Episode 11: Social Determinants of Healthy Aging

Imagine A World

In this episode of “Imagine a World,” Courtney Burton, a second year scholar pursuing a joint MBA/MS in Environment and Resources, discusses growing up in Atlanta, working in health care consulting, and her passion for extending healthspans. She sheds light on barriers to accessing resources for healthy aging, from health literacy to ageism, talks about embracing her inner clown, and reveals her vision for her life at 67 years old.

Highlights from the episode:

• (5:01) Courtney's packed schedule at quarter's end, juggling improv comedy, presentations, and classwork
• (9:52) Courtney's journey from her childhood in Atlanta, to consulting on health at Deloitte, to pursuing an MBA + EIPR master’s at Stanford
• (16:47) How Courtney's family reacted to her decision to pivot away from her initial dream to become a doctor, and how other influences in her life shaped that decision
• (20:34) Courtney's interest in extending health span, driven by watching family members age, experiences at Deloitte, and a Mexico City internship on a startup on healthy aging
• (25:11) Courtney's blog on healthy aging and her plans for a post on balance
• (31:30) Discussing barriers to accessing resources for healthy aging, from health literacy to ageism
• (38:07) Courtney's upcoming trip to a blue zone in Costa Rica and what she aims to learn there
• (41:06) Courtney's vision for her life at 67
• (42:56) How Knight-Hennessy has helped Courtney meet people from different disciplines
• (45:37) Courtney's improbable facts and advice to KH applicants