Welcome to the world’s first midlife wisdom school.

Your best years are ahead of you.

Over 5,000+ alumni from 48 countries have reimagined aging and unlocked deeper meaning in their lives with MEA. If you are yearning for more fulfillment, our evidence-backed curriculum and time-tested experience are here to guide you.

As seen in:

Modern Elder Academy

Our life-changing workshops help people in midlife find the clarity, purpose, and fulfillment they crave.

Our proven evidence-backed methodology was developed in collaboration with some of the world’s leading scholars and experts in midlife, and is designed to help you thrive while navigating the challenges that come with this stage of life.

Whether you join us online, beachside in Baja, or surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Santa Fe, you will find the insight, connection, inspiration and rejuvenation you seek – and will leave energized and excited to embrace your next chapter.

3 Workshop pillars, each with a clear objective, process, and curriculum

Navigating Transitions

For anyone who’s going through a big life change, such as retirement, loss, empty nesting, or a new career path, and seeking clarity, confidence, and joy as they step into their next chapter.

Cultivating Purpose

For anyone who’s feeling directionless and yearning for greater meaning and fulfillment in their life – and wanting to align their plans for the future with the things that matter most to them.

Owning Wisdom

For anyone who’s done the work and is still searching for answers to the big questions about life – and wanting to cultivate deeper understanding, connection, gratitude, and awe.

Two Ways to Reimagine Midlife with MEA

In-Person Workshops

Five-day all-inclusive workshops include evidence-backed curriculum, experiential learning, and lasting connections at a luxury retreat center.

This is for you if...
You prefer immersive small-group learning and are eager to unplug from your life and make lasting connections in a soul-enriching environment.

Explore In-Person Workshops:

Online Workshops

Multi-week programs include evidence-based content, expert faculty guided sessions, and live community events to help you thrive.

This is for you if...
You’re looking for a more affordable option and enjoy learning in the comfort of your home, or can’t find the time for a five-day workshop.

Explore Online Workshops:

MEA in the Press

As seen in...

Bright Ideas in Travel 2024

CONDÉ NAST – The first Blue Zones Retreats were held this June at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in Baja California Sur and at Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo.

What we get wrong about our midlives on NPR

NPR | When most people think of the a midlife crisis, they picture a man in his 50s dating a younger woman and buying a sports car.But what does this depiction of midlife get wrong and who gets left behind by this narrative? What changes

My Week at Midlife Wisdom Camp

TEXAS MONTHLY – I communed with horses, and a cowboy gave me a sound bath. At part-time Texan Chip Conley’s luxurious new Santa Fe retreat, people of a certain age seek renewal and transformation. Do they find it?

Why Men Are Struggling Today with Jeff Hamaoui

AGEIST PODCAST | This week, gain valuable tools for navigating the complexities of modern masculinity from Jeff Hamaoui, co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy.

MEA's Christine Sperber Featured on AGEIST

AGEIST – An absolute inspiration for living life to the fullest and taking on new challenges, Christine Sperber, former World Cup snowboarder turned Chief Experience Officer for the Modern Elder Academy, is guiding others through midlife transitions with empathy, humor,

MEA Featured in Time's World's Greatest Places 2024

TIME | WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES 2024 – It says a lot when the term most often associated with a particular stage of life is “crisis.” Youth is venerated, old age commemorated, but entrepreneur and author Chip Conley is on a mission to

Is the best yet to come? This author offers tips to grow after midlife

TODAY SHOW – NBC | “Learning to Love Midlife” author Chip Conley joins Hoda & Jenna and opens up about how he realized his “midlife crisis” was really a “midlife chrysalis” — and how anyone can continue to grow and

Chip Conley talks new book on Good Morning America

GOOD MORNING AMERICA | Chip Conley talks new book, ‘Learning to Love Midlife’ on ABC’s Good Morning America. The hotelier, entrepreneur and author discusses his new book that offers an alternative narrative to the way we commonly think of our

Explore Our Luxury Campuses

  • Baja, Mexico
  • Santa Fe, USA

Baja, Mexico

El Pescadero Resort

A stunning oceanfront property offering all of the luxuries and amenities of a luxury hotel with beautiful beaches perfect for swimming or surfing. Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, just a short drive from Todo Santos, the “Pueblo Magico”.

  • Beach walks
  • Poolside lounging
  • Warm ocean waves
  • Fire pits
  • Magical sunsets

Santa Fe, USA

Rising Circle Ranch

An upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and spanning nearly 2,600acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historicSanta Fe, an artisan’s mecca.

  • Big-sky desert country
  • Breathtaking nature
  • Interaction with horses and donkeys
  • Evenings around the campfire
  • Star-gazing

Meet Our MEA Alumni