Over 50 Career Transitions: Productive Aging

Productive Aging: Challenging Ageism, Celebrating Experience Honouring the Birthday of Dr. Joycelyn Elders Thursday\, August 13\, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. Blenz Coffee, 4198 Main Street, Vancouver What if one of the greatest barriers to finding meaningful work after 50 isn't our age—but our beliefs about aging? Join us for an engaging, research-informed and highly interactive evening as we celebrate Productive Aging while honouring the birthday of Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the first African American Surgeon General of the United States. Born on August 13, 1933, Dr. Elders overcame poverty, racism and sexism to become one of the world's most respected physicians and public health leaders. Long after leaving public office, she continued teaching, mentoring and advocating for healthier communities into her nineties—a powerful reminder that contribution has no age limit. Drawing on the groundbreaking work of Ashton Applewhite, Becca Levy and Chip Conley, we'll explore why many of the qualities employers and communities value most—judgment, resilience, emotional intelligence, perspective, creativity and wisdom—often deepen with age rather than diminish. Research shows that our beliefs about aging influence our health, confidence, career decisions and even longevity. Together we'll examine how ageism affects not only society, but also the stories we tell ourselves, and how changing those stories can open new possibilities for work, purpose and contribution. Through brief presentations, inspiring examples, lively conversations in pairs and small groups, and practical reflective exercises, you'll identify the unique strengths that come from lived experience, challenge limiting assumptions about aging, and leave with ideas you can immediately apply to your own next chapter. Whether you're exploring a new career, consulting, volunteering, mentoring, launching a business, or simply asking, 'What's next?', this evening will provide encouragement, insights and practical tools in the company of others navigating similar transitions. As Dr. Joycelyn Elders' remarkable life demonstrates, productive aging isn't about resisting growing older—it's about continuing to learn, contribute, lead and make a difference. Come prepared to share your experiences, learn from others, and leave with renewed confidence that some of your most meaningful contributions may still lie ahead. Please RSVP through the Meetup website.