Amy Temperley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Amy, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think that people often think about Aging is Cool as just fun and games to pass the time but that is far from the truth. The programs and classes we provide are an integral part of lifelong wellbeing. Our fitness classes reduce stress, prevent falls, and improve cardiac health. Our brain games and learning help to maintain brain function and stimulate new thought…..even build new brain cells! Our creative classes spark imagination, expand the mind and offer a sense of accomplishment.
But above all, the work we do is rooted in social engagement and purpose. Two things that are proven to improve quality of life and even longevity. We treat older adults as the capable, vibrant individuals they are who deserve experiences that challenge and inspire them. In the end, we’re not just filling calendars; we’re changing lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Amy Temperley, co-founder of Aging is Cool along with my husband, Damian. We’re on a mission to prove that growing older does not mean parking yourself in a rocking chair. We believe your later years can be some of your best, full of joy, growth, and meaningful contribution. Hard to believe, but we’re heading into our 10th year in business.
Aging is Cool delivers more than 150 different classes in fitness, learning, games, and creativity to older adults where they live or gather. Our main clients are senior living communities, affordable housing sites, and senior centers, but we also provide private in-home classes for people who may be more isolated. We started the company because we wanted to change how aging is viewed and offer the kinds of programs we would want when we get there ourselves. We were tired of the so-called “three B’s” — bingo, bridge, and ballroom dancing — and knew that today’s older adults were looking for something fresh, challenging, and fun.
From the start, we had a bigger vision: to improve life not just for older adults, but also for the activity directors who run these programs and our own team members who make them happen. We’re especially proud that 60% of our staff are over age 50, including our oldest employee who is 80 and still teaching fitness. That is proof that older adults have so much to give, and we love being a part of that story.
Right now we’re focused on expanding into new communities, building more corporate partnerships, and adding fresh classes that keep things exciting for our clients. We currently serve 4 states with in person programming and are looking to expand that reach.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I remember as a child being a deep thinker, a creative, a dreamer, a feeler. I was curious, empathetic and always looking for beauty in the little things. Over time, that seemed to shift. I found myself falling in line with the rest of the world. Get a job, get married, buy a house, check the boxes. I found myself constantly wanting to create change or new ideas in systems (cultural, employment) that did not value change and I fell in line.
Somehow, in my 40’s, there was a moment when I had to make a decision and it opened a door to a new realm for me. I left my steady job and launched my first business, a consulting company. For the first time, I was able to create my work the way I wanted, guided by my own values. When my husband was ready to make his own leap, I had the skills and experience that let us launch Aging is Cool together.
It’s not just about the work at Aging is Cool, though. The way I approach the world has significantly changed. Maybe it’s my own age now and letting go of some of the rules but rather that falling in line, Damien and I work to create a life and work the way we want it to be. It may not look like everyone else and we are okay with that. For the first time, at age 55 I am authentically me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
These questions feel like therapy! Ha! The first thing I would say is to my younger self is “don’t limit yourself.” There is a big world out there and lots of amazing adventures. They are open to you! Don’t let fear stop you from taking the trip, doing your own thing, and most of all saying “yes” to living your own life, not someone else’s.
I wish that I had the confidence to see my strengths earlier. How would my life be different if I had not stifled that creativity and drive, and had actually started my own business back then? To be honest, I didn’t even think it was an option. And yet here I am now, on what is essentially my 3rd self- created business. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
That Aging can be COOL! When we pull up to a stoplight with our business sign on our car, we get one of two responses from the car beside us- thumbs up or a confused thumbs down!
Damien and I truly believe that although there are challenges as we age, we also become more fully ourselves. We are more resilient, we know who we are, and in some ways, we have new freedoms and knowledge that allow us to create a new world for ourselves. For the first time in our lives, we may know how to set boundaries, have a really strong sense of what we like and don’t like, and can embrace opportunities that bring us joy or help expand.
Your 60’s, 70’s and beyond can be an incredible time where if you put your mind to it, you can truly do that “self-actualization” work that you don’t have time for when you are raising kids or working a full time job. It doesn’t have to be a time of winding down, it can be a time of leveling up.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Honestly, I am not that bothered about what story people will tell about me when I am gone. I am only concerned about how I am navigating my life right now- connecting with those who matter to me and making a little difference along the way. I spent way to much of my life worrying about what people think about me and now I just want to be the best person I can be for myself and those I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.agingiscool.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-temperley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agingiscool
