Episode 24:9 Helen Hirsh Spence on Developing a Longevity Mindset

This week’s episode features aging expert Helen Hirsh Spence, co-author of Reset: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life.  Helen shares insights on aging well, developing “longevity literacy,” and strategies to combat internalized ageism—empowering you to thrive in later life.About HelenHelen Hirsh Spence is a powerful voice at the intersectionof longevity, leadership, and age inclusion. Her TEDx talk—"Embrace Age with a Longevity Mindset"—captivated audiences worldwide and sparked international dialogue around how we perceive and value older adults.Recognized as a prominent figure in the field of longevity,Helen has been invited to share her insights at conferences, on podcasts, national radio and TV. She seizes every opportunity to promote an empowering perspective on aging, inspiring change for all generations. Her presentations are known to be thought-provoking, engaging, and deeply relevant to today’s shifting social and economic landscape. Key TakeawaysAdvances in technology, medical advances, and education have given us a “longevity bonus” — our lifespans have increased 20 to 30 years.We can influence the trajectory of our lifespan, but itdepends on our beliefs. A longevity mindset means accepting our longer lives as the new normal. Targeting older adults requires workplace adaptations like flexible work, phased retirement, and intergenerational collaboration.The loneliness epidemic is spread across two primarydemographic groups, older adults and people under 25. Programs to build intergenerational connections and reciprocal mentorship have mutual benefits for young and old. Children from the age of three have negative preconceived notions of what it means to be old.  Women especially have been conditioned by anti-aging marketing campaigns, not recognizingthat their potential, dreams and aspirations have been limited by ageism.Follow Helen on LinkedInView Helen’s TedX TalkOrder Helen’s book Reset (US and Canada)