AGING ICON

LIVE HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE

From Dental Assistant to Aging Icon. My Journey Into Advocacy.

There’s a saying in healthcare, and that is to get ahead, you must quit and change jobs. In the early years of my career, I did exactly that, and often. At the time, it looked like zigzagging. Looking back I see it as the foundation for everything I’ve done since. Each role gave me a new perspective, a new skill, and a better understanding of who I am. It’s those lessons that shaped me into the advocate that I am today.

Building Blocks: Learning the Business of Healthcare

I began at the bottom, working as a dental assistant. From there I moved to the front desk, then into supervisory roles at a health insurance company. My boss eventually suggested something that changed my life: “Why don’t you become a consultant?” He saw what I hadn’t yet realized, namely I wasn’t going to stay in anyone else’s shadows for long.

I had something rare, a network. Young doctors were eager to start their own practices, patients wanted their insurance to actually work for them, and I had the relationships to connect the dots. At that time, patients paid their doctors directly, then sought reimbursement from their insurer. If you could help people navigate that maze then you were already a step ahead.

And I was lucky again. The laws allowing professional advertising had just changed which meant very few competitors. Without the Internet (this was the 1970’s), I turned to the Business Library and sent flyers to every organization that I could find. Soon I was standing in front of groups like the Public Health Association, speaking about healthcare reform and how physicians could grow their practices.

It wasn’t about broad advertising; it was about relationships. I asked doctors to describe their ideal patient: the ones who accepted treatment plans, paid their bills (with insurance), and referred others. From there, I built systems for everything including branding, staff training, union relationships, and business strategies.

Mentors and Milestones

There weren’t many women business owners in healthcare consulting back then. I was fortunate enough to meet Martha Stevens, a trailblazing consultant who generously shared her wisdom. She taught me how to price my services, present myself professionally, and balance business with professional life. That mentorship was gold.

One of my most memorable clients was Dental World, the flashy one-day dentistry practice located in Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island. They had everything from an in-house lab to babysitting and even a movie theater. I agreed to work with them on commission, a risk that paid off. Soon I became known as Miss Dental World, gaining media exposure and invaluable experience when the company went public and even launched franchises.

But business highs are often followed by lows. A shady investor swooped in, installed his girlfriend in my role, and pushed me out. I negotiated my exit, kept my trade secrets, and watched from the sidelines as the business collapsed. That painful chapter taught me two lessons, trust your instincts and never put your all of eggs in one basket.

Reinvention and Growth

Thankfully, I still had my contacts. I pivoted, found new sponsors and helped a dentist and his wife (a radiologist), open one of the first chains of radiology centers in the 1980’s. This was groundbreaking at a time when no one thought of doctors as running “big businesses.” The model became a blueprint for hospitals outsourcing services.

Over the next two decades, I immersed myself in every aspect of modern medicine including MRIs, telehealth (before it had a name), physician education, and health reform committees. I wasn’t just building my own business, I was shaping how healthcare itself evolved.

I participated in strikes, reform debates, and even efforts to create physician-owned HMOs. And then came September 11th, 2001. Living in downtown Brooklyn, with an office on Wall Street, and a client in the World Trade Center, I watched the towers fall. That tragedy, combined with my mother’s passing shortly after, shifted my focus. I moved to Florida, continued serving clients remotely, and began to explore senior healthcare.

Discovering My Calling: Advocacy for Seniors

What began with volunteer Medicare counseling grew into something much bigger. People asked me not just about coverage, but about finding doctors, arranging transportation, and navigating daily challenges. One of my first paying clients was the Mayor of North Miami who had suffered a stroke and develop aphasia. I worked out creative ways for him to communicate, even coaching him through public speeches.

Another client was a pioneering dietician with no family. I helped her set up a charity so her life’s work could live on. These experiences showed me what I was meant to do, advocate not for systems or doctors, but for people.

By the time I returned to New York in 2004, I fully embraced the title of Patient Advocate. I explained to professionals that unlike care managers who focus on compliance, I listened to what the patient wanted and worked toward safe, workable solutions.

