Asking seniors: What will you be when you grow up?
LOVELAND, Colo. — UCHealth’s Aspen Club is looking at retirement a bit differently, as a new age that involves exploring and developing new interests. And on Sept. 10, the public is invited to learn more with keynote speaker Bruce Mondschain.
“The Third Age is a time when we begin to plan for the next, and probably greatly modified, phase of life,” said Kim Ferro of UCHealth’s Aspen Club.
To many, this phase is called retirement, but the Aspen Club is calling it the Third Age. Youth and school-days are the First Age, and the Second Age is middle age, where many raised children and built careers.
“The Third Age is distinctly different,” Ferro said. “We are living longer and healthier than past generations, when the end of work years and a limited life expectancy left less time to explore and develop new interests. Now, many can plan for a Third Age that will last in excess of 30 years. In essence, it is another opportunity to ask, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ ”
During the two-hour morning event at Medical Center of the Rockies, participants will be given access to the Third Age Portfolio, a 100-question assessment tool designed to help you evaluate five elements: work/income, fostering and developing relationships, lifelong learning, civic engagement and a healthy life. Results from that assessment will guide participants in planning their portfolio of lifestyle choices that most excite them.
“Your Third Age Portfolio is that balanced set of activities, relationships and life commitments that bring you a sense of accomplishment, joy, and an opportunity to make the world a better place,” Ferro said.
Mondschain, president of Catalyst Benefits, Inc., is a nationally recognized expert and advocate of the Third Age concept. His presentation will engage participants in developing an exciting approach to fulfilling individual dreams that people have deferred to “another time.” Mondschain is an accomplished photographer and currently has 85 of his images in the Smithsonian Institution.
The morning will conclude with several talented guests who are living their dreams and who will share their journeys and encourage others to do the same, Ferro added.
The Third Age event takes place 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at Medical Center of the Rockies. Registration is required; space is limited. Register by calling 970.495.8560 or 970.624.1860.
Stay on your feet with free event
Falls are the number one trauma seen by hospitals and health care clinics.
“Falling is not a normal part of aging,” said Alison Weston, health educator at UCHealth.
In an effort to minimize these accidents, UCHealth is hosting a free event to provide people with the resources to keep them on their feet and the skills to stay safe.
Visit the Fort Collins Senior Center’s Health and Wellness Program to learn the skills needed to stay safe.
Ready, Steady, Balance! is from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 at the Fort Collins Senior Center and is part of its Health and Wellness Program. The event will include free balance assessment screenings, medication reviews, bone density tests and much more, including home hazards and modification tips. There also will be 15 minute exercise previews of music therapy, Tai Chi and strength and balance movements. Ask questions and learn more from local physicians, PVH EMS and CSU’s occupational therapy students.
No registration is required. More information can be obtained through UCHealth’s Aspen Club, which provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles for those over 50, at 970.495.8560 or at 970.495.7502. Visit www.fallpreventionnoco.com for presentation and exercise schedule.