While visiting my retired mother recently, I couldn’t help but notice that she spends her days, day after day, fielding phone calls with friends. She’s on the line for hours chatting, laughing, gossiping, and reminiscing—a comforting ritual, but one that isn’t as fruitful as it could be. The folly of it all struck me because of how much she had accomplished in her working years and how much untapped potential still resides within her.
My mom isn’t just any retiree. She’s a twice-successful small business owner who simultaneously maintained a 9-to-5 job for over 35 years, while raising 4 children. The business that she loved the most, residential care for developmentally disabled adults, was her give-back to society, and it brought her great joy. It is a field where she excelled and used her expertise to mentor others. Yet now, her days are filled with non-stop casual conversations as opposed to meaningful contributions, and it feels like such a missed opportunity.
Imagine the difference she could make in someone’s life if she had a simple (unimposing) way to connect with current care providers. She could be mentoring a newcomer to the residential care business, helping troubleshoot challenges, or offering advice to someone navigating this sector for the first time, her wisdom could provide immense value. She admitted that she’d welcome the chance. Volunteering as a mentor, being a go-to resource for phone consultations, or simply passing on her hard-earned knowledge would transform her days from idle to impactful, and be rewarding for all.
An even bigger realization came when I thought about her friends—former teachers, real estate agents, business owners, and sales professionals. They’re all in the same boat: vibrant people with decades of experience to share, yet disconnected from opportunities to do so. The issue isn’t willingness; it’s the lack of an easy way to match their skills with real-world needs.
If there were a resource that made connecting these seasoned individuals to meaningful activities simple, everyone would benefit. It’s about purpose, engagement, and staying connected to what they loved doing most. For my mom and so many others like her, the time to make that connection is now and Onward Seniors is being created as the answer.