Leading the Way

Technology continued to reshape healthcare and I saw how patients were being squeezed between insurers and providers. By 2008 I stopped working with doctors entirely and focused solely on supporting patients.

I joined professional organizations, mentored aspiring advocates, and in 2018 helped develop the first national Board Certification exam for Patient Advocates (earning the right to put BCPA after my name).

I also threw myself into leadership roles, from the Senior Umbrella Network to PULSE Center for Patient Safety. When the pandemic hit, I refused to let connection die. We moved SUN meetings to Zoom, creating some of the most meaningful networking experiences members ever had. That adaptability, I think is what has kept me energized all these years.

Becoming an Aging Icon

Through coaching and reflection, I realized that the people I serve, remarkable individuals continuing their life’s mission into their later years, are ICONS. And I am one too: an Aging Icon.

One client, a 97 year old psychologist and playwright, feared her work would vanish when she passed. Together, we published her plays and built her website, ensuring her legacy lives on. Others are business leaders, creators, and innovators who simply need help navigating aging and health.

What unites them is this: they don’t want to stop living, creating, and contributing,. And neither do I.

Lessons Learned

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s this:

  • Stay open to reinvention. Losing a job, a contract, or a business can feel like the end, but it may be the beginning of something greater.
  • Build relationships, not just resumes. Every opportunity I’ve had has come through relationships, not cold calls.
  • Advocacy matters. Systems often fail people. Being the person who listens and finds solutions can change lives.
  • You’re never too old to create impact. My clients and my own story are proof.

I‘ve spent decades fighting for better, more accessible healthcare, and I have no plans to stop. As long as there are Aging Icons out there, I’ll keep helping them shine.

Because when someone says “Nothing else can be done,” my answer will always be, not so fast, let’s find a way.

August 27, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Social Media is More Than Memes and Selfies

Not so long ago, if you had told me that I’d be excited about a college student joining the Social Media Association for $5 a month, I would have raised an eyebrow.

Not because I’m not excited about students, quite the opposite. But because, for a long time, “social media” was something I thought was for teenagers, influencers, or marketing departments with bigger budgets than mine.

Now? I see it differently.

From “Extra” to Essential

When social media first arrived, my cohort treated it like a shiny toy, fun to play with, maybe useful in business, but certainly not the main event. It sat somewhere in the corner, lumped under “public relations” or “marketing,” often managed by the newest intern.

Fast forward to today, and social media is no longer the appetizer. It’s the main course.
It’s where news breaks before it hits TV, where movements start before they hit the streets, and where brands, personal and professional, either thrive or disappear.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a tech wizard or marketing executive to use it effectively.

My Wake-Up Call

I’ll admit I used to be a skeptic. I didn’t need to post my breakfast or dance on TikTok to prove I was relevant. I had my network, my clients, and my reputation.

But then I realized something, social media isn’t about dancing or oversharing. It’s about:

  • Staying informed in real time
  • Connecting with people you might never meet otherwise
  • Sharing what you know so people see your expertise and trust you
  • Building your personal and business brand

As the Membership Chair of the Social Media Association, I’ve seen firsthand how social media has shifted from “just an option” to “mission critical” for anyone who wants to be seen, heard, and remembered.

The New Networking

Once upon a time, networking meant going to a luncheon, exchanging business cards, and hoping someone remembered you the next day.

Now?

You can make a connection on LinkedIn at 10AM, share an article that makes someone think at 2PM and be speaking to a potential client (or collaborator) by dinner.

Social media isn’t replacing in-person connection, it’s amplifying it. The handshake is still powerful, but now the “digital nod” keeps the conversation going long after the meeting ends.

Gravitas in the Digital Age

Here’s something I’ve learned: if you want people to take you seriously, you have to show up.

And in 2025, showing up means being visible online, not just in a once-a-year website update, but in regular, thoughtful posts that tell the world:

“I know what I’m talking about.”
“I care about this subject.”
“I’m here, and I’m paying attention.”

Social media lets you control your narrative. It allows you to demonstrate your knowledge, values, and experience before anyone even shakes your hand.

Social Media for All Generations

Some people think social media is a young person’s game. They’re wrong.

