AARP Volunteer Spotlight: A Life of Care, Community, and Connection

Judy Kotler has spent a lifetime caring for others. An only child raised in Queens, New York, she pursued a biology degree at Queens College before relocating to Philadelphia to attend physical therapy school at the University of Pennsylvania. That move would mark the beginning of a decades-long commitment to health care, service, and, eventually, community advocacy.

Her career began at Philadelphia General Hospital caring for patients who had nowhere else to go. When the facility was privatized, she transitioned to other roles, including a brief stint with the city’s prison system.

She worked across nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and eventually home care, never letting the lack of a driver’s license stop her—she always found a ride or relied on public transit. Even after developing sciatica at 65, she wasn’t ready to retire. Instead, she transitioned to auditing medical charts, staying connected to patient care for another decade.

“I didn’t want to sit home all day watching television,” Kotler says of her post-retirement life. “I needed something where I could learn and be useful.” That’s when she discovered Senior Planet, AARP’s technology and engagement initiative.

A glitchy Zoom session turned into a turning point: after receiving kind and patient tech support from a fellow volunteer, she felt welcomed and valued. “At AARP, we try to solve things together,” she says. “That reminded me of my old work in home care—it's not competitive. It's about collaboration.”

Since joining AARP’s volunteer team, she’s been a steady presence in Philadelphia’s advocacy efforts—attending community events, supporting outreach tables at senior fairs, and engaging with City Council members on issues like housing, public transportation, and green space. She recalls visits to Pennypack Park and a South Philly Garden Tour with residents of all ages were educated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society about community gardens.

“It was very interesting,” she says, “And I think it reiterated to some of the younger people on the tour that older adults don’t need to sit in rocking chairs all day. We can be active in the community like anybody else.”

While she may not make speeches or lead campaigns (yet!), her commitment, curiosity, and quiet leadership exemplify what AARP’s mission is all about. “I like being part of the group,” she says. “If you’re interested and try, people will help you. That’s what matters.”