Newsletter | Purposeful Aging

June 2025 Newsletter

Welcome

Welcome to the Purposeful Aging newsletter, your dedicated resource for embracing the journey of growing older with intention and vitality. This newsletter, to be published at least once per month, supplements our Purposeful-Aging.org website and blog. The website introduces you to our renowned “thought leaders” whose contributions will appear regularly in the newsletter and will feature state of the art research on the subject of longevity and healthy aging. I, Barb, Principal of Purposeful-Aging.org, am the editor, but would love to engage others in the writing of articles.

I am currently working with the Knoebel Institute for Knoebel Healthy at the University of Denver https://ritchieschool.du.edu/aging and serve as a Commissioner of Aging for the State of Colorado https://cdhs.colorado.gov/ccoa. About six months ago, we launched the Purposeful-Aging.org website https://www.purposeful-aging.org/, along with a Wisdom Group at the University of Denver. This newsletter will serve to supplement the work we and others are doing to foster a positive and healthy approach to their next phase of life.

Our website Thought Leaders include such respected individuals as Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy (MEA); Dr. Ken Dychtwald, an American entrepreneur, gerontologist, psychologist, and lecturer; Maddy Dychtwald, recognized by Forbes as one of the top fifty female futurists globally, who for nearly 40 years, has been deeply involved in exploring all aspects of the Age Wave; Dr. Rebecca Chopp, Chancellor Emerita of the University of Denver, noted author and dementia activist; Marc Freedman, President, CEO and Founder of Encore.org, one of the nation’s leading experts on the longevity revolution, Dr. Briony Catlow, Neuroscientist and Director of the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging at the University, well as David Brooks and Anne Snyder, Professors at the University of Chicago and noted writers.

The works of these individuals and others will be curated and highlighted from time to time in this newsletter.

Our Mission:

We believe that aging is not merely a passage of time but an opportunity to enrich our lives with meaning, connection, and growth. Our mission is to provide you with insightful articles, practical resources, and inspiring stories that support your pursuit of a fulfilling and engaged life as you age. The website content is somewhat static; the blog material is very dynamic and this newsletter will allow us to expand on key themes in a more elongated format.

Additionally, our marketing consultant Zach McNamara has created a short video that walks through engaging with the website and the groups section of the website. I would suggest watching his video to familiarize yourself with the workings of the site. You can reach out to him at zach@zmccreative.com if you have any questions regarding the site.

Together, let's explore the myriad ways to cultivate purpose, foster relationships and share information on a frequent basis. To be added to our mailing list please send a note to me at Barbara.Kreisman@du.edu or BJKreisman@Purposeful-Aging.org.

Wisdom Group

Welcome to the Wisdom Group section of the Purposeful Aging newsletter—a space dedicated to shared experiences, deep reflection, and meaningful connection. Many of our readers are already members of the Wisdom Group which meets monthly at the University of Denver, Institute for Healthy Aging. This group was launched nearly a year ago with only 13 participants. Today, we have a website/blog subscription of nearly 2000; along with a Wisdom Group membership of approximately 130 individuals on our Wisdom Group membership roster, who come together to hear topics of relevance—such as Financial Issues for Women; Artificial Intelligence; Caregiving; the Aging Brain; What Pets Mean to Us, etc. This is where we come together to explore life’s big questions, support one another, and cultivate purpose in community.

Our newsletter will highlight some of the insights, prompts, and reflections shared in our meetings to inspire your journey and encourage thoughtful conversation within your own group or personal circle.

Our next session will be June 26th from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. with Dr. Briony Catlow, neuroscientist and director of the Institute for Healthy Aging at the University of Denver, as our primary guest speaker on the topic of brain health and caregiving. To RSVP for this event contact me via email or text 303-667-9831. Also view our Purposeful-Aging.org website, Wisdom Group (tab) for more information. Upcoming subjects include: Burials, Caskets, Cremation or What?; The Role of Pets in Our Lives; Mindfulness; Healthy Aging; Fostering Relationships after 55; Reframing Retirement, etc.

We hope to have a robust registration process and link operational in the near future. Currently there is no cost to participate but please let us know if you will be joining our community. It is always appropriate to bring daughters, granddaughters, and others for more of an intergenerational discussion.