I’ve met retirees using Instagram to share stories from their careers, nonprofit founders in their 70s raising awareness on Facebook, and yes, college students using LinkedIn to build a professional reputation before graduation.

The most inspiring part? We’re all learning from each other. That’s why I’m so thrilled that students are joining the Social Media Association. They bring fresh ideas, curiosity, and a comfort with the platforms that can inspire the rest of us to try something new.

And in return, we offer perspective, strategy, and the wisdom of having seen trends come and go. Together, we bridge the gap.

Why I’m All In

I’m not a social media professional. I don’t spend my days analyzing algorithms or scheduling content calendars. But I’ve come to appreciate that if you want to be part of the conversation in your field, your community, or the wider world, you have to have a seat at the table.

And in many ways, that table is now digital.

I also want to make one thing clear and that’s I’ve been at this a long time. I started using social media in 2001, back when I was on Delphi Forums launching a national audience for my health reform speaking business.

I know firsthand the power these platforms have to connect people and spread ideas. And while I don’t do it all myself anymore because I have someone posting for me daily and a team creating content, my presence is deliberate and strategic. This isn’t about killing time online, it’s about building relationships, credibility, and visibility that matter.

Whether you’re a student just starting out, a seasoned professional looking to stay relevant, or an Aging Icon that might think social media is “for other people,” I encourage you to explore the possibilities.

Because social media isn’t just a part of PR or marketing anymore. It’s where we learn, share, connect, and yes, make an impact.

And the best part? You can start today from wherever you are.

August 13, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Art of Aging with Purpose and What You Can Expect from My Work

Some people build businesses around trends. I build them around gaps, spaces where people are craving connection, confidence, and purpose but don’t yet have a map.

That’s how Aging Icon™ was born.

I’ve always believed that success doesn’t end when the candles on your birthday cake hit double digits in the six, seven or even 8 or 9 range. And I’m not talking about forced optimism or “just think young” clichés.

I’m talking about real-life reinvention, about doing the things you love even when your knees creak, your schedule shifts, and the world around you seems to think you’re winding down.

Nope. Not on my watch.

Through my speaking, my books, and my ongoing advocacy, I’ve carved out a space for those who want to live with more curiosity, creativity, and courage, especially as they age or are given a life changing health diagnosis. I work with people who’ve built successful lives and careers, but who are now navigating questions that rarely get asked out loud:

  • Can I still do what I love, even if I don’t move as fast as I used to?
  • Is it too late to start something new?
  • What happens when the world stops seeing me as “in my prime”?

I ask those questions too. And I answer them by helping others write a different kind of script.

What You’ll Find in My Work

Whether it’s from a stage, in the pages of a book, or through grassroots advocacy, here’s what I bring to the table:

Clarity without clichés.
You won’t find platitudes in my presentations or in my writing. What you will find is humor, honesty, and practical insight. I speak from experience, not theory, and my stories are grounded in what it actually feels like to be shifting, stretching, and evolving at every stage of life.

Permission to be powerful.
Many of us have been conditioned to shrink a little as we age. I challenge that gently but firmly. My work is about reclaiming space, confidence, and agency, not because we need permission, but because we deserve reminders.

Community and connection.
Aging can feel isolating. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback I hear is, “I thought I was the only one feeling this way.” My books, talks, and initiatives create safe, energetic spaces for people to realize they are not alone and that shared experience breeds strength.

A future-facing approach.
Here’s where my business brain kicks in. I don’t just talk about aging as it is now. I look at where society, tech, and work are headed, and I position people to thrive in that landscape. The result? You’re not chasing a moment; you’re already in it.

Not Just Inspiration, Activation.

People often tell me they feel inspired after hearing me speak or reading something I’ve written. But I don’t stop at inspiration. I want you to feel energized to take action, whether that means dusting off an old passion, starting a new chapter, or simply refusing to fade quietly into the background.

Because you, my friend, are far from done.

And if you’re ready to live how you want to live, you’ll find in my work not just a mirror, but a guide. A spark and a well-timed nudge.

You’ve built a life worth living. Let’s make sure you keep living it, with joy, meaning, and just the right amount of rebellion.

