Aging well: real talk, real tools

“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.”
- Benjamin Franklin

Speaking Engagements

I speak to a wide range of audiences about aging as a life transition — one that involves change, loss, adaptation, and continued opportunity for meaning and engagement. Drawing on more than 40 years as a geriatrician, educator, and advocate, I combine clinical insight, research, and lived experience to challenge ageist assumptions and offer practical, realistic guidance for aging well.

I especially enjoy interactive talks that invite reflection, discussion, and reframing—whether with older adults, caregivers, health professionals, employees or organizational leaders—and I tailor each presentation to the needs of my audience. I am also available to develop custom topics and presentations, including workshops. Presentations can be offered in person or virtually.

Honest Aging: How We Adapt Shapes How We Live (30-60 minutes)

For broad and mixed audiences

Description

Aging is often framed as decline or loss. This keynote reframes aging as a process of change — one that invites adaptation, creativity, and continued purpose. Drawing on more than four decades as a geriatrician, educator, and advocate, Dr. Rosanne Leipzig explores how attitudes toward aging shape health, engagement, and satisfaction with life. The talk challenges ageist assumptions while offering grounded, practical insights into what helps people live well across the second half of life.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Describe aging as a process of transition rather than inevitable decline
Recognize how attitudes toward aging influence health, engagement, and quality of life
Apply practical strategies for adapting to age-related change while maintaining meaning and purpose

Caring Across Generations: Aging, Work, and the Middle Years (30-60 minutes)

For “sandwich generation” employees

Description

Many employees in midlife are balancing careers, aging parents, and family responsibilities. This keynote addresses the realities of caregiving with honesty and compassion. Dr. Leipzig helps audiences understand what changes with aging are normal, how to anticipate transitions, and how to let go of guilt and unrealistic expectations. The focus is on sustainable caregiving, preserving one’s own well-being, and finding meaning amid competing demands.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Distinguish normal aging changes from signs that require further evaluation
Understand common caregiving challenges and how to anticipate transitions
Communicate more effectively with aging family members and health professionals
Identify practical strategies to reduce caregiver stress and support well-being

Aging Is a Workplace Issue. (45-90 minutes)

For HR and Corporate Wellness programs

Description

Aging is a workplace issue — whether through an aging workforce, caregiving responsibilities, or long-term planning for health and well-being. Yet age is often overlooked in HR and wellness initiatives, despite its impact on employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

These talks help organizations address age bias, support caregiving employees, and integrate aging into inclusive, forward-thinking workplace strategies.

Learning objectives

Participants will be able to:

Understand aging as a life-course issue that affects employees at every stage
Recognize ageism as a form of bias that impacts workplace culture and decision-making
Identify the needs and strengths of caregiving and “sandwich generation” employees
Support caregiving employees through policies, flexibility, and inclusive practices

Quality of Life Is the Work. (30-60 minutes)

For senior living and health care administrators and staff

Description

In senior living and health care, quality of life is not an add-on — it is central to care. This keynote explores aging as a complex, individual process shaped by autonomy, interdependence, and environment. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Leipzig clarifies normal aging, challenges ageist practices, and supports approaches that preserve dignity, meaning, and engagement for older adults.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Describe normal physical, cognitive, and emotional changes associated with aging
Recognize how ageism influences care practices, organizational culture, and resident experiences.
Support autonomy while acknowledging functional change and the need for interdependence.
Use language and communication strategies that preserve dignity and personhood
Promote engagement, dignity, and meaning as core components of quality care

Endorsements - after the applause

I’ve learned as much from audiences as they have from me. Here’s what some of them have shared.

"I came home so inspired by your talk and told everyone I know about Grandma Moses with the message that while we may need to change our activities and adjust our expectations and sense of "normal", aging can be an opening to a new door. I really am holding onto that idea."

"It was an honor to have you join us and to benefit from the insights and expertise you so graciously shared. Your engaging presence elevated the conversation and provided meaningful context that enriched our understanding of your work. Your contribution made the event impactful for all in attendance."

"That was basically the most perfect program we might have ever had. Your poise, humor, openness, honesty, candor – no wonder you are such an exemplary clinician. It was a gift to watch, and to engage with. SO many participants – as you saw and heard – want more. You made them feel seen and heard. It truly was an honor to have you with us this afternoon."

"We are most appreciative of your time and willingness to participate in this special event, and your presentation was highly sought after and a great success."

"I was truly inspired by the way each of you showed up, with generosity, intention, and deep purpose. Your voices brought so much meaning to the day, and I know the impact will ripple far beyond the workshop. It’s an honor to have you as part of this journey, and I’m excited for what we’re creating together."

"A special thank you for your insightful and inspiring presentations—you each brought such depth and clarity to the conversation, and your contributions will shape the way this program takes root. Each teaching artist shared how deeply moved they were by the day and expressed genuine excitement about beginning this meaningful work."