Session Details

Plenary Session: Aging - The Adventure of a Lifetime

Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
Time: 8:00 am

Aging — quite the adventure, eh? There are so many factors that shape the experience — some within our control, some not. Hence, over the course of a lifetime, we encounter numerous twists and turns, highs and lows, good times and bad. It’s just the inherent nature of aging — a continuous process of change and subsequent transition that requires courage, determination, knowledge, and hope. So, what can we do to savor this adventure of a lifetime — individually and collectively?

Well, I just happen to have a few ideas for your consideration. In order to have the time of our lives, we are well advised to:

1. Be countercultural – assume a life-giving attitude related to aging
2. Be knowledgeable – anticipate and prepare for future changes and challenges that come with age
3. Learn from others – listen to the sage advice of elders from around the world
4. Stay connected – share the adventure of aging with family, friends, colleagues, and community members

It’s time for us to realize that aging is an adventure to be embraced rather than rejected. In fact, I believe this to be not only an opportunity but a solemn responsibility. How I choose to age — what I opt to do with this gift of life – obviously affects me profoundly. And, my choice affects others — past, present and future. So, my adventure of aging is NOT all about me! It’s about WE. Your adventure of aging is NOT all about you. It’s about US. Therefore, if we were all to welcome the adventure of aging, can you imagine the potential, collective impact throughout the world — now and in the future? Oh, what a wonderful world that would be!