July 9, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Holding My Own as A Woman in a Man’s World

For as long as I can remember, I’ve worked alongside men including colleagues, employees, business partners, mentees, and of course, my husband. I’ve never shied away from stepping into spaces where the energy skewed masculine. In fact, I’ve often thrived there.

Maybe it was my deep expertise in my field. Maybe it was an innate sense of confidence. Likely it was a combination of both. But what I know to be true is that I never waited for permission to take up space.

I never let being the “only woman in the room” shake me. I never let anyone else’s assumptions define my value. And I never gave up my independence, personally or professionally, because the moment you do that, you risk disappearing into someone else’s story instead of writing your own.

Even in a happy marriage, independence matters. Especially in a happy marriage. Having a partner doesn’t mean losing your identity. I’ve always believed the healthiest relationships are built when two whole people choose to walk through life side by side, not when one leans so heavily on the other that she forgets how to stand tall on her own.

I’ve had wonderful male mentors and friends throughout my career. I’ve also had other experiences. Like being talked over in meetings. Having my ideas ignored until a man echoed them. And yes, being told to “smile more” except in one ironic twist, I was actually told to smile less by a male attorney I was competing with. Years later, that same attorney came to me for help with his image. Life has a way of circling back, doesn’t it?

I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the sexual undercurrent women often have to manage in professional settings. The subtle (and not-so-subtle) comments. The misinterpreted friendliness. The need to constantly walk the line between being assertive and being “too much.” It’s exhausting, and it’s real. But we manage, with grace, clarity, and an unwavering sense of self.

Here’s what I’ve learned and what I want every woman reading this to know:
We don’t need to harden to survive in a man’s world. We don’t need to mimic masculine traits or minimize our own. What we do need is an unshakeable sense of our own worth. We need clarity about what we bring to the table. And we need the resilience to keep showing up, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Inner strength isn’t loud or showy. It’s quiet confidence. It’s knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re capable of. It’s also knowing what you won’t tolerate and being willing to draw that line.

That strength? It’s been hard-earned. Built over years, shaped by experience, and inspired by the women I’ve admired who spoke up, stood tall, and never shrank. I’ve learned to listen carefully but speak decisively. To collaborate, but never compromise my vision. To hold my own, without losing my kindness or curiosity.

And I believe deeply that men aren’t the enemy. In fact, many are our allies, our partners in progress, our coworkers in the trenches, our friends, and our family. When we work together with mutual respect, when men listen and learn and women lead without apology, we all benefit. True collaboration looks like inclusion, not dominance. Support, not competition.

Women are still navigating a world that wasn’t designed with us in mind. But we’re redesigning it, every single day.

To the woman reading this and whether you’re just getting started, starting over, or starting fresh later in life, know that you are not alone. We’ve walked this path, and we’re walking it with you.

Stand tall in who you are. Don’t wait for approval. Lead with competence and confidence. And never, ever hand over your independence. It’s your power source.

Respect starts with self-respect. And when you believe in your worth, the world takes notice.

June 16, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Turning the Page, Not Closing the Book

Recently, I joined a dynamic group called Lustre, a collective of vibrant women who have officially “retired” from their long-held careers, but you’d never guess it by looking at their calendars. These women are anything but retired in spirit. They are passionate, curious, engaged, and absolutely not interested in fading into the background. They’re not slowing down, they’re just redirecting their energy into something new.

That’s the thing about retirement. For many of us, it’s not an end. It’s a beginning. It’s not a winding down, but a gearing up for something different, something fulfilling, something you’ve been waiting your whole life to do.

Retirement from your first career whether it spanned 20, 30, or even 40+ years doesn’t mean the story ends. It just means you’ve turned the page and found yourself at the beginning of a fresh new chapter. One that’s wide open, filled with possibilities, and entirely yours to write.

Many of the Aging Icons I work with are in this exact space. They’re discovering that retirement is really just code for reinvention. And if we’re being honest, most of us have been reinventing ourselves our whole lives anyway. Careers change, families shift, passions evolve. Retirement is simply another moment of transformation.

For some, it’s about starting a second (or third!) career and one that’s driven more by purpose than paycheck. Others are diving deep into long-held interests they never had the time to fully explore before like painting, writing, teaching, learning new languages, or launching businesses. Some are traveling the world or mentoring others who are just beginning their own professional journeys.

