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This fall, 20 lucky cycling enthusiasts will get the once-in-a-lifetime experience to take a ride with one of the world’s top pro cyclists. “Fast Freddie” Rodriguez, who is currently making his way through Colorado as a member of Team Exergy in this week's USA Pro Cycling Challenge, and who placed fourth in the race’s first stage, has committed to lead a group of 20 individuals in a ride and discussion at Living at Your Peak, the nation’s only interactive gathering designed to help health-conscious individuals and influencers discover how to live longer, better and impact the well-being of their world. The inaugural Living at Your Peak Summit is September 13-15, 2012, in Vail, Colo.

“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to go on a ride with one of the world’s top cyclists,” said Jamie Stone, Living at Your Peak event champion and a board member of the Vail Symposium. “We are thrilled to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will enable cycling enthusiasts to learn valuable life and health lessons from one of cycling’s greats.”

Rodriguez, who will lead the ride and discussion on Friday, September 14, is recognized as one of the all-time leading U.S. cyclists, with a resume that includes three U.S. Pro Championships, a Giro d’Italia stage win, podium finishes at one-day classics including Milan-San Remo and Gent-Wevelgem, plus stage podium finishes at the Tour de France, Giro d’ Italia and Vuelta de Espana. His Fast Freddie Foundation supports young cyclists in their endeavors to pursue athletic goals while also encouraging them to remain committed to education.

Participants will road bike with Rodriguez through Vail and engage in an interactive lunch session in which he will discuss lessons from the Tour de France as applied to everyday life. To sign up for this unique interactive experience, individuals must register to attend Living at Your Peak. Participation in Rodriguez’s session is limited to 20 individuals. Spots will fill up quickly and those who are interested are encouraged to sign up early.

Event registration for the full two and a half days is $1,000. One-day registration is $549. Registration fees include:

• Lunch programs and dinners prepared by some of Vail’s world-renowned chefs.
• Interactive sessions led by some of the nation’s leading health, wellness, fitness and nutrition experts.
• Entertainment and VIP cocktail parties with event presenters.

Registrants who sign up for the full event will have the opportunity to receive a Functional Movement Assessment with recommendations, a Cartoid Artery Check with nationally renowned doctor, Jeffrey Boone, MD, a Comprehensive Wellness Report from the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, reports that outside of the event are worth nearly $1,000 in value.

Living at Your Peak is organized by the Vail Symposium, a grassroots, non-profit organization providing thought-provoking, diverse and affordable educational programs to the Vail Valley community. Event sponsors include Vail Valley Medical Center, HealthONE, the Town of Vail, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Summit Orthopaedics, Vail Resorts, PGA TOUR, Triumph Development, the Vail Daily, Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, Antlers at Vail, Vitality Center, Opedix, Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, The Biegler Foundation, Colorado Access, Wendy and Paul Raether, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Vail Luxury Magazine, The Sonnenalp Resort and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

For more information about Living at Your Peak, please visit www.livingatyourpeak.org or call 970-343-9918.

The stereotypes abound: that Americans 55 and older are over the hill, on the shelf, and their headlights are getting dim. When the Social Security Act of 1935 established the retirement age of 65, average longevity was 62. In 2012, 77 years later, despite the reality that longevity for men is 78 and 80 for women, a pervasive negative sentiment remains about older workers and aging in America.

Our national focus is on hiding the wrinkles and shedding the years, thus perpetuating ageism thinking and encouraging people to conceal their age. We shouldn’t focus on the problems of an aging population, without understanding and taking advantage of the benefits and opportunities.

Myths and stereotypes about aging are prevalent, despite a massive amount of contrary data. Here are some of the disconnects that create dilemmas:

1. America’s focus is on marketing to younger people, while older people have the money. According to the Harvard Business Review, people 55 and older own or control more than 70% of the total accumulated private wealth in America and account for 50% of total discretionary spending.

