As a Kiwi (not the fruit) living in the southern hemisphere, I wondered whether alumni membership would lead to lasting friendships, connections and more learning opportunities. The answer is a resounding ‘yes’.

A cynic might view MEA as a cult or a tribe, given how connected people feel. I view MEA as a global community of like-minded souls who want to make the world a better place for future generations.

MEA came along at the perfect time, when I was writing a book “Going AWOL – Inspiration and Insights from Adventurous Women On the Loose” about how real-life adventures lead to personal growth and successful transitions. MEA’s fresh perspective on midlife transitions is mentioned in my book.

A smorgasbord of MEA workshops, retreats and events cater to a diverse global audience, including a captivating fireside chat series featuring Chip with other thought leaders like Ken Dychtwald, Esther Perel and Lynne Twist.

I recently joined Modern Elders Caring for Others (MECO), a valuable support group for alumni like me caring for a partner with a chronic health condition. As a way of giving back, next month I have offered to facilitate a session on self-care for caregivers.

MEA is a wonderful way to bridge intergenerational divides.

Chip’s referral to young Aussie alum Nim de Swardt led to Nim’s referral to Meredith Drummond who I met in person during her Australasian sabbatical. Meredith and I bonded well on our two-day Kaikoura Coast Track walk in the South Island, an uplifting shared adventure.

Until recently my focus was on shared outdoor adventures and inspiring others to live adventurous and fulfilled lives. This has shifted towards a spiritual inner journey through meditation, reading and writing. I enrolled in an eight-week online poetry master class. Would I have done this without MEA? Probably not.

So, as you can see, MEA has a lot to offer. One day I hope to visit an MEA campus in Baja or Santa Fe. Maybe I will see you there!

Mary Somervell lives in Nelson, New Zealand. She left home in her late teens, lived and worked in Australia and USA then returned to NZ to complete two degrees, founded two businesses, married three times (happily still together on the third one after 25 years). She loves new challenges, being active outdoors and going on shared adventures. She wrote a book, Going AWOL, about her experiences, and blogs regularly about change and transitions, health and wellbeing and making the most of life.