Third Age Initiative™
Connecting current and soon-to-be retirees and older adults to their communities through purposeful engagement and collaboration.
What is Third Age Initiative™?
The Third Age Initiative™ (TAI) offers participants the opportunity to meet a new network of peers, use self-assessment tools to learn more about personal values, motivations, and strengths, and exercise the information in a collaborative group. These smaller groups are formed to both address the challenges and celebrate the gifts of the Greater Hartford region as each team designs and implements community action initiatives.
The program strives to have participants connect, share experiences, and work collaboratively to create sustainable community impact. Team projects have addressed issues such as hunger, financial literacy, children’s mental health, arts and heritage education, inter-generational mentoring, neighborhood redevelopment, and more.
Applications to join Class 18 are open!
Program details
Who can join
Current and soon-to-be retirees
Schedule
Year-round
View full program schedule
Tuition fee
The program is free for participants. It is funded by sponsors, grants and donations
What can attendees expect?
Attendees of the Third Age Initiative (TAI) can expect a transformative experience designed to empower older adults to lead meaningful community change. Here’s what participants can look forward to:
Workshop schedule for Class 18
Full-day sessions:
Tuesdays
9:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.
Includes continental breakfast & full lunch
Location of each session TBD.
Session 1-3: November 12, 19, 26
Session 4-6: December 3, 10, 17
Session 7: January 7 (Snow date: Jan 14)
Half-day sessions:
Tuesdays
9 am-noon
Includes continental breakfast only.
Session 8: February 4
Session 9: April 8
Session 10: June 10
Session 11: August 12
Graduation: September 23, 2025
Third Age Initiative impact
Third Age has been recognized by the United Nations as the premier model for engaging older adults in ways which add purpose to their lives.
437
program graduates from 47 towns
24%
of participants are Hartford residents
75-80%
of Third Age alumni are engaged in their communities even several years after their participation in the program, and they attribute most of their activities directly or indirectly to their participation in the program.
I am deeply grateful for the transformative experience I had with Leadership Greater Hartford’s Third Age Initiative Program. After over 40 years in public service, this program helped me realize I have always been a leader and provided tools to serve my community with renewed purpose.
I connected with diverse individuals, learned about vital community services, and found inspiration in impactful projects like the downtown ice-skating rink and Julio Lozada Playground.
As a lifelong Hartford resident, this experience has reinforced my commitment to making a difference. Thank you, LGH, for empowering me to embrace new chapters in my journey!
Are you an alum?
Support the program
Are you an alum of The Third Age Initiative™? If you valued your experience in this unique program and want to make it possible for others to participate in Class 18 and add purpose, engagement, and meaning to their lives, become a contributor to the Third Age Initiative™ Alumni Diamond Sponsorship.
Thank you to our Third Age Initiative ™ Class 18 Sponsors!
Presenting
sponsors
Diamond
sponsors
Emerald
sponsors
