The Women’s Financial & Philanthropic Learning Series recently hosted an event titled “Taking Charge On My Own,” an evening of learning, conversation, and cocktails as women discussed how to make sure their vision for retirement becomes a reality. The event was the second installment in a three-part series, Our Third Age*: Transitioning, Aging, Coping, and Thriving. For more information about the series, visit our events page or contact Marie D’Costa at (212) 686-2461.
“Thank you for putting this special program together. I look forward to participating in the next one! Grateful to be in a room full of women who are equally interested in redefining ‘retirement’ and harnessing our vision for the next chapter of our lives.”
–Anonymous participant
The night began with a discussion about how events in the third life stage—such as retirement, divorce, or becoming a widow—can lead to feelings of anxiety and loss of identity. Building a life plan or road map that delineates your assets; setting goals for yourself as to what you want to accomplish before, during, and after a life change; and addressing the question, “What do I want to do in the future?” can help you address these feelings and be more focused and intentional in your approach. These three exercises can be useful whether you are well into the retirement years or just planning for them, and can help to relieve the anxiety and confusion that is often intertwined with transitioning into retirement.
Asking questions about what you would like retirement to look like, from a financial standpoint (e.g., will I have enough to live the life I envision), a legal standpoint (e.g., being prepared for the loss of a spouse, reviewing legal documents to ensure my wishes are carried out), and a medical standpoint (e.g., support mechanisms, access to assistance in planning or coping), was a big focus of the evening’s program.
The panelists also provided the following tips and recommendations:
Staying active and connected are great ways to stave off anxiety and loss of identity. Volunteering, participating in programs designed specifically for those in our “Third Age,” or investing time and/or resources in nonprofits are three ways to get involved.
Three organizations for older adults transitioning to, or in, retirement are:
Whether it’s a health, legal, or financial matter, women who take charge of their future will flourish in their Third Age. We hope you’ll join us for the next installment of our Women’s Financial and Philanthropic Learning Series.
Panelists: The session featured a panel of experts from the medical, financial, and legal fields. They included Kim Isaacs Katz, Principal at Bernstein Global Wealth Management in New York and member of The Trust’s Women’s Advisory Council; Gretchen Beall Schumann, Esq., Partner, Cohen Rabin Stine Schumann LLP; and Catherine Thurston, LCSW, Chief Program Officer, Service Program for Older People. Patricia Caldwell, Partner and Managing Director at Gordian Group and member of The Trust’s Women’s Advisory Council, moderated the discussion.
*Translated from the Spanish term, La Tercera Edad, Our Third Age is the third chapter of our lives. In their first age, women flower into young adults; in the second, we build our families and professional lives; and finally, in our third age, we thrive in retirement and the sweet years of life.
Peter Panapento
peter@turn-two.co
(202) 531-3886
Courtney Biggs
cbi@nyct-cfi.org
(212) 889-3963
Peter Panapento
peter@turn-two.co
(202) 531-3886
Courtney Biggs
cbi@nyct-cfi.org
(212) 889-3963