The possibilities? Endless.

And let’s not forget the joy of learning for the sake of learning. I see women enrolling in classes that spark joy, signing up for workshops, joining discussion groups, and volunteering their time and talents in meaningful ways. They’re raising their hands, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Of course, not everything is as easy as it once was. Bodies change. Energy fluctuates. Some of us move a bit slower or need accommodations to do the things we love. But let me tell you this, there is always a workaround. Always. I’ve seen women who use walkers volunteer at schools, women with arthritis creating incredible works of art, and women with hearing aids starting podcasts.

Limitations don’t have to be limitations. They can simply be opportunities to do things a little differently, and sometimes, even more creatively.

That’s why I love working with Aging Icons. These are individuals who may have “retired” on paper, but in reality, they’re just getting started. They’re determined to make this next chapter the best one in the book. They ask the big questions: What’s next? What do I want? What impact can I still make? And then they get moving.

It’s not about proving ourselves anymore. It’s about expressing ourselves. It’s about embracing the wisdom we’ve earned and using it to shape lives, our own, and others’.

If you’re nearing retirement, or already there, I want to leave you with this thought:
You’re not done. Not even close.
You’re just getting started.

Whether you want to travel, teach, mentor, create, rest, explore, or lead, this is your time. And I’m here to remind you that whatever “next” looks like for you, it’s valid, it’s worthy, and it’s entirely possible.

Here’s to the next chapter. Let’s make it unforgettable.

June 6, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You’re Not Too Old To Reinvent, Reignite, and Rise Again

Let’s start with the truth: life has its plot twists.

You can be rolling along living your life, perhaps running your business, engaging in hobbies and varied pursuits, checking off goals and then, boom. A diagnosis. An accident. A shift in energy. A feeling you can’t quite name, but something is off.

Suddenly, the way you’ve always done things no longer works.

And you may be tempted to stop, put things on hold, and perhaps even call it quits.

But here’s what I’m here to tell you, loud and clear: you’re not too old to reinvent, reignite, and rise again.

I’ve seen it time and time again, clients who thought they were “past their prime” tapping into creativity, passion, and purpose they hadn’t felt in years.

So no, you don’t have to abandon your vision. You may just need to change your approach.

Reinvention Isn’t About Starting Over, It’s About Shifting

Reinvention doesn’t mean throwing everything out and beginning from scratch. It’s about examining your current situation, honoring what has changed, and asking: how can I do this differently?

Maybe you used to be on the road 200 days a year, speaking and training. Now, travel exhausts you. But your message? Still resonates. Let’s bring it online. Let’s record your talks. Let’s build a digital presence that brings the same impact without the suitcase.

Or perhaps a diagnosis has changed how much energy you have day to day. That doesn’t mean your life passions have to end. It means you need new rhythms, new support systems, and permission to slow down without stepping out.

Reinvention is a pivot, not a pause.

Reignite What Matters

When you hit a roadblock, it’s natural to feel discouraged. But it’s also an opportunity to ask, What do I really want now? Not what you wanted 10 or 20 years ago. Not what you built your identity around. What do you want today?

The answer to that question might surprise you. I’ve worked with CEOs who rediscovered their love for painting. Lawyers who became writers. Entrepreneurs who scaled back their business and grew their impact.

You’re allowed to change. And you’re allowed to get excited about something new. That spark you feel? That’s your intuition nudging you toward your next chapter.

Rise Again In a Way That Feels Right For You

There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap for rising. But there is one constant: support.

That’s where I come in.

As an Aging Icon, my mission is to work with people just like you, successful, seasoned, and ready to adjust the sails when the winds shift. I provide strategic guidance and we look at what’s working, what’s no longer sustainable, and what possibilities are waiting just around the corner.

And then? We build a plan, path and a new pace that matches your life now while keeping your dreams alive.

Oh No, You’re Not Done Yet

You may not be 35 anymore. Good. That person didn’t have your wisdom, your perspective, your depth.

