345 Anna Rappaport: Pursuing Passions Amid Changing Limits

At 85, Anna Rappaport continues to defy expectations of aging. Once uncertain about her relevance, she went on to earn five lifetime achievement awards, including Trailblazers in Actuarial Science. Beyond her groundbreaking work in retirement research and policy, Anna embraces new chapters with creativity and purpose. After decades of balancing career, caregiving, and family, Anna rebuilt her life following her husband’s death, moving to The Admiral at the Lake in Chicago. There she discovered the joys of “families of choice,” balcony gardens, and vibrant community life. Anna is also a passionate urban sketcher—an art form she has practiced since the 1960s—with the goal of one day seeing her work in a museum. She sells her art to benefit charities, advocates for solo agers and people with disabilities, and is writing a book on “how I’m aging well.” Her story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of pursuing passions no matter the limits.

I have to use every minute of every day; I’m not sure how many minutes I have left. - Anna Rappaport

Connect with Anna: Email: anna.rappaport@gmail.com Website: Anna Rappaport Consulting | Strategies for a Secure Retirement

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Meet This Month’s Podcast Collaborator

Wendy Green, host of Boomer Banter, Real Talk About Aging Well. https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/.

Women Over 70 is a member of The Age-Wise Collective, comprised of ten women-led podcasts that are redefining the narrative around aging. We empower adults 50+ with authentic stories, expert insights, and inspiring voices.