Vicki Thomas Redefines Aging and Reinvention at 80 with “From Woodstock to Wisdom”
At 80, author and purpose advocate Vicki Thomas is challenging outdated ideas about aging through her book, From Woodstock to Wisdom, and My Future Purpose. A two-time cancer survivor and Purpose Prize recipient, Thomas encourages Baby Boomers, especially women, to remain visible, reinvent themselves, and pursue meaningful new chapters.
Weston, CT, September 23, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Vicki Thomas was recently featured in an Influential Women tribute recognizing her decades of leadership, reinvention, and advocacy for purposeful aging.
At 80, Thomas is not slowing down. She is using her newest chapter to challenge outdated assumptions about aging and inspire others to ask one essential question: “What’s next?”
Thomas is the author of “From Woodstock to Wisdom…A Boomer’s Journey to 80,” a collection of candid, humorous, and thought-provoking essays about aging, identity, relationships, health, technology, loss, and the search for purpose. Drawing upon eight decades of experience, she presents aging not as a period of decline, but as an opportunity for reinvention, contribution and continued growth.
“Society may put an expiration date on older women, but purpose never does,” Thomas said. “I didn’t peak in my 30s or 40s. Some of my most meaningful work and greatest personal growth have happened much later in life.”
Thomas has reinvented herself repeatedly—from a farm girl in rural Wisconsin to a pioneering marketing executive, entrepreneur, media strategist, nonprofit advocate, author, speaker, and purpose-driven leader.
In the 1970s, she became head of marketing and advertising for the Credit Union National Association, building a leadership career in the predominantly male financial-services industry. Her work later included projects involving American Express, Prudential Securities, and Merrill Lynch, helping major organizations better understand women and the growing pre-retiree market. Her experience with the ABC Television Network strengthened her ability to use storytelling to connect with audiences and inspire action.
Thomas later applied those skills to Purple Heart Homes, an organization providing accessible housing solutions for service-connected disabled veterans. Through strategic storytelling, media outreach and relationship-building, she helped the organization achieve national recognition and greater financial support. Her work earned her the $100,000 Purpose Prize from Encore.org in 2013, recognizing people over 60 who use their experience to create meaningful social change.
Her understanding of purpose became deeply personal after she survived two cancers. Following a diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer, Thomas was told she had three to five years to live. Two years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She now describes every year beyond that prognosis as a “bonus year.”
“Facing death clarified what truly matters: people, purpose, contribution, love and laughter,” Thomas said. “Surviving cancer did not make me fearless. It made me more alive and determined not to postpone the things that matter.”
Today, Thomas is co-founder and Chief Purpose Officer of My Future Purpose, an organization that helps people navigate transition, retirement and reinvention. Through workshops, speaking engagements, virtual conversations and its Pathways to Purpose program, Thomas and co-founder Joyce Cohen encourage people to move beyond asking, “What am I retiring from?” and instead ask, “What am I still capable of becoming?”
Thomas believes millions of Baby Boomers experience an identity gap after spending decades defining themselves through careers, families and responsibilities. My Future Purpose helps people explore new possibilities through service, creativity, entrepreneurship, mentoring, learning, advocacy and joy.
“We are living through a longevity revolution,” Thomas said. “People are living longer and remaining active far beyond the traditional retirement age, yet our culture still behaves as though life winds down after 60. A new chapter does not have to mean a smaller life.”
That message is at the heart of “From Woodstock to Wisdom.” Thomas examines how the generation that questioned authority, marched for change, and reshaped American culture is now confronting ageism, invisibility, and uncertainty about its future.
With humor and honesty, she writes about subjects ranging from caregiving and changing bodies to technology, work, relationships, and becoming an influencer at 79. The book encourages readers to stay curious, protect their “spark,” and keep participating fully in the world.
Thomas is also developing “From Woodstock to Wisdom: Passing the Mic,” an intergenerational initiative designed to engage college students in conversations about purpose, social responsibility, the future and what younger generations really think about Baby Boomers.