You’ve already risen once, maybe many times. Reinventing isn’t admitting defeat, it’s choosing evolution. And that is the truest mark of success: the willingness to keep going, even when the path changes.

So, if you’re feeling like something has shifted, or you’re wondering what’s next, if your body or your life circumstances are demanding a different approach, know this:

You’re not too old.
You’re not done.
And your next act might just be your best one yet.

Let’s Talk

If you’re ready to explore your next chapter without abandoning your past success, let’s connect. I work with clients who are navigating change, redefining what’s possible, and refusing to fade into the background.

You’re not too old to rise again.
You just need someone to help you reimagine how.

Reach out to me and let’s begin.

June 2, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why I’m Taking Time Off and Why You Should Too

When was the last time you stepped away, not just from your work, but from the noise, the scroll, the meetings, and the million things tugging at your sleeve?

For me, it’s right now. I’m packing my bags for a four-night getaway to Atlantic City, and this time, I’m not sneaking in a single webinar or phone call.

No “just checking in” emails. No multitasking from a hotel desk. Just me, the ocean air, a couple of classic boardwalk strolls, and a head ready to be filled not with noise, but with clarity.

Because here’s what I’ve learned as a successful woman who’s been through a few reinventions (and helped others through theirs): Real growth requires real space.

I’m not talking about a quick lunch break or a Sunday where you half-work while pretending you’re resting. I mean full-on, intentional time off to reflect, reimagine, and reconnect with what matters most.

This is where imagination gets to play again. Where ideas stretch out and breathe. And for me, it’s where I’m going to shape my next-level vision, complete with a fresh elevator pitch and a one-page business plan I can feel in my bones.

Time Away is a Power Move

I know the hustle mindset. I know what it feels like to say, “I’ll rest when I’m done.” But done never comes. There’s always another client, another deadline, another problem to solve. But clarity? That only comes when you pause.

For those of us navigating the later chapters of our careers or choosing to rewrite the story entirely, it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. And sometimes, the only way to hear that whisper of what matters is to step away from the shouting.

Creativity Needs Breathing Room

You want fresh ideas? Stop standing in stale air.

When we give ourselves space, magic happens. We remember why we started. We reconnect with our own boldness. And we imagine without borders. I’ve done these enough times to know that when I unplug, I come back reignited and unstoppable. I’m not looking to maintain, I’m here to elevate. And sometimes, that requires a beach, a notebook, and a brain that’s not buzzing with to-dos.

Resetting with Purpose

I’ve committed to clearing my plate before I go. No mental baggage allowed on this trip. That’s part of the ritual too, closing the loops so you can open new ones.

When I return, I want to walk through my door with a crisp, confident introduction that reflects who I am now and not who I was three years ago. I want a one-page business plan that lights me up and leads the way forward. Not just words on paper, but a direction that makes me sit up straighter and walk a little taller.

Aging Isn’t Slowing Down. It’s Leveling Up.

As an Aging Icon, I know what it means to rise again and again. Reinvention isn’t a trend. It’s a strategy. And reflection is the most overlooked tool in the box.

Here’s my advice: take the break. Book the hotel. Leave the laptop closed. Let your imagination ride shotgun. Because when you return, you’ll bring back something bigger than rest. You’ll bring back vision.

And vision is what iconic women are made of.

See you on the other side, refreshed, recalibrated, and ready to roar.

May 14, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Age Advantage and Why Your Best Work Is Still Ahead of You

Welcome to Your New Chapter

Who says your best years are behind you?

Let’s bust that myth wide open.

Because your best work, your most fulfilling projects, and your most meaningful connections might still be ahead of you. That’s the beauty of the Age Advantage where wisdom meets clarity, and passion finally gets the spotlight.

What Is the Age Advantage?

The Age Advantage is simple: it’s the benefit of living long enough to truly know yourself. You’ve got experience, resilience, perspective, and stories worth telling. You’ve spent a lifetime learning, and now? Now is the time to put that to use on your terms.

1. Experience Is Your Superpower

In today’s world, where everything moves fast and reinvention is the norm, your decades of experience are priceless. You’ve led, built, navigated, and grown. That puts you in a league of your own.

