What if everything we’ve been taught about aging is wrong?In this paradigm-shifting TEDx Talk, Melissa D. Hall—Medicare expert, speaker, media personality and founder of The Hall Insurance Group—invites us to reimagine aging not as a slow decline but as a powerful, purpose-filled progression.Drawing from her personal journey—watching her grandmother struggle with Alzheimer’s and inadequate healthcare, to eventually becoming an insurance agent and trusted health and wellness guide for seniors—Melissa uncovers the deeper truths about ageism, healthcare, and our cultural resistance to growing older.With heartfelt stories, striking statistics, and real-world encounters with vibrant seniors like the unforgettable Miss Louise Gooch, Melissa reveals how aging can be a time of winding up, not winding down–full of joy, connection, love, and leadership.Melissa challenges society’s outdated narrative: Aging isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a season to embrace and shows us that the future of aging isn’t bleak—it’s bright.A call to action for every generation, this talk empowers us all to prepare better for our senior years, speak louder, and build community and government systems that honor life at every age and stage. Melissa D. Hall is the founder and CEO of the award-winning Hall Insurance Group, a leading firm dedicated to assisting seniors in navigating their Medicare options. Since 2017, Melissa and her team have provided thousands of seniors with personalized Medicare plans tailored to their individual needs. A speaker, thought leader and frequent on-air guest, Melissa D. Hall has shared her expert advice on numerous outlets, including Fox, CBS, Radio One Baltimore, My Carolina, Good Day Baltimore, Roland Martin Unfiltered and more. Melissa is the creator and host of the award-winning talk show “The Golden Report” which highlights the vibrant side of aging. A consummate businesswoman, Melissa has founded, scaled and sold a business, and endeavors to educate and inspire other business owners with courses and workshops to help them master sales, execute client events that convert, and brand themselves to become a household name. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 7:15The impact of technology on reading | Thalia Parker | TEDxFountainbridgeIn the modern world an exploration into the impact technology offers us when reading. Thalia is a student at Boroughmuir High School and hopes to study English in the future. In her free time, she is an Explorer Scout and has a strong appreciation for the natural world. She enjoys reading and crocheting and works at a local independent bookshop. Additionally, Thalia volunteers as a young leader for younger scouting sections in her community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:03Whose voice? Whose change? | Steven Martz | TEDxFountainbridgeA philosophical consideration of voices and their role in change. Originally from Canada, Edinburgh has been home for over 20 years. I am a senior consultant to the investment management industry with a focus on risk and governance, and a Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh where I deliver courses in philosophy and the development of the Western intellectual tradition. I hold a PhD in 18th & 19th century German philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. Recent interests have been Aquinas, early Marx, Edmund Burke, the history of risk, and the Spectacular Society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 9:15The importance of active feminism | Emily Mann | TEDxFountainbridgeAn exploration of why being an active feminist is important. Emily is a S4 pupil in Edinburgh. She is a member of her school’s feminist society and her speech will be about the importance of becoming an active feminist. She hopes that her audience will walk away inspired by the potential of feminism and how we can all help create a better and more equal future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