Through her writing, speaking, and leadership, Thomas hopes to create what she calls a “What’s Next movement”—encouraging older adults, particularly women, to reject invisibility and recognize that their experience remains valuable.
“The question is no longer whether there is something ahead of me,” Thomas said. “The question is what comes next. Purpose never retires—and neither should our desire to make a difference.”
At 80, Thomas is not slowing down. She is using her newest chapter to challenge outdated assumptions about aging and inspire others to ask one essential question: “What’s next?”
Thomas is the author of “From Woodstock to Wisdom…A Boomer’s Journey to 80,” a collection of candid, humorous, and thought-provoking essays about aging, identity, relationships, health, technology, loss, and the search for purpose. Drawing upon eight decades of experience, she presents aging not as a period of decline, but as an opportunity for reinvention, contribution and continued growth.
“Society may put an expiration date on older women, but purpose never does,” Thomas said. “I didn’t peak in my 30s or 40s. Some of my most meaningful work and greatest personal growth have happened much later in life.”
Thomas has reinvented herself repeatedly—from a farm girl in rural Wisconsin to a pioneering marketing executive, entrepreneur, media strategist, nonprofit advocate, author, speaker, and purpose-driven leader.
In the 1970s, she became head of marketing and advertising for the Credit Union National Association, building a leadership career in the predominantly male financial-services industry. Her work later included projects involving American Express, Prudential Securities, and Merrill Lynch, helping major organizations better understand women and the growing pre-retiree market. Her experience with the ABC Television Network strengthened her ability to use storytelling to connect with audiences and inspire action.
Thomas later applied those skills to Purple Heart Homes, an organization providing accessible housing solutions for service-connected disabled veterans. Through strategic storytelling, media outreach and relationship-building, she helped the organization achieve national recognition and greater financial support. Her work earned her the $100,000 Purpose Prize from Encore.org in 2013, recognizing people over 60 who use their experience to create meaningful social change.
Her understanding of purpose became deeply personal after she survived two cancers. Following a diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer, Thomas was told she had three to five years to live. Two years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She now describes every year beyond that prognosis as a “bonus year.”
“Facing death clarified what truly matters: people, purpose, contribution, love and laughter,” Thomas said. “Surviving cancer did not make me fearless. It made me more alive and determined not to postpone the things that matter.”
Today, Thomas is co-founder and Chief Purpose Officer of My Future Purpose, an organization that helps people navigate transition, retirement and reinvention. Through workshops, speaking engagements, virtual conversations and its Pathways to Purpose program, Thomas and co-founder Joyce Cohen encourage people to move beyond asking, “What am I retiring from?” and instead ask, “What am I still capable of becoming?”
Thomas believes millions of Baby Boomers experience an identity gap after spending decades defining themselves through careers, families and responsibilities. My Future Purpose helps people explore new possibilities through service, creativity, entrepreneurship, mentoring, learning, advocacy and joy.
“We are living through a longevity revolution,” Thomas said. “People are living longer and remaining active far beyond the traditional retirement age, yet our culture still behaves as though life winds down after 60. A new chapter does not have to mean a smaller life.”
That message is at the heart of “From Woodstock to Wisdom.” Thomas examines how the generation that questioned authority, marched for change, and reshaped American culture is now confronting ageism, invisibility, and uncertainty about its future.
With humor and honesty, she writes about subjects ranging from caregiving and changing bodies to technology, work, relationships, and becoming an influencer at 79. The book encourages readers to stay curious, protect their “spark,” and keep participating fully in the world.
Thomas is also developing “From Woodstock to Wisdom: Passing the Mic,” an intergenerational initiative designed to engage college students in conversations about purpose, social responsibility, the future and what younger generations really think about Baby Boomers.
Through her writing, speaking, and leadership, Thomas hopes to create what she calls a “What’s Next movement”—encouraging older adults, particularly women, to reject invisibility and recognize that their experience remains valuable.
“The question is no longer whether there is something ahead of me,” Thomas said. “The question is what comes next. Purpose never retires—and neither should our desire to make a difference.”
Contact
My Future Purpose
Vicki Thomas
203-984-2138
Vicki Thomas
203-984-2138
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