2. Companies spend much more on training and development of younger workers than on older workers, despite the reality that investment in the older workers would have a better pay-off because younger workers 20-34 have more than three times the turnover of workers 55-64.[1]

3. Employee benefit programs, particularly defined pension plans, encourage people to retire earlier, even though many would like to continue working longer and are able to add substantial value. In fact, laws and public policies often discourage or provide a disincentive for companies to continue using workers 55+ and for people 55+ to continue working, instead of encouraging both groups to do so.

4. National economic growth and our standard of living may be reduced if workers 55+ are not provided with opportunities to continue working (i.e., they will be drawing from instead of contributing to the economy), yet there is no strong recognition of the need to do so.

5. Research shows that millions of Americans want to continue working after retirement (80% of the Baby Boomers indicate that they intend to do so[2]), the largest percentage on a part-time basis, but most companies aren’t providing phased retirement and other flexible workplace options that will help them retain and recruit workers 55+ who can continue adding value.

6. Medicare and Social Security are financially unsustainable, yet we only apply band-aids.  The retirement age must be changed to reflect that people are living longer, in better health and able to continue working for substantially more time. Helping workers over 55 to remain productively engaged would ease Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid problems and would contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The reality is that Americans are living substantially longer lives and in better health, but our thinking about aging and retirement remains largely unchanged. We are doing our country a disservice when we view people in terms of chronological age rather than considering their overall capabilities and their ability to add value. It’s time to change this paradigm.

In support of this paradigm shift, the Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), an organization serving as the bridge between people 55 and older and opportunities that enable them to continue in productive activities, has initiated a national competition, the Later-Life Story Contest, for people 50 and older. The competition has two categories: Entrepreneur Success Stories and Inspirational Later-Life Stories. A panel of three independent judges will select one winner from each category who will receive $1,000 and a specially designed trophy. CPL will post the best stories on its website (ctrpl.org) under “Success Stories.” The contest deadline is August 31, and winners will be announced on October 1, 2012.

To submit a story, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/laterlifestorycontest and complete a submission form. Entrants must be 55 and older, have a compelling story to share, and be willing to have it posted on the CPL website for viewing and for possible publication. Stories may also be sent to James Hooks at jhooks@ctrpl.org. 

Marathon legends, cycling champions, renowned researchers and the nation’s leading health and fitness experts will be among the presenters at Living at Your Peak (www.livingatyourpeak.org), the nation’s only gathering designed to help health-conscious individuals and influencers discover how to live longer, better and impact the wellbeing of their world. The Vail Symposium today announced the notable lineup of speakers for this inaugural event, to be held September 13-15, 2012, in Vail, Colo.

“Featuring one-on-one interactive sessions with recognized experts in an intimate setting, Living at Your Peak offers attendees the unique opportunity to share an exclusive, life-changing wellness experience,” said Jamie Stone, Living at Your Peak event champion and a board member of the Vail Symposium, a non-profit organization responsible for Living at Your Peak.

Tennis legend and health advocate Martina Navratilova will keynote the event. Jenna Wolfe, co-anchor of NBC News’ Sunday TODAY show, will emcee. Living at Your Peak’s renowned list of presenters includes experts in the areas of fitness, nutrition, cognitive health and well-being, preventive medicine, longevity and stress, sports fitness and personal health.

Fitness

• Josiah Middaugh, professional triathlete, seven-time XTERRA national champion, eight-time American snowshoe champion, certified strength and conditioning specialist.
• Ellen Miller, manager and coach of the U.S. women’s mountain running team, Mount Everest climber and adventure racer.
• Jeff Olson, RLT, champion skier, two-time Olympian, three-time national champion and Pan American Gold Medalist, co-founder and president of Well Nourished Worldwide, co-founder of the Metro Denver Health and Wellness Commission and the Zyozy Foundation.
• Uta Pippig, world-renowned marathoner, founder and president of Take The Magic Step, LLC and co-founder of the Take The Magic Step Foundation.

