Longevity Literacy, Purpose, and the New Map of Life with Helen Hirsh Spence
Tue Jan 27 2026
In this episode of Revolutionize Your Retirement, host Dori Mintzer talks with Helen Hirsh Spence, founder of Top 60 Over 60, about reframing aging in the 21st century and confronting both external and internalized ageism. Helen shares her own story of becoming a social entrepreneur in her late 60s after a 35-year leadership career in education, and how subtle experiences of invisibility and lowered expectations led her to recognize ageism in herself and in the culture around her.
The conversation dives into what ageism looks and sounds like, everyday comments, workplace nudges to retire, birthday-card humor, and “senior moment” jokes, and why these messages quietly erode confidence, opportunity, and health. Helen introduces the idea of “longevity literacy” and a “longevity mindset,” noting that we now live 20–30 years longer than previous generations and need a new life map beyond the old “learn–earn–retire” model. She and Dori discuss how people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond can pivot, re-skill, and design non-linear lives that include multiple purposes and periodic reinvention.
Helen also talks about her work with individuals and organizations: helping older adults surface purpose, strengths, and an “entrepreneurial mindset,” and helping employers become age-ready by recognizing the value of older workers’ experience and institutional knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, building multi-generational connections, and cultivating supportive networks that challenge limiting beliefs about aging.
About the Guest – Helen Hirsh Spence
Helen Hirsh Spence is a trailblazing advocate for longevity literacy and a leading voice in the fight against ageism. She is the founder of Top 60 Over 60, a niche consultancy and thought-leadership platform that challenges outdated stereotypes about aging and showcases the value of older adults in today’s workforce and society.
Before launching her social enterprise in her late 60s, Helen spent more than 35 years as a senior leader in public and private education, including roles as a language teacher, secondary school principal, founding executive of the Ontario Principals’ Council, and head of an all-girls school in Ottawa. A lifelong learner and traveler, she has done volunteer advisory work in Honduras, Bolivia, the Canadian Arctic, India, and Bhutan, and even climbed Kilimanjaro at 58.
Key Topics We Cover
Longevity literacy and the new map of life: living 20–30 years longer and outgrowing the learn–earn–retire model.Longevity mindset: reframing expectations, health span, and the opportunities of extra decades.Purpose in later life: self-awareness, revisiting values, multiple evolving purposes, and getting out of your comfort zone.The entrepreneurial mindset (for business or life): creativity, spotting opportunity, re-skilling, and embracing change.Connect with Helen Hirsh Spence
Website & Resources: Top 60 Over 60 – articles, talks, media, and program information.LinkedIn: Age Sense - Fresh perspectives & insights on shifting demographics, longevity & age inclusivity, reflectionsWhat to do next:
Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement Transition Please leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.
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In this episode of Revolutionize Your Retirement, host Dori Mintzer talks with Helen Hirsh Spence, founder of Top 60 Over 60, about reframing aging in the 21st century and confronting both external and internalized ageism. Helen shares her own story of becoming a social entrepreneur in her late 60s after a 35-year leadership career in education, and how subtle experiences of invisibility and lowered expectations led her to recognize ageism in herself and in the culture around her. The conversation dives into what ageism looks and sounds like, everyday comments, workplace nudges to retire, birthday-card humor, and “senior moment” jokes, and why these messages quietly erode confidence, opportunity, and health. Helen introduces the idea of “longevity literacy” and a “longevity mindset,” noting that we now live 20–30 years longer than previous generations and need a new life map beyond the old “learn–earn–retire” model. She and Dori discuss how people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond can pivot, re-skill, and design non-linear lives that include multiple purposes and periodic reinvention. Helen also talks about her work with individuals and organizations: helping older adults surface purpose, strengths, and an “entrepreneurial mindset,” and helping employers become age-ready by recognizing the value of older workers’ experience and institutional knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, building multi-generational connections, and cultivating supportive networks that challenge limiting beliefs about aging. About the Guest – Helen Hirsh Spence Helen Hirsh Spence is a trailblazing advocate for longevity literacy and a leading voice in the fight against ageism. She is the founder of Top 60 Over 60, a niche consultancy and thought-leadership platform that challenges outdated stereotypes about aging and showcases the value of older adults in today’s workforce and society. Before launching her social enterprise in her late 60s, Helen spent more than 35 years as a senior leader in public and private education, including roles as a language teacher, secondary school principal, founding executive of the Ontario Principals’ Council, and head of an all-girls school in Ottawa. A lifelong learner and traveler, she has done volunteer advisory work in Honduras, Bolivia, the Canadian Arctic, India, and Bhutan, and even climbed Kilimanjaro at 58. Key Topics We Cover Longevity literacy and the new map of life: living 20–30 years longer and outgrowing the learn–earn–retire model.Longevity mindset: reframing expectations, health span, and the opportunities of extra decades.Purpose in later life: self-awareness, revisiting values, multiple evolving purposes, and getting out of your comfort zone.The entrepreneurial mindset (for business or life): creativity, spotting opportunity, re-skilling, and embracing change.Connect with Helen Hirsh Spence Website & Resources: Top 60 Over 60 – articles, talks, media, and program information.LinkedIn: Age Sense - Fresh perspectives & insights on shifting demographics, longevity & age inclusivity, reflectionsWhat to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement Transition Please leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.