News
Retirees make a difference
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Aug 7, 2010 - 8:40 AM

Betty had just retired from her position in a large corporation and was looking for a way to use her skills to strengthen the city she had come to know through her work. Bernie, retired for several years, was doing some volunteer work, but wanted to find additional meaningful ways to get involved. Melinda, a retired baby boomer, wanted some “hands on” work that she felt would keep her challenged and stimulated. Steve and Pat were interested in working together on a project that addressed concerns they shared as a retired couple. These and many similar profiles are common among the retired set. Indeed, people are no longer growing old quietly.

Third Agers, defined as the period of life age 45 and over, are here and growing. In 2008, over 25% of Hartford County residents were 55 and older. With boomers reaching the big six-O, these numbers continue to grow. In recent years the thriving third age has redefined “50 as the new 30.” Although people don't want to be defined by age, they do want to be defined by their contribution to their community.

Ten years ago Leadership Greater Hartford introduced the Third Age Initiative, a year-long program for those who are retired or approaching retirement. The Third Age Initiative has been recognized throughout the world as a model that leads to meaningful civic engagement of older adults. Through the program Third Agers will be challenged to take their current competencies, enriched through training in community involvement, and apply their skills to their own communities’ needs. Interactive workshops, community sampler tours and projects designed and carried out by class members help participants become effective policy makers, change agents, program developers, and project managers. With support from the Samuel Roskin Trust and Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the Third Age Initiative begins a new class on September 21, 2010. Participants represent many towns in the Hartford region.

As participants in the Third Age Initiative, Betty, Bernie, Melissa, Steve and Pat worked with other third agers and developed a program to train volunteers to assist people in applying for food stamps. Other members of Third Age Initiative classes have developed programs to enhance children’s literacy, to tutor children who are homeless or in transitional housing, to redevelop a city park, to help other retirees make meaningful choices in their later years, to provide life skills training for youth heading down the wrong path, and more.

For Third Agers who believe they have more to give to the community, feel they can be more effective in positions currently held, and would like to learn and work with like-minded people who share their desire to be part of community solutions, the Third Age Initiative may be exactly the program they are looking for. Leadership Greater Hartford is planning a series of information sessions to help people learn more about the Third Age Initiative and meet others who are considering joining the new class. To reserve a place at a session or learn more about the program, call Leadership Greater Hartford, Doe Hentschel (Vice President) at 860.951.6161 x13 or Maggie Irving (Program Assistant) at x15..

Leadership Greater Hartford is one of the largest nonprofit community-based leadership organizations in the country. Its programs are designed to help people realize their leadership potential and inspire them to build strong, vibrant workplaces and communities throughout Greater Hartford. Leadership Greater Hartford has served the community for more than 33 years.

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