into his classics though.
What is one thing that not many people know about you?
I am a voting member of the Grammy Academy. As a musician, I was invited to join in 2018 and have been voting every year since.
