Kayla C. Ling

Coming from China, I am a master degree candidate at Columbia University School of Social Work, specializing in social policy and gerontology.

My passion of working for the well-being of the older adults brought me back to school. With my education in social work, I firmly believe that older individuals should not be seen as the burden of the society, rather, they can continue being productive and making great contribution to the society with supporting policies and programs.

Two issues that I am particularily interested in are late life employment and pension system. I am currently working on two projects: the pension system for the elderly in rural China, and research on late life employment policies in the US and other OECD countries.

My vision is to redeine the meaning of old -- from based on one's age to how many more years one can live. Ageism vs. reverse ageism -- I was seen as too young to be unqualified many times because I look younger than I am. Age related discminaiton that older adults encounter also happens to younger folks. And how can we stop discrimination only based on one's age?

Longer life expectancy is a great success that we acheieve, therefore, we should not see the aging society as opportunities.

I enjoy my internship at AARP, in which I am focused on volunteer engagement and community outreach. I will be graduating in May this year and I am very excited about the uncertain journey ahead, which can also be ascary. But I believe that as long as I am aware of my passion, I know I will find my place.