On March 12th in Naperville: `Unlocking the Power of Choice’

A successful, happy retirement doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a well-executed plan that paves the way for a genuine “Golden Years” period.

But what are the crucial elements of such a plan? And how do you put those ingredients into action?

On Tuesday, March 12th, renowned gerontologist Dr. Lydia Manning answers those questions in a free program that is focused on older women and hosted by the Naperville Public Library 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.

Entitled “Unlocking the Power of Choice: Empowering Women to Harness Their Wealth, Health and Longevity,” the one-hour session starts at 7 p.m.

To learn more, visit https://napervillepl.librarycalendar.com/event/empowering-women-longevity-aging-50615.

For more information, call the library at 630-961-4100 or e-mail Katherine Hunnicutt at khunnicutt@naperville-lib.org.

In the interactive session, Dr. Manning will provide insights on how women can age optimally while retaining control and choice through effective financial and social planning. The program will include:

• An analysis of the societal and cultural factors that influence women’s experience of aging and longevity.
• Emphasis on the significance of informed decision-making and autonomy in shaping women’s choices concerning financial preparedness.
• A challenge of gender stereotypes that empowers women to achieve later-life preparedness financially, socially and emotionally.

For some, life’s latter stages are truly the “Golden Years”—a time of happiness, relative prosperity and peace of mind.

But for all too many, a variety of financial, medical and other stresses dominate this period, Manning noted.

With academic training in gerontology, sociology and women’s studies, Manning has developed expertise in resilience—how older adults persist through distressing events and navigate everyday challenges and opportunities.

“Seemingly small decisions, reinforced and amplified over time, are what separates a successful retirement from one that’s filled with struggle,” Manning said. “It’s not a matter of if but when adversity strikes. I am passionate about sharing practical tools that, when implemented, ensure you are prepared when those difficult situations come.”

Manning’s wide-ranging experience in the field of aging includes launching the Center for Gerontology at Concordia University Chicago in 2015. A Concordia associate professor and professor for seven years, Manning has held a host of other leadership positions in higher education and industry.

Although Manning serves all adults, she has developed a niche stemming from over 20 years of research investigating women’s diverse experiences as they grow older.

Manning’s work has included counseling companies and organizations on best practices of aging and gerontology, such as determining which aging-related products, programs, and services to provide. In addition, since 2016 she has been a key leader of the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a not-for-profit organization that provides seniors with emergency services and raises public awareness of issues affecting seniors in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

For more information about Dr. Manning’s background and services, visit Circle of Life Consulting.