Use It:

  • Highlight your experience as an asset, not a footnote.
  • Update your LinkedIn to reflect your full journey and transferable skills.
  • Become a consultant, advisor, or mentor. Your insight solves real-world problems.

2. Overcoming Age-Related Doubts

That voice whispering “It’s too late”? It’s lying. Age-related self-doubt is common, but it doesn’t have to lead the way.

Replace it with:

  • Confidence in what you’ve learned.
  • Proof from others who started over well after 50 and thrived.
  • Community support from like-minded peers.

You are not too old. You are too valuable to sit this chapter out.

3. Pivot Into Passion

Have you always wanted to paint, write, speak, or start a business? Maybe you set it aside for family or a “sensible” career. Well guess what? That dream waited. And it’s ready now.

Start here:

  • Take a class.
  • Launch a blog.
  • Start a passion project that brings joy and purpose.

4. Share Your Story and Inspire Others

There’s real power in being seen and heard. Your story matters, and someone out there needs to hear it. Visibility isn’t about ego, it’s about impact.

Ways to Share:

  • Speak at community events or on podcasts.
  • Mentor someone just starting out.
  • Write your memoir, or even just a blog post.

5. Live Boldly, Not Quietly

This is not the time to “fade gracefully.” It’s the time to light up the world with who you are. Whether that means travel, learning new skills, or embracing a new lifestyle, do it with bold joy.

Ideas to Begin:

  • Try something that scares you (a little).
  • Revisit your bucket list.
  • Say yes to the things you put off for “someday.”

You’re Just Getting Started

It’s not about starting over. It’s about starting fresh with everything you’ve already learned, built, and overcome.

This isn’t your second act. It’s your signature one.

The Age Advantage is yours to claim. So, ask yourself:
What would you do if you believed your best years were still to come?
Now go do it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your experience is a competitive edge. Don’t downplay it—lean into it.
  • Doubt is natural, but it doesn’t define you. Replace it with action.
  • Passion isn’t a luxury. It’s a roadmap to fulfillment.
  • Your story matters. Share it, own it, inspire others.
  • The best life isn’t behind you. It’s right here, waiting.

Want to explore how to live your best life—now, not later?
Let’s connect. I’m Caryn Isaacs, Aging Icon, and I’d love to hear what your next chapter looks like.

April 14, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Never Stop Learning, The Key to a Lifetime of Growth and Impact

I am honored to receive Pulse’s Lifetime Achievement Award for my work as a patient advocate, mentor, and educator. (https://www.pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org/fcpa)

It’s a humbling recognition of decades spent helping individuals navigate the healthcare system and empowering professionals in our field. But as I step onto that stage, I am not standing still. In fact, I am attending this two-day training because I believe that learning never stops, regardless of age, experience, or accolades.

Many might ask, “Why continue training when you’ve already achieved so much?” The answer is simple. I do it to stay relevant, engaged, and vibrant in both my professional and personal life.

Learning is not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about keeping our minds sharp, expanding our perspectives, and fostering deeper connections with the world around us.

I have spent my career challenging the idea that limitations are set in stone. My book, Aging Icon, was born from this philosophy. Just as I refuse to accept dead ends for my clients, I refuse to accept that I have learned everything there is to know in my field. Every training, every conversation, and every piece of new knowledge adds to my ability to serve others.

The world of healthcare is constantly evolving. New policies, technologies, and treatments emerge every day. If we stop learning, we fall behind and when you’re in the business of advocating for others, falling behind isn’t an option.

Attending training sessions, engaging with new ideas, and collaborating with the next generation of patient advocates ensures that I can continue to provide the best guidance possible.

But beyond professional growth, continuous learning keeps me young in spirit. It introduces me to new people, fresh perspectives, and unexpected opportunities. It fosters curiosity, which in turn keeps life exciting. When we open ourselves up to learning, we expand not just our skill set but also our relationships, our communities, and our world.

Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award is not a signal to slow down, it’s a moment to celebrate, reflect, and then push forward with renewed purpose. I encourage everyone, no matter where they are in their journey, to seek knowledge, embrace new experiences, and never stop asking, “what else can I learn” because when you stay curious, you stay engaged. When you stay engaged, you stay young. And when you keep learning, you keep making an impact.

