Keynote: Health, Wealth, Self - Preparing for a 100 year Life

Americans are living longer and many will need or want to work beyond what was once considered typical retirement age. The nation’s largest organization representing 50-plus Americans, AARP, believes the time has come to disrupt aging -- that is, to move beyond outdated and limiting beliefs about aging. AARP works to make it possible for people to choose how they live as they age. AARP’s Treasurer, Karen Mercer will discuss why retirement should no longer be the only consideration for the next phase after a long career, why health, wealth and self, are important in preparing for a 100-year life, and what AARP is doing to help people choose how they live as they age.

The session will consider the following key points:

1. Even though people are working longer, long-held stereotypes continue to fuel misconceptions about the role age plays in people’s careers and other life decisions. We need to disrupt those misconceptions and help people envision and achieve possibilities at any age.
2. With longer lifespans, we need smart strategies for health, wealth, and self to build lives that are financially secure and fulfilling.
3. By providing information for personal decision-making and advocacy on public policy, AARP helps people maximize their possibilities throughout life.