Thriving Through Midlife - Basking in the Wisdom of Our Elders

ABOUT THIS EVENT

"Basking in the Wisdom of Our Elders" is an enlightening one-hour conversation that brings together three inspiring women from the Silver Sirens community. Facilitated by Silver Sirens' founder, the conversation delves into these remarkable elders' life experiences, insights, and knowledge. Participants will be able to learn from their personal stories, explore the wisdom they have gathered over the years, and gain a deeper appreciation for the invaluable lessons that come with age. This event celebrates the ageless spirit, resilience, and collective wisdom that enriches our communities.

MC: Faith Agugu, founder of Silver Sirens

Faith, a psychotherapist based in Sydney, recognised the need for a shift in perspectives on ageing after working with women experiencing 'midlife crises.' In 2018, she founded Silver Sirens to address the contrasting cultural views on ageing that she encountered. Her mission is to challenge and transform negative narratives surrounding ageing, empowering women to embrace their unique journeys with confidence and self-assurance.

Faith's engaging and uplifting approach fosters a sense of community and support among women, encouraging them to celebrate their individuality and redefine their age gracefully. Through Silver Sirens, she continues to inspire meaningful conversations and create a platform for women to embrace their experiences and wisdom as they navigate life's transitions.

SPEAKERS:  

Anne Rice:

Anne is an 81-year-old health sociologist with extensive professional and personal experience in ageing. She holds a PhD in health sociology, and her thesis explored health, body image, and ageing issues in popular media over 50 years. She has qualifications and professional experience in psychology, medical anthropology, and health education.

Anne's expertise extends to her role as a carer and advocate for her parents in their final years. This background has given her a broad understanding of the complexities individuals face as they age.

In 2022, Anne launched her book, "Engaging with Ageing: What Matters as We Grow Older," which aims to help women and men understand and embrace the ageing process. The book discusses making the most of one's circumstances while managing potential challenges, such as pandemics.

Anne is also a freelance writer whose articles have garnered attention in The Sydney Morning Herald. She actively contributes pro bono work on ageing for various online platforms, sharing her expertise with a broader audience.

Stephanie Burns

Driven by curiosity, Stephanie's journey began in 1973, when she became one of the first women trained as engineers by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. 

She worked for various organizations, such as Docutel, Searle Diagnostics, and Techtronix, before leaving the corporate world in 1981 to start her own training company. Her work with non-engineering individuals sparked a fascination for adult learning, leading her to develop learning strategies and psychological frameworks tailored to their unique needs.

Over the past 35 years, Stephanie has built a reputation as a leader in adult learning. Her work has been produced in multiple countries and has impacted thousands of individuals. She has become an expert in overcoming procrastination, anxiety, resistance, and apathy. Today, Stephanie is sought after for her input and presentations on fostering change and development across diverse industries.

One more speaker to be announced