Stanford Ambassador Annie Coleman: 'We Need Financial Resilience as We Live Longer'

Annie Coleman, a global ambassador for the Stanford Center on Longevity, emphasizes that longevity is not merely about living longer, but about adding life to those years. With over four decades of experience in global corporations, Coleman has observed diverse corporate attitudes towards aging executives. She critiques the conventional retirement model, arguing that increased age should be viewed as a strategic asset rather than a liability, advocating for reinvention rather than traditional retirement.

At 66, Coleman embodies her philosophy. Through her consultancy, RealiseLongevity, she advises boards and CEOs on rethinking corporate strategy and human capital for longer lifespans. Her work focuses on assisting companies in responding to population aging, planning multi-stage careers, and capitalizing on the burgeoning longevity economy. Coleman champions a flexible, non-linear approach to life, suggesting that individuals will need to reinvent themselves multiple times, alternating between education, work, leisure, and professional retraining, making lifelong learning essential.

Coleman's personal journey fueled her passion for longevity. At 50, she questioned her own internalized ageist biases when offered a position at UBS at 52, realizing she had imposed limits on herself despite having much to contribute. Her subsequent eight years at UBS and time at UniCredit, until she was 62, proved to be highly productive and rewarding. This experience solidified her belief that age-related barriers persist even at the peak of one's career. She now aims to encourage companies to retain and hire individuals over 50 or 55, recognizing their significant potential contributions and the need for more adaptable career frameworks.

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la longevidad no es solo sumar años, sino sumar vida a esos años