This Task Force will address life, and its particular issues as we grow older, as a work in progress as we pass through one phase to another. It will take a holistic approach to help us safeguard and nurture our body, as well as enrich our mind and spirit. There will be articles and reports, based on solid research by the committee and others, suggested books to read, favorite quotations, and FAWCO member contributions. The spectrum of information covered will also include practical information and resources, such as caring for loved ones from a distance, elder abuse, and issues related to facing the final passage, for ourselves and family members. Also included will be related legal considerations and documents, and information regarding US Social Security benefits. Life is an exciting journey of discovery filled with improvisations; so, too, will be the content of the Task Force pages. Follow the link to contact us and share your knowledge and requests for specific information.

Contact Global Aging Task Force Chair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kelly Fitzgerald, PhD

Kelly is currently a Guest Scientist at the University of Zürich, Center for Gerontology, where she is responsible for developing and conducting research related to how health care practitioners can better improve their response to their older clients in the event of a major disaster such as a flood or earthquake. Prior to moving to Switzerland she was the Network Coordinator at Swansea University in Wales for OPAN Cymru (Older People and Ageing Research and Development Network Wales). Kelly received her Masters of Public Administration from Georgia State University and her MS and PhD in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.  Kelly has several years of experience in disaster research. Examples include her PhD dissertation that focused on disaster preparedness of nursing homes in Massachusetts and two studies she conducted for the Public Health Agency of Canada looking at the roles and responsibilities of health practitioners of older adults in emergency management. Kelly also has hands on disaster experience volunteering as an American Red Cross disaster team leader during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons in the USA (including Hurricane Katrina) and the 2006 and 2007 flooding in New England.

Task Force member:

Ali Weihofen, LCSW, MPH

Alison (Ali) Weihofen is relatively new to Switzerland, AWCZ, and FAWCO. She moved to Zürich in November of 2009 to be with her Swiss husband. Previously, she was Director of Business Development for Northeast Health Services, Inc, a group of mental health clinics in Massachusetts. She is a licensed certified social worker (LCSW) and also has a master’s in public health (MPH). Ali has a special interest in the aging population and spent three years working at the Institute for Geriatric Social Work at Boston University. Her hobbies include yoga, sewing and reading.