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Meet Elizabeth Katz: Seniors Magazine Community Member and Late-in-Life Model

Photographer: Antonio Ajam

Elizabeth Katz’s inspirational story is one of resilience, curiosity, and constant reinvention. Born in 1947, in a refugee camp in Berlin, Germany, she was the child of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in America after unimaginable loss. That foundation of perseverance and resilience shaped her approach to life, career, and eventually, her decision to reinvent herself well past traditional retirement age.

A Late-Career Success Story

While many people slow down in their mid-60s, Elizabeth was just hitting her stride. She became publisher of Neurology Reviews, immersing herself in the field of neurological diseases. Her curiosity and research introduced her to rare diseases—conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.—and she quickly identified the need for greater physician education in this overlooked area.

With her editor Glenn Williams and her talented team, she launched innovative programs in both rare diseases and gene therapy, creating educational initiatives that not only raised awareness but also generated new revenue streams and partnerships for the publication. It was one of the most exciting chapters of her career, proving that professional growth and impact are possible at any stage of life.

A Turning Point in 2023

Retirement in 2021 offered Elizabeth the chance to finally enjoy New York City’s cultural richness, from Lincoln Center to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But in August 2023, her younger sister, Libby, passed away suddenly. The loss was devastating and left her traveling between New York and Miami to help family and process her grief.

This personal tragedy became the spark for a new chapter. Instead of retreating, Elizabeth sought purpose, adventure, and healing through reinvention. She discovered the senior modeling industry and the growing demand for age diversity in advertising. The idea of seniors not only as consumers but also as role models and influencers resonated deeply with her.

Reinvention Through Modeling and Acting

Determined to succeed, Elizabeth applied the same skills that fueled her publishing career—researching markets, identifying gaps, and building programs—to her personal brand. She embraced social media, built her Instagram presence, learned to use digital tools like ChatGPT, and tapped into resources at Senior Planet, AARP’s technology hub in Manhattan.

Soon, she was auditioning for modeling roles, acting in short films, and even doing voiceovers. Some projects allowed her to portray Holocaust survivors and speak Yiddish again, adding a layer of personal catharsis to her new creative pursuits. Reinvention became not only a way to combat grief but also a way to reframe stereotypes about aging, challenge ageism, and demonstrate the vitality, energy, curiosity and resilience of seniors.

The Influence of Family and Resilience

Elizabeth credits her resilience to the example set by her parents. Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the U.S. in 1949 with three young daughters, they overcame language barriers, poor health, and trauma to build prosperous lives. Their ability to flourish despite adversity was later connected to what researchers call the “Resilience Gene.” Elizabeth, as a second-generation Holocaust survivor, recognizes that same resilience, resourcefulness, and perseverance in herself.

Her family’s story was recorded for Steven Spielberg’s Survivors of the Shoah Foundation, preserving their history while underscoring the lasting impact of generational trauma and survival.

Connection, Community, and Well-Being

Social connection plays a central role in Elizabeth’s reinvention. By staying active in her synagogue, attending cultural events, walking five to six miles a day, and surrounding herself with supportive friends and family, she has found both energy and motivation. These interactions not only enrich her new career but also strengthen her physical, mental, and emotional health.

She believes strongly that social bonds are vital as people age. They provide purpose, belonging, and stimulation—key ingredients for happiness and longevity. Research supports this, identifying three main contributors to well-being in later life: the ability to make independent decisions, being part of a community, and maintaining a passion that brings daily motivation.

Looking Ahead

At 78, Elizabeth is thriving as a senior model, aspiring actress, and advocate for reinvention. She is passionate about helping others navigate their “second act” by sharing resources, strategies, and encouragement. She envisions writing a guidebook for seniors on reinvention and sees herself as a mentor for those seeking purpose beyond retirement.

Her journey illustrates the power of resilience, curiosity, and community. It also highlights the enormous untapped potential of seniors as cultural, social, and economic contributors. Elizabeth  sees this as a market and a movement, one that benefits individuals and society alike.

The Inspiration

Elizabeth Katz’s story demonstrates that reinvention is not only possible but also profoundly rewarding at any age. Through loss and change, she has built a vibrant new life that breaks barriers, challenges stereotypes, and inspires others to do the same. Her message is clear: reinvention is empowering, exhilarating, and, above all, achievable.

You can follow her journey on Instagram: @elizabethkatz212

On Health

On Finances

Seniors Magazine’s free helpline is here for you 24/7.

Call or text 1-740-4-SENIOR (1-740-473-6467) anytime — weekdays, weekends, day or night. A real person will answer or return your voicemail/text.

Tip: Save this number in your phone now.

We’ll connect you (free) with trusted experts who help seniors solve everyday challenges, including:

  1. 🤝 Loneliness & connection

  2. 💡 Finding purpose in retirement

  3. 📜 Estate planning (wills, trusts, etc.)