Nutrition

• Paul Anders, restaurateur, executive chef at Vail’s Sweet Basil restaurant.
• James Hill, PhD, executive director of the Anschutz Center for Health and Wellness, leading expert and author on nutrition.
• Kelly Liken, former Top Chef and Iron Chef America contestant, proprietor of Vail’s Kelly Liken Restaurant.
• Kevin Nelson, award-winning executive chef at Vail’s Terra Bistro restaurant.

Cognitive Health and Well-Being

• Cheryl Chessick, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado (CU) School of Medicine, director of women’s studies and treatment at the CU Depression Center.
• Jack D. Edinger, PhD, insomnia researcher and clinician, professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine at National Jewish Health, adjunct professor at Duke University Medical Center.
• Clifford Saron, PhD, associate research scientist, Center for Mind and Brain and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis.
• Matt Vogl, deputy director of the University of Colorado Depression Center

Preventive Medicine

• C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai, trailblazer and leader in preventive heart health.
• Monique Giroux, MD, co-founder of the Movement and Neuroperformance Center of Colorado, medical director of movement disorders for Swedish Medical Center.
• Scott Small, MD, professor of neurology, Columbia Neuroscience, nationally renowned expert on brain health.

Longevity and Stress

• Eli Puterman, PhD, postdoctoral scholar at the University of California – San Francisco, recognized expert on the physical impact of chronic stress.
• Jay Williams, PhD, acclaimed physiologist and medical nutritionist, clinical professor, author, researcher, health and wellness consultant.

Sports Fitness

• Peter Millett, MD, director of shoulder surgery at the Steadman Clinic.
• John F. Murray, PhD, licensed clinical and sport psychologist in Palm Beach, Fla., has been recognized for his work with NFL teams and professional athletes.
• Inigo San Millán PhD, director of the Human Performance Lab at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center.
• Coen Wijdicks, PhD, director and senior staff scientist in the Steadman Philippon Research Institute’s Department of BioMedical Engineering.

Personal Health

• Jeffrey L. Boone, MD, MS, consultant in cardiometabolic health, preventive cardiology and stress medicine in private practice in Denver, Colo.

To learn more about these presenters’ Living at Your Peak sessions, visit www.livingatyourpeak.org.

Living at Your Peak is organized by the Vail Symposium, a grassroots, non-profit organization providing thought-provoking, diverse and affordable educational programs to the Vail Valley community. Event sponsors include Vail Valley Medical Center, HealthONE, the Town of Vail, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Summit Orthopaedics, Vail Resorts, PGA TOUR, Triumph Development, the Vail Daily, Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, Antlers at Vail, Vitality Center, Opedix, Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, The Biegler Foundation, Colorado Access, Wendy and Paul Raether, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Vail Luxury Magazine, The Denver Athletic Club and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

For more information about Living at Your Peak, please visit www.livingatyourpeak.org. 

The PGA TOUR, whose Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation golf tournament launched earlier this year with a special focus on helping Americans live healthier lives, will extend its commitment to health this fall by supporting Living at Your Peak in Vail.  Scheduled for September 13-15, Living at Your Peak is the nation’s only gathering designed to help health-conscious individuals and influencers discover how to live longer, better and impact the well-being of their world.

“When the PGA TOUR launched the Humana Challenge, we were thrilled to see such a prominent organization use its platform to help Americans live healthier lives,” said Jamie Stone, Living at Your Peak event champion and a board member of the Vail Symposium, a non-profit organization responsible for Living at Your Peak. “We are proud to partner with this organization to extend its commitment to health to the Vail valley.”

The Humana Challenge, a collaboration among the PGA TOUR, Clinton Foundation and Humana, uses its stature and visibility as a PGA TOUR tournament to challenge individuals to better understand their role in their own well-being and to take steps to improve and maintain their health. In addition to public education initiatives throughout the week, the tournament features healthy concession options and on-course well-being activities for tournament spectators. The second annual Humana Challenge will be held January 14-20, 2013.