Dr. Patricia Gabow, author and former CEO of Denver Health spoke to the Wisdom Group on the topic of the Hospitals and the Catholic Church. Dr. Gabow is a national leader in delivery system innovation and the care of vulnerable populations. She spent her career at Denver Health, beginning as an academic practitioner and researcher in nephrology.

Feature Story – Every Person’s Life is Worth a Novel

In this edition of the Purposeful Aging newsletter, we’re excited to feature one story per issue that highlights one of our Wisdom Group Members.

When I, Barb, was in graduate school, I was required to read a book titled “Every Person’s Life is Worth a Novel” by Erving Polster. I recall how impactful the title was—and have thought about it since. We so often see a person’s book cover—front and back but rarely get to read various “chapters” which comprise the actual story of someone’s life. Polster (the author) notes that people often marvel at the adventures of others but rarely acknowledge that their own lives are filled with mystery, drama, love and challenges. He suggests we may “want to open the covers of our own lives to find the wonders in our personal novel.”

The individuals participating in our Wisdom Group have such rich stories and as a result I would like to highlight one person at a time with the intent of sharing her story with you. Our first story highlights Trish Donaldson who during her multifaceted career, went from dancing as a ballerina in New York to a role in Boulder where she often wore a bullet proof vest.

From Ballet Slippers to a Bullet Proof Vest:

Trish Donaldson, 75, exudes a vibrant energy that belies her years—a testament to a life lived with intention, curiosity, and a fearless embrace of change. As a member of our Wisdom Group, Trish’s life story serves as both an inspiration and a gentle reminder that wisdom is not static, but something we gather through seasons of transformation.

Raised in an era where expectations for women were often limited, Trish carved a unique path. She began her journey at an all-girls boarding school in Pittsfield, Mass., before attending Sarah Lawrence College, an environment that nurtured independent thought and encouraged interdisciplinary exploration. There, Trish immersed herself in a tapestry of subjects—Theater, French, and Psychology, Each course, each movement, each line of poetry or dialogue, helped shape the fluid identity she would carry into adulthood.

Marked by Reinvention

It’s no surprise, then, that her professional journey has been marked by reinvention. Over the decades, Trish has worn many shoes—all rooted in her deep well of creative expression and compassion. From early forays in the performing arts to assisting the art director of Cosmopolitan Magazine, to owning two floral design businesses to mental health counseling, and beyond, Trish never shied away from stepping into something new when it called her.

When asked where her wisdom comes from, Trish implies: “From living, from listening deeply—to people, to art, to the quiet moments in between.” Her story is a powerful testament to the richness that comes with embracing each chapter of life fully—its detours, its questions, its reinventions. Trish shows us that aging isn’t about narrowing possibilities, but rather expanding one’s capacity to live with authenticity and purpose.

Trish’s passion for dance gave her a foundation in discipline and embodied expression. French taught her to appreciate the nuance of language and culture. Psychology awakened her fascination with the mind and human behavior, while Theater sharpened her emotional intelligence and taught her to step into another’s perspective—skills that would prove essential across the multiple careers she would later explore.

Her early life was shaped by contrasting forces. She grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounded in Midwestern values and the rhythms of family life. Her father, originally from Mississippi, was a conservative man with strong ambitions. He rose from modest beginnings to become a successful executive on Wall Street, a path that took Trish to New York—a place that would later prove important in her own evolution.

The Performing Arts

After college, Trish leaned into the arts. Married and with a young child, she spent her twenties caring for her daughter, studying dance and performing in modern dance concerts. This path wasn’t financially stable but the work nourished her soul. She suggests that dance gave her a way to translate life’s complexity into movement and story.

Theater, also, became a powerful outlet. Trish performed in summer stock theater in Williamstown and studied at The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, developing her voice as both an artist and as a woman navigating independence. Her time studying under Don Wagoner—an important figure in the modern dance world—during her years in Greenwich Village was formative.

But as with any artist, there came a time when she felt called to expand—into something with a different kind of impact and as many artists discover, passion doesn’t always pay the bills.

“I couldn’t support myself dancing,” she says, candidly. “I was doing what I loved, but I also needed to live.” So, Trish pivoted again—this time into the world of publishing. She landed a job as an assistant to the Art Director at Cosmopolitan magazine during its bold, culturally influential era. It was her first introduction to the inner workings of media and print.

