Read Next Avenue’s interview with Blackburn and learn why her work makes her our 2017 Influencer of the Year.

Read Next Avenue’s interview with Blackburn and learn why her work makes her our 2017 Influencer of the Year.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT AGING IN AMERICA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

“I would remind everyone that telomere science has shown us how much we are connected, and at so many levels — from the macro to the micro and from the societal to the cellular — and that how we interact with and support each other affects the way we age. Compassion is critical.”