March 12, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Embracing Adventure and Staying Vibrant, Productive, and Passionate as an Aging Icon

As we age, society often whispers messages of limitation and irrelevance. These whispers can become a deafening roar, convincing many to step away from the pursuits that once lit up their lives. But I believe, wholeheartedly, that this narrative must change. It’s not only possible but essential for us to remain vibrant, productive, and deeply engaged with our work and passions as we grow older.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s recent words offer a stirring call to action: “I’ve tried not to fear defeat. Too many people are so timid about trying bold things and ambitious things and challenging and unpredictable things, adventurous and exciting things, gratifying things that they restrict their own lives” (The Daytona Beach News-Journal, 12/30/24). Carter’s insight resonates powerfully, reminding us that it is never too late to pursue bold, fulfilling endeavors.

The Fear of Irrelevance

Aging often brings with it an unspoken fear: the fear of being left behind or no longer having value to contribute. This mindset can be paralyzing, preventing us from staying engaged in our life’s work, chasing dreams or rediscovering the passions that once defined us. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Life is meant to be lived fully at every stage, with no exceptions!

Aging Icons often bring with them a wealth of experience, insight, and emotional depth that make our contributions even more valuable. Whether it’s a skill honed over decades, a passion waiting to be rekindled, or a bold new interest to explore, now is the time to embrace life’s adventures with courage and enthusiasm.

Rekindling Your Passions

As Carter’s words suggest, it is vital to resist timidity. Think back to the activities that once made your heart race and your spirit soar. Were you a painter? A teacher? A writer? An advocate for a cause close to your heart? Did you run a department or lead a successful company? Whatever it may be these passions still hold the potential to enrich your life and the lives of others.

Rekindling a passion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Take a class, join a community group, be a mentor, or simply set aside a little time each week to reengage with what you love. You may find that these activities not only bring you joy but also inspire others to follow their own dreams.

Staying Connected and Curious

Isolation can be one of the biggest hurdles to staying vibrant in later years. Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and like-minded, engaged individuals can help you maintain a sense of purpose and belonging. These connections also serve as a support system, encouraging you to take risks and embrace new challenges.

At the same time, staying curious about the world can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Attend lectures, read widely, or travel, whether that’s to a neighboring town or a distant country. Curiosity is the key to continuous learning, and learning is one of the most effective ways to stay mentally sharp and engaged.

Redefining Productivity

Productivity doesn’t have to mean working a 9-to-5 job or achieving societal markers of success. It’s about doing things that matter to you. Volunteer for a cause, mentor younger generations, or write a memoir. These acts of contribution can be deeply gratifying, proving that your knowledge and talents are timeless.

Remember, productivity can also mean self-care and personal growth. Taking care of your health, practicing mindfulness, and setting personal goals are all forms of productivity that enhance your quality of life and enable you to continue pursuing your passions.

Finding Purpose in Bold Challenges

Carter’s encouragement to take on “bold things and ambitious things” is a call to stretch beyond comfort zones. While this might seem intimidating, it can also be incredibly empowering. Perhaps it’s time to start that nonprofit you’ve always dreamed of or to pick up a new skill, like learning to play an instrument or mastering a foreign language. You may even wish to stay engaged with the industry you worked in before, and attend networking or association meetings or events.

Stepping into new challenges means you’re embracing life as a period of growth and transformation. These experiences remind us that life is always unfolding, full of opportunities to make a difference.

A Legacy of Passion and Purpose

Living vibrantly as we age is not just about personal fulfillment; it’s about leaving a legacy. By continuing to pursue our passions and engaging with the world, we inspire others, children, grandchildren, and our communities, to do the same. This ripple effect ensures that the spirit of adventure and resilience continues for generations to come.

The Time is Now

The journey of an Aging Icon is not a descent into irrelevance but a climb toward new heights of understanding, contribution, and joy. Take Carter’s words to heart and refuse to let fear or timidity restrict your life. Instead, embrace your passions, stay connected, and seek out bold and adventurous challenges.

You have a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be unearthed. Don’t let them pass by unnoticed.

January 2, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , | Leave a comment

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