Life is Enhanced when we’re Prepared.

Thanks to advances in medicine and health, hitting your mid-40s isn’t the beginning of the end—it’s just the halfway mark! But navigating the years ahead? There’s no roadmap for