Episode 18:1 Barbara Waxman on aging versus longevity, a new perspective on “retirement,” and shifts in the eldercare industry

Opening Season 18, renowned gerontologist, educator, and coach Barbara Waxman shares her “genesis story” of what called her to working in eldercare, shifting perspectives around ageism, and embracing a longevity mindset.

About Barbara

Barbara Waxman, the founder of The Odyssey Group, is a highly sought-after longevity and leadership advisor, coach, speaker and author. Barbara translates cutting edge research and collective wisdom in ways that enable others to understand how the dynamics of our aging world impact individuals, communities, companies, and the planet.

Barbara's leadership as a gerontologist in the coaching field has culminated in the transformative coaching model Entrepreneurship Turned Inward™️ (ETI), the evidence based Seven Lifestyle Levers Assessment™️ and the Longevity Roadmap™️. Barbara is an Advisor to the Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford Lifestyle Medicine and is a faculty member at Chip Conley's Modern Elder Academy. 

Key Takeaways

• Longevity is aging’s aspiration partner. Rather than “aging,” which refers to the biological maturation of our cells, “longevity” encapsulates the spirit of living healthy, joyful, and robust lives. Even if we aren’t fans of aging, we can be fans of longevity.
• Our expectations of aging are changing in real time. What used to be considered “old” is not anymore. Consider how your own trajectory and experiences has shifted your belief on what is “old.”
• Consider the term “preferment” versus “retirement”. We can reach a stage where we do not want to be anchored by a paycheck or other responsibilities, so we get to create a constellation of activities in the ways we prefer to do them.  

• Don’t confuse an easy life with a happy life. Full lives are not devoid of challenge, exhaustion, or pain. You can create happiness amid struggles through a positive mindset.