“As a strong adjunct to our own health initiatives, Living at Your Peak closely aligns with the Humana Challenge’s mission and will help us achieve our goal to motivate people to live healthier lives,” said Tim Finchem, commissioner of the PGA TOUR. “The PGA TOUR is strongly committed to supporting initiatives that promote health and well-being, which is why we are proud to sponsor this event.”

Living at Your Peak is organized by the Vail Symposium, a grassroots, non-profit organization providing thought-provoking, diverse and affordable educational programs to the Vail Valley community. Event sponsors include Vail Valley Medical Center, HealthONE, the Town of Vail, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Summit Orthopaedics, Vail Resorts, PGA TOUR, Triumph Development, the Vail Daily, Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, Antlers at Vail, Vitality Center, Opedix, Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, The Biegler Foundation, Colorado Access, Wendy and Paul Raether, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Vail Luxury Magazine, The Denver Athletic Club and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

For more information about Living at Your Peak, please visit www.livingatyourpeak.org. To learn more about the Humana Challenge, please visit www.humanachallenge.com.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova will share her unparalleled health and fitness expertise as the keynote speaker at Living at Your Peak (www.livingatyourpeak.org), the Rocky Mountain region’s premier interactive wellness experience, the Vail Symposium announced today. The inaugural event, to be held September 13-15, 2012, in Vail, Colo., is the nation’s only gathering designed to help health-conscious individuals and influencers discover how to live longer, better and impact the wellbeing of their world.

“You don’t need to be an elite athlete to be dedicated to wellness; anyone – at any age – can make a commitment to be fit and healthy,” said Navratilova. “As AARP’s Health and Fitness Ambassador, I have dedicated my time to helping those of us who are 50+ learn to lead healthy, active lives, and I am thrilled to be part of an event that is focused on teaching everyone health, fitness and longevity – from elite athletes to weekend warriors to individuals just beginning their journey to wellness.”

Navratilova is widely considered to be the greatest women's tennis player in the history of the sport. Over the course of a career that spanned an amazing four decades, she amassed an unmatched number of professional records. She won 59 grand slam titles, including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships. Still in phenomenal shape on the verge of 50, she became the oldest player to ever win a grand slam title before retiring in 2006.

In addition to her work on the tennis court, Navratilova is a compelling advocate for active living and aggressive goal setting. Her book, Shape Your Self, is a guide to personal fitness and healthy living. She has motivated thousands to live healthier lifestyles by taking simple steps to a better life. She also serves as the health and fitness ambassador for AARP, in an alliance created to help AARP's millions of members lead active, healthy lives.

“Martina Navratilova is not only a legend in the tennis world, she is also an inspiration to anyone with a commitment to lifelong wellness,” said Jamie Stone, Living at Your Peak event champion and a board member of the Vail Symposium. “Her presence at Living at Your Peak elevates this event to the next level, enabling our guests to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a world-class health and fitness expert.”

Living at Your Peak is an interactive health, fitness and longevity experience offering unparalleled access to accomplished world champions; internationally recognized trainers, coaches, researchers and doctors; top chefs, nutritionists and world-class restaurants; and peer networking opportunities. Living at Your Peak sessions will offer interactive components to engage guests beyond a traditional presentation environment. Jenna Wolfe, co-anchor of NBC News’ Sunday TODAY show, will emcee the event.

Registration is $1,000 until June 30 and $1,200 beginning July 1, and includes priority access to event sessions, event coordination with a personal concierge, exclusive access to VIP events and gourmet meals prepared by Vail’s internationally renowned chefs. Spouse passes are $300 and individual session fees start at $50 per session.

The event is organized by the Vail Symposium, a grassroots, non-profit organization providing thought-provoking, diverse and affordable educational programs to the Vail Valley community. Event sponsors include Vail Valley Medical Center, HealthONE, the Town of Vail, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Summit Orthopedics, Triumph Development, the Vail Daily, Antlers at Vail, Vitality Center, Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, The Biegler Foundation, Colorado Access and Wendy and Paul Raether.

For more information about Living at Your Peak or to register, please visit www.livingatyourpeak.org. 

POWER OF PEARL

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