Midlife seekers can find university programs to begin a new path.

Several universities have launched structured midlife transition programs that aim to combine learning and peer community, and researchers note a link between having a sense of purpose and longer, healthier lives.

Several universities and programs have introduced structured offerings for people exploring transitions in midlife. The Nexel Collaborative brings together programs such as the Change Makers program at the University of Colorado Denver, the Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota, Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute, and the Encore Transition Program at Union Theological Seminary. Advocates and program leaders say these offerings can provide guidance, community, and opportunities for reflection rather than only leisure activities. Researchers link a sense of purpose to benefits for health and longevity, while participants describe personal shifts in focus and social connection. What we know: - The Nexel Collaborative includes multiple university-based midlife programs across the U.S., each offering courses or cohorts for people in transition. - Marc Freedman, founder of Co-Generate, has led midlife learning initiatives and emphasizes aspiration and community in midlife transitions. He also led an inaugural group at Yale called the Experienced Leaders Initiative. - Stanford social epidemiologist David Rehkopf is cited saying a sense of purpose and life satisfaction appear related to health and longevity, though core health behaviors remain important. - Participants such as Laura Walker describe using guided reflection to identify unique strengths and goals, and Betsy Benoit reports gaining community and ongoing friendships through program participation. - Freedman has proposed policy ideas, including the concept of a midlife "gap year" financed in part by early Social Security options, as a way to broaden access to midlife learning. Summary: University-led midlife programs aim to help people combine learning, peer support, and reflection to explore new directions, and participants report benefits in focus and community. Researchers note associations between purpose and longevity, and some advocates have proposed policy measures to expand access to midlife learning. Undetermined at this time.