by Sarah Cheney
When Kermit the Frog stepped up to deliver the University of Maryland’s commencement speech, no one expected him to drop life advice that would stick. But in true Muppet fashion, he did.
“Life is not a solo act,” Kermit said. “It’s a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you are with your people.”
That line? It hits home for all of us in the Aging Forward Alliance.
We see it every day—how community makes everything stronger. Older adult volunteers, caregivers, affiliate leaders, staff, and partners all show up, not just for the job, but for each other. This work, like life, isn’t something you do alone. It’s something we do together.
Kermit even joked about the importance of surrounding yourself with the “right people,” even if one of them happens to be a spotlight-hogging pig. But behind the humor is a real truth: community doesn’t mean perfect harmony. It means showing up—even when it’s messy, when plans fall apart, or when things feel uncertain.
Our volunteers model this every day. They offer rides, teach classes, staff phones, and serve as steady support for older adults in their communities. They don’t do it for applause. They do it because it matters. Because connection matters.
So do our affiliate leaders and staff—the behind-the-scenes lifeline of this alliance. They manage the details, navigate the challenges, and keep everything moving. Like any great ensemble, their work ensures the whole cast shines.
That’s why Kermit’s advice, leap together, resonates. It’s a mindset. Leaping takes guts. It takes trust. And it only works when you know someone’s leaping with you.
Of course, not every leap lands perfectly. Fundraisers flop. Budgets get tight. Burnout is real. But when things fall apart, our people show up. They pick each other up. They keep going.
That’s what Aging Forward is about. Being part of something bigger. Living out Kermit’s message—not just as inspiration for graduates, but as a way of life.
Yes, the challenges in aging are real. But so is the determination. So is the heart. So is the belief that we’re better when we move together.
Kermit—who, by the way, is 70 now—once said it’s not easy being green. He was right. But it’s worth it when you’ve got a team beside you.
So to every volunteer, every affiliate, every supporter in this movement: thank you. Thank you for showing up. For leaping. For believing in the ensemble.
Let’s keep moving forward. Together.