Though the job brought new skills and experiences, it was clear that this too was not her final destination. She remarried and had two more children. This chapter of motherhood was accompanied by another shift: she opened a flower business in Princeton, New Jersey—a chance to nurture her love of flowers and gardening in a tangible, hands-on way. Later, she took on an influential role as Director of Public Relations with The Greenhouse Spa, one of the first luxury wellness spas designed exclusively for women, based in Texas. Trish was instrumental in refreshing the brand: booking talent—chefs, fitness gurus and speakers, while developing programs—adding soul and freshness to the spa’s image.

California: A Time of Growth and Letting Go

The next stop in Trish’s journey was Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, California, where she focused on raising her children while opening her second floral design business called Millefleurs. This period was a phase marked by a slow awakening to grief and death as both of her parents were slowly declining.

Trish found herself deeply influenced by the power of hospice for integrating family relationships. What began as a personal experience became something more—a call toward helping others find meaning and growth in dealing with the death of a family member. “I watched the hospice staff and volunteers with awe. There was such dignity in the way they showed up in supporting my family. I knew I wanted to be part of that process.”

The Call to Serve: Mental Health and Crisis Response

Compelled by that clarity, Trish pursued a master’s degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado—a school known for its Buddhist-inspired approach to education. During her studies, she divorced a second time, interned at a hospice, then took on a role as crisis interventionist and psychiatric evaluator at a mental health center. The work resonated deeply.

Eventually, she joined Edge, one of the first programs in the country designed to pair mental health counselors with police officers responding to people in crisis. The work was raw, intense, and often dangerous. Trish would be called out at all hours, sometimes wearing a bulletproof vest, to de-escalate mental health emergencies. “These were people experiencing psychosis, trauma, deep distress,” she says. “I wasn’t just showing up as a therapist—I was showing up as a supportive voice during the most critical moment in a person’s life”

Trish loved the work, but it was fraught with stress, unimaginable situations and random calls in the night. After this experience, she began her own private therapy practice in Denver and retired in 2023.

Wisdom Comes with Life’s Transformations

Trish’s story isn’t defined by a single profession, ideology, or location—it is defined by her fierce commitment to growth. From early motherhood to spiritual healer, she has continually rewritten the rules of whom she could be.

Her journey reminds us that wisdom is not the result of stability—it’s what you earn when you embrace life’s transformations with honesty and grace. In a world that often rewards consistency, Trish chose complexity. And in doing so, she’s become a model for how to age not with regret, but with authenticity.

The Philosophy That Carried Her

What has sustained Trish through each chapter is a deep commitment to present moment experience. She often invokes the Zen proverb: “Chopping wood and carrying water.” For her, it’s not about chasing titles or outcomes—it’s about showing up for life’s simple and fundamental tasks, again and again.

She also shares her unique perspective on wisdom: “Wisdom is facing one’s fear of dying.” Her parents, she says, feared death deeply. But her own journey has taught her that to truly live, one must make peace with the inevitable—and live fully in the meantime.

“I want to be the worst horse.” This inspirational Buddhist concept resonates loudly with her. It is about embracing the struggle of dealing with one’s imperfections and in finding strength in life’s most difficult moments. She notes that by being the “worst horse” one might find more joy, meaning and development in the journey of life.

A Circle of Wise Women

When asked who she would gather in a room if given the chance to learn from wise women throughout history and today, Trish’s list reflects her eclectic, bold, and curious nature. She offers: Céline Dion, for her emotional power and resilience; Queen Elizabeth, for her lifelong sense of duty; Michelle Obama, for her strength and grace; Joan of Arc, for her conviction; Amelia Earhart, for her courage to explore uncharted skies; Kamala Harris, for her sharpness and trailblazing spirit; Ann Patchett, for her literary voice and human insight.

It’s a list that spans centuries, cultures, and callings—Just like Trish. Trish’s life cannot be summed up by a single role or identity. She is a mother, dancer, therapist, creative, businesswoman, and elder. But more than any title, she is a lifelong learner, unafraid of reinvention, unafraid of the unknown.

She shows us that wisdom isn’t something you arrive at—it’s something you practice, one step, one fall, one moment of presence at a time.

