"Encore Adulthood" and the University of Minnesota Advanced Careers Initiative, Part 1

Guests: UMAC Founding Director Phyllis Moen & UMAC Executive Director Kate Shaefers

An increasing number of Baby Boomers are approaching traditional retirement age but have no intention of segueing to a life of leisure. A University of Minnesota program offers experienced professionals an opportunity to transition to a so-called “encore career”, often at a community-based non-profit. The University of Minnesota’s Advanced Careers Initiative or UMAC is the brainchild of Phyllis Moen, a McKnight Presidential Chair and professor of sociology. UMAC is a multigenerational learning experience, where a group of late-career professionals called fellows team up with undergraduate students to work on a variety of challenges facing society. We sat down with Moen and her colleague, UMAC Executive Director Kate Schaefers to discuss this new life stage. This is part 1 of a two-part series.