  4. 🏘️ Finding 55+, independent, or assisted-living communities

  5. 🏥 Choosing health insurance

  6. 🧾 Long-term care or final-expense insurance

  7. 📈 Investment & retirement planning (portfolio reviews, tax planning, reverse mortgages, annuities, debt management, etc.)

  8. 🏃 Senior-friendly fitness over Zoom or FaceTime

  9. 📸 Digitizing photos & videos

  10. 🛠️ Home remodeling for aging in place

  11. 👩‍⚕️ In-home personal or health care

  12. 🌳 Genealogy & family research

  13. ✍️ Memoir writing (our favorite!)

  14. 🧸 Children’s book writing & illustration

  15. 📚 Publishing & book promotion

  16. ✈️ Travel planning

Call or text 1-740-4-SENIOR (1-740-473-6467) anytime and tell us what you need. If we miss your call, leave a message—we’ll get back to you. Our help is always free; you only pay if you choose to work with a service provider.

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On Classes and Connection

Free Introductory Class: “Find Your Singing Voice at Any Age”

Want to sing with confidence and joy? Discover how to strengthen your voice and express yourself musically, guided one-on-one over Zoom or FaceTime.

Your first one-on-one 30-minute session is free, and you’ll leave with exercises tailored to your voice and goals.

After that, ongoing sessions are…

$245 for a package of five (5) one-on-one sessions (45 minutes each, matching your schedule)
Or
$125 for a package of five (5) group sessions (45 minutes each, generally weekly)

Just reply and say “free singing session,” and we’ll connect you with a caring coach who’s helped hundreds of people rediscover their musical confidence.

*Prices are subject to change but are accurate on the date of original posting.

Capture Your Life Story: Today’s Daily Prompt

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for posterity. The team offers ethical wills/legacy letters to guided interviews to full-length memoirs. Call 1-888-MEMGHOST for more information.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

Tip 1: If speaking is easier than writing, use Wispr Flow.

Tip 2: Back up your writing often. The easiest way? Send yourself an email. The best way, use a backup program like Carbonite.

Tip 3: Writing is just half the challenge. Need help with the rest? Just reply to this message and say one of the following:

  • “digitize photos” if you’d like help transferring your old photos and videos to digital format

  • “photo repair” if you’d like help restoring or fixing damaged photos

  • “genealogy help” if you’d like help uncovering your family history

  • “memoir help” if you’d like someone to handle everything for you, start to finish

We’ll connect you with someone who can assist you.

On Tech for Seniors
A Password Manager and Why It’s Valuable to Seniors

Most scams today begin with weak or stolen passwords. A password manager keeps all your logins in one secure place so you only remember one master password instead of juggling many.

If You Want the Easiest Option

A password manager works like a secure vault: you unlock it once, and it fills in your passwords for you. This prevents typing mistakes, reduces lockouts, and replaces notebooks or sticky notes. A good starter option is Bitwarden, which has a free plan and works on phones, tablets, and computers.

If You Want Extra Protection

For people comfortable with apps, advanced password managers can warn you if a site has been breached and help replace weak or reused passwords. 1Password includes these alerts and can also store two-factor security codes for safer banking and medical accounts.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

  • Choose a master password that’s easy to remember but hard to guess — a short phrase works well (example: GreenTeacup!Sunset).

  • Turn on auto-fill, so passwords appear automatically when you log in.

  • Make sure your recovery email or phone number is up to date — this is what lets you get back into your password manager if you ever forget your master password.

  • If you’re nervous at first, try entering just one account, then add more slowly over time.

  • Use the password generator when creating new accounts — longer is better than complicated.

Using a password manager is one of the simplest ways to prevent fraud — less stress, fewer passwords to remember, and stronger protection across all your accounts.

Need (1) tech troubleshooting help or (2) ongoing tech lessons via FaceTime or Zoom? Just reply to this message and say “tech help” or “tech lessons,” and we’ll connect you with someone who can assist you.

On Travel for Seniors

Cruise deal of the day: 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing November 3, from $189

Unmissable American gem: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a peaceful coastal retreat known for its flat, bike-friendly paths, calm beaches, abundant wildlife, and relaxed Southern hospitality that makes it especially appealing to seniors seeking scenic rest and recreation.

Need help planning a senior-friendly trip or cruise? Reply to this email with “travel help” and we’ll connect you with a travel agent who specializes in senior travel.

Style Over Sixty

Unscramble

Brought to you by CogniFit, brain-training games for seniors

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Astronaut whose words marked a giant leap in 1969.

LINE STRANGMOR

Seniors Magazine LIVE: Online Talks for Seniors

We’re thinking of launching Seniors Magazine LIVE, a twice-monthly online event where experts and inspiring guests share advice, stories, and tips—from travel and wellness to purpose and creativity.

Interested in joining Seniors Magazine LIVE—our new twice-monthly video event with inspiring guests on senior travel, wellness, and purpose? Upcoming speakers include a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a Supreme Court litigator.

This is just an opinion poll—your answer doesn’t commit you to anything.

Login or Subscribe to participate

Want to Earn in Retirement?

Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend. Find out more here.

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