Beyond the Lake: How Older Adults Are Redefining What’s Next
By Dr. Kathy Martin | Glenmeadow
Published in Longmeadow Neighbors | October 2025
Just a few decades ago, retirement was often portrayed as a quiet retreat—a time to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the fruits of a lifetime of labor. Advertisers leaned into this narrative, painting serene scenes of fishing, golfing, and peaceful afternoons by the lake. The message was that aging meant stepping back.
Today, that narrative is shifting, with older adults leading the way.
Retirement is no longer just a period of rest. It’s a time of reinvention. With increased life expectancy, the years following traditional careers can span decades. And rather than viewing this time as a winding down, many are embracing it as a new beginning. Older adults are launching new careers, volunteering for causes close to their hearts, traveling the world, and even starting businesses. According to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, more than 25% of new entrepreneurs are between the ages of 55 and 64—a 10% increase since 1996.
This isn’t just about staying busy. It’s about living with purpose.
Retirees today seek meaningful engagement. Whether through formal roles or informal contributions, they’re showing up in powerful ways. Volunteering is one of the most popular paths, with those 65 and older logging the highest median annual hours, including helping neighbors, mentoring youth, and supporting local nonprofits. Many are also stepping into caregiving roles, providing daily support to elderly parents or grandchildren. These selfless acts of service reflect a quiet strength and deep commitment to family.
Yet, despite these contributions, aging is still too often framed as a slow fade into the background. But there are so many examples of older adults who are modeling for younger generations just what it means to have an impact.
In 2024, Glenmeadow launched the Age of Excellence Awards to spotlight the achievements of adults over 60 and celebrate the vibrant possibilities of aging. The initiative was born from a desire to shift the conversation and recognize that excellence doesn’t diminish with age—it evolves.
Our second annual event, held on September 3rd, was a sold-out celebration of nine remarkable honorees. For the first time, the awards included a caregiver—someone providing direct, daily care for a loved one. This recognition was especially meaningful. Caregivers often work quietly, without fanfare, yet their impact is profound. Honoring their devotion is a reminder that excellence comes in many forms, not just in public achievements, but in private acts of love and resilience.
Dr. Kathy Martin
Senior Living
Glenmeadow
413-567-7800
glenmeadow.org
The Age of Excellence Awards are more than a ceremony. They are a call to action. They invite us to rethink what it means to grow older and to celebrate the wisdom, energy, and purpose that older adults bring to our communities.
At Glenmeadow, we believe that aging is not a retreat—it’s a rise. It’s a time to lead, to inspire, and to live boldly. And as we continue to honor those who redefine retirement, we also commit to building a culture that values every chapter of life.
Because excellence doesn’t have an age limit.
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