Dr. Antonia Novello is the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. In a though-provoking conversation with Growing Bolder, she reveals how she felt the weight and pride of 59 million minorities on her shoulders after her appointment.

As someone who has spent decades in the public health sphere, she explains what she thinks about the state of aging in America today and reveals the top thing she wants to see the next Surgeon General do.

Plus, she looks ahead to the coming age wave and explains the important steps our leaders and society must take to prepare for it.

This conversation is part of our new series dedicated to the status of aging, Growing Bolder One-on-One with Active Aging Thought Leaders. It was recorded at the annual International Council on Active Aging conference.