A philosopher at heart and financier by trade, Skylar shares the four pillars of soil, soul, community, and locale, as well as MEA’s “why” to change the narrative on aging from a time of decline to a time of personal transformation.
About Skylar
Skylar is a Partner and Chief Development Officer at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA), the world’s first “midlife wisdom school.” A philosopher at heart and financier by trade, Skylar started his career in real estate investment and development, specializing in hospitality and senior care. Along the way, he became fascinated with how to create places that help people flourish, particularly in aging. This led Skylar on a path of entrepreneurial pursuits and side projects – all dedicated to this vision. When Skylar experienced MEA firsthand, he knew that he had met his match, and joined to help champion its expansion by developing a collection of MEA Regenerative Communities – each comprising an MEA midlife wisdom school, housing rooted in the practical application of wisdom and intergenerational connection, and a surrounding regenerative farm.
Outside of MEA, you’ll likely find Skylar sauntering about the countryside with his wife, son, and Old English Sheepdog. Skylar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Santa Clara University.
Key Takeaways
- There is a massive societal void of meaning, an existential crisis—people are longing for belonging and connection.
- The Regenerative Community has three core components: the “wisdom school,” housing and sabbatical units, and regenerative agriculture.
- MEA re-envisions traditional senior living: instead of a clubhouse there is the wisdom school; instead of a golf course, there is the regenerative farm.
- Good soil is about interconnectedness and interdependence--it is a metaphor for providing a foundation for a flourishing and resilient ecosystem so you can be full of life.