Upcoming Events:

Connect, Learn, and Grow Together

Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to engage with the Purposeful Aging community! Whether you’re looking to deepen your sense of purpose, connect with like-minded individuals, or gain new insights into aging well, there’s something for everyone:

Retirement Reimagined:

If you are newly retired, thinking of retirement, or have recently undergone a major life transition, you may want to consider enrolling in the upcoming Reimagining Retirement five part series, scheduled to begin September 10th at the University of Denver. It will be offered through the Enrichment Program Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the DU campus.

Retirement Reimagined:
Managing the Transition may be just what you are looking for.

More than 4.2 million Americans will reach retirement age this year. While many are financially prepared, few have fully considered how they’ll navigate the personal, social, and emotional aspects of this major life transition. Questions about purpose, how to make meaningful use of free time, building new community connections, engaging in impactful volunteer work, and maintaining good health often go unanswered — yet these elements are essential for a fulfilling retirement.

If you're nearing retirement or have recently retired, Retirement Reimagined can help you make the most of this new chapter. This five-week (10-hour) course offered through the Enrichment Program in partnership with the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, is designed to support your transition by helping you explore your values, passions, and strengths.

Retirement Reimagined: Managing the Transition offers practical tools and insights to help you create a purposeful and rewarding life after full-time work.

The course begins September 10, and early registration is now open. For questions or to see if the program is a good fit for you.

https://professionalstudies.du.edu/enrichment/

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The Future of Work:
Embracing The Aging Workforce - June 10th

Hosted by the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, Ritchie School of Engineering, in tandem with the Colorado Commission on Aging and the Rocky Mountain People and Strategy group. This event is open to the public (cost $40 for non members) and will feature discussion by guest speakers and panelists on the subjects of the challenges and opportunities facing an Aging Workforce.

Colorado’s workforce is evolving due to demographic shifts, longer lifespans, and changing retirement patterns. To help Colorado employers and the economy thrive, engaging older adults as part of the talent pipeline will be beneficial and necessary. Their experience, reliability, and problem-solving skills boost productivity, stabilize the workplace, and help address labor shortages. The percentage of people aged 65+ who are working doubled from 2000 to 2024 and is projected to continue rising in the coming years?

Event Highlights:

Interactive Discussions: Participate in dynamic conversations to shape future policy and practice with panelists: Jennifer Harnish - CPO Aurora Organic Dairy, Melissa Knight - Director, Human Resources Pitkin County, and Lindsey Forquette - Director, Talent Acquisition & Classification, CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

Featured Topics:

Redefining Retirement: Flexibility, mentorship, and transition.
Ageism in the Workplace: Addressing bias and building inclusion.
Health, Wellness, and Productivity: Strategies for every age.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Working together for long-term impact.

Whether you're an employer seeking to retain experienced talent, a policymaker focused on workforce development, or an advocate for older adults, this forum is for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the solution!

Logistics:

Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 8:00 am- 8:30 am- Breakfast and Networking; 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Program

Location: Ritchie School of Engineering, Room 510, 2155 E. Wesley Ave, Denver
Cost: $40 non-members; No cost for members

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Modern Elder Academy M|E|A:

The Modern Elder Academy, with campuses in both Baja, Mexico and Santa Fe, New Mexico is the first Wisdom School designed for individuals in midlife or beyond. Their workshops help people in midlife find the clarity, inspiration, and fulfillment to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come in the second half of life. Chip Conley, one of our Thought Leaders, is the founder of M|E|A and several of our Wisdom Group members have attended virtual M|E|A or in person workshops. Leslie Bartlett, an original member of the Purposeful-Aging Wisdom Group, is Vice President of Membership/Corazon for M|E|A.

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Upcoming workshops which may be of interest include:

Cultivating Purpose with Lori Schwanbeck, June 9-14 in Santa Fe
Owning Wisdom with Chip Conley, June 23 to June 28 in Santa Fe
The Bonus Round: Crafting a Meaningful Post-Work Chapter with Pam McLean, Joy Leach and Tom Pollack, June 23 to June 28 in Baja
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living with Krista Tippett and Chip Conley, June 29 to July 4, 2025 in Santa Fe.

I, Barb, am personally planning to take advantage of a summer immersion or sabbatical session in Baja during the month of September. Anyone want to join me?

