Reframing Aging: Leaders Guide Discussion on Future-Proofing Living at Chapman Symposium

Reframing Aging: Leaders Guide Discussion on Future-Proofing Living at Chapman Symposium

Last week, the University of Dayton's prestigious 2026 Chapman Symposium, themed "Reframing Aging," played host to a critically important discussion on proactive place planning strategies. Our very own leaders—President and CEO Prentice O. Lipsey, MHSA, Vice President of Business Development Tim Dressman, and Vice President of Marketing and Communications Casey Howard—expertly guided a breakout session that resonated deeply with attendees.

In a world where aging often evokes anxiety, the session offered a refreshingly empowering perspective: "Future-Proofing" Your Life. The focus was on moving away from crisis-driven decisions, instead embracing control and foresight to create living situations that genuinely maximize enjoyment and provide peace of mind.

"We want to empower individuals across all age groups to make informed, lasting decisions about their future living environments," explained Prentice O. Lipsey. "It's about aligning living choices with financial goals and designing a living situation that truly fits you, allowing for less worrying and more living."

The session introduced the Three Pillars of Place Planning: What You Need, What You Have, and What's Available. Engaging the audience from the outset, the leaders prompted reflection with thought-provoking questions like:

• "What are the top 3 NON-NEGOTIABLES for your ideal living situation?"
• "What aspects of your current home are working well? What's not working?"
• "If money or physical limitations weren't an issue, what would your dream living situation look like?"

From these foundational questions, the team then unveiled a practical roadmap for place planning:

• Self-Assessment: Detailing needs & wants. Attendees were encouraged to be honest about their aspirations.
• Current Reality Check: Evaluating one's current home & resources.
• Research: Exploring all available options that align with identified needs and resources.
• Discuss & Document: Emphasizing the importance of open conversations with loved ones and financial advisors, leading to a written plan.
• Review & Adjust: Highlighting that this is a dynamic process, not a one-time event, requiring periodic review (annually or during significant life changes).

A crucial key takeaway underscored the message: "This is a dynamic process, not a one-time event." Life changes, and so should our plans.

The presentation culminated in robust, actionable advice for attendees looking to embark on their own future-proofing journey:

• Start Early: The best time to plan is before you need to
• Communicate Openly: Engage family, friends, and trusted advisors
• Visit & Experience: Go beyond brochures; visit communities and talk to residents
• Consider the Financial Implications: Seek professional advice
• Prioritize Flexibility: Look for options that allow for future adaptability
• Embrace Change: This planning is about creating a fulfilling future, not fearing the unknown

The Chapman Symposium itself provided a vibrant platform, fostering rich discussions among faculty, practitioners, and community partners from various fields. Participants collectively delved into critical issues currently redefining learning, work, and life across the entire lifespan. Thank you to our leadership team for continuing to drive the conversation forward about important topics for today's aging adults!