April Ibarra, MGS

My journey in the field of aging began at age 20, leading exercise classes for residents in a nursing home. I was immediately drawn to the resilience, humor, and rich life stories of older adults-and I knew I had found my calling. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion that led me to study Wellness and Gerontology at Miami University, and for the past 35 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people age well.

I’m the founder of Bold, Not Old™, a coaching, education, and speaking framework designed to help individuals and organizations rethink aging as a time of opportunity-not decline. My mission is simple: to help people thrive, not just survive, as the age.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Wellness and a Master’s in Gerontology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I am a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, a member of the Aging Life Care Association®, and certified in the Foundations for Wellness by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA). These credentials support my client-centered, holistic approach to aging well-blending evidence- based practices with compassionate, personalized care.

Whether I’m coaching a family through a complex care situation, delivering educational workshops, or speaking on the power of positive aging, my work is grounded in the belief that aging is not a decline—but a dynamic stage of growth, purpose, and opportunity.

Credentials

Master’s of Gerontological Studies. Miami University, Oxford Ohio

Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion with a minor in Gerontology

Certifications