See https://www.meawisdom.com/baja-summer-immersion/

Join me in Baja Mexico this September for a relaxing, immersion week.

Ask Leslie about financial aid or potentially a discount for Purposeful Aging Wisdom Group Members.

Learn More: https://www.meawisdom.com/

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Upcoming Events at the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging:

The public is invited to a free zoom seminar hosted by Dementia Friendly Denver’s JJ Jordan titled Alzheimer's/Dementia 101 - Facts, Treatments, Caregiving, Research, Risk Reduction. This seminar will explore the risk factors, warning signs, and lifestyle changes that could lower your risk for dementia. This seminar is offered monthly.

Click the "Register" button below to read more and register.

Building Meaningful Connections: Overcoming Loneliness and Finding Purpose

Join Aging at 5280 Founder and Owner, Cindy Koch and Elder Care Manager, Karen Summers for an insightful conversation on why loneliness is rising among older adults — even in a world more digitally connected than ever. Together, they’ll explore how the “analog generation” may be getting left offline, what societal shifts have deepened the sense of disconnection, and practical ways we can foster meaningful relationships at any stage of life.
Don’t miss this thoughtful, solution-focused hour designed to inspire connection and purpose.

Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 11AM - 12PM MT | zoom only

Join A Band, Laugh a Lot and Enhance Your Brain

Did you play an instrument when you were in grade or high school (or beyond) and ever think of picking it up again? I did…and after 55 years of not even touching a bass clarinet, I have returned to it, taking lessons for fun and to support brain health!

My friend rented a bass clarinet for as a 75th birthday present. I had confided in her that I was experiencing repetitive dreams about playing in a band once again and was longing to do so. I am not sure if this dream was about wanting to be a member of a group) or if I simply wanted to return to an activity, I had put a side decades ago.

Her gift turned out to be the highlight of my “third quarter”. I visited the music store Music and Arts, where she had rented it, thinking I would return the instrument before the next monthly payment was due. I’d “blown the horn” only once since February. Once inside the store, I couldn’t let it go … the gentleman at the counter saw my struggle and suggested I take a lesson or two before giving it up. I agreed … and have since bought the bass clarinet, a music stand, basic music, and a multitude of lessons!

My instructor turned out to be a wonderful young person, actually a second-year music student at the University of Denver, where he is studying to become a conductor. He is about 20 years old and is so supportive of my learning. We are having the best time together and have concocted an idea of encouraging other former (or current) instrument players, to join us. We are creating a new band for “old people” called “Second Chair” and are looking for others who share our interest. Daniel, my instructor, is skilled in almost every instrument including piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, drums and brass. He will provide individual lessons as a “tune-up” and will serve as our conductor. Practice sessions will be held at the Lamont School of Music on the DU campus.

If you are wondering about what this will do for you, including create community and provide lots of laughs, here are some of the brain enhancements you will also experience:

Cognitive Benefits:

The brain retains its ability to form new neural connections throughout life. Playing an instrument can stimulate neuroplasticity, helping to strengthen existing pathways and create new ones, which can be particularly beneficial for older adults.
Engaging in musical activities can improve cognitive functions, including memory. Learning or re-learning music requires recalling notes, rhythms and techniques which can enhance both short-term and long-term memory.
Playing music involves complex cognitive processes, including planning, problem solving and organizational skills

Emotional and Social Benefits:

Playing music can be a form of emotional expression and stress relief. It can lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression, contribution to improve mental health.
Mastering a musical piece or improving skills can lead to a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.
Playing an instrument can provide opportunities for social interaction, whether through group lessons, ensembles or community music events.

Physical Benefits:

Playing an instrument involves intricate hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can help improve dexterity and coordination.
For wind instrument players, the act of playing can improve lung capacity and breathing control. The physical engagement can promote better posture and physical awareness.

Overall, returning to a musical instrument at an older age can be highly beneficial for brain health and overall well-being. It combines cognitive challenge, emotional satisfaction and social interaction.

How to Join the Band:

If you, or someone you know, plays or played an instrument and would like to pick it up again for any of the reasons above, have them contact me (Barb) at BJKreisman@Purposeful-Aging.org or Barbara.Kreisman@du.edu. We want to form a complete band if possible.