The Top 60 over 60, a Canadian startup, is a new platform to celebrate, educate and amplify the 60+ generation’s positive impact on the lives of all Canadians. It provides support, advocacy and a learning community for entrepreneurial activity for those who want to reinvest their experience with passion and purpose.
In early 2018 the Top 60 Over 60 will launch a research project called “Reset” in partnership with the Ontario Centre for Workforce Innovation. ReSet is a three-module learning program designed to reduce internalized ageism and support participants as they explore their personal and professional potential. ReSet will study how self-directed ageism affects older adults who are considering starting anew.
The program challenges youth-centric beliefs that devalue older adults’ value and contribution, and introduces basic entrepreneurial concepts. ReSet is designed for people 55+ who are
- planning their next stage
- in retirement and dissatisfied with it
- out of work and finding it difficult to re-enter the labour market.
ReSet’s goal is to increase the confidence of older adults by framing their experience and knowledge as positive so that they start to believe in themselves and their potential, possibly as entrepreneurs. As there has been little or no exploration of how self-directed ageism affects older Canadians, we will gain a better understanding of the role of internalized ageism and identify gaps and challenges facing older workers.
About Helen Hirsh Spence: The Top 60 over 60 was founded and is led by Helen Hirsh Spence. An ardent advocate of lifelong learning, Helen is passionate about maximizing individual impact and potential; that passion led her to found Top Sixty Over Sixty.
Her formal career as a leader in public secondary education culminated as the President of the Ontario Principals Council and as Headmistress of an independent girls’ school. She is Past President of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, former President of the Ottawa chapter of the International Women’s Forum and National Executive member of the Canadian Executive Services Organization, remaining an active volunteer with the latter. These roles have developed her expertise in leadership development, strategic partnerships, board governance and innovation.
Contact: Helen Hirsh Spence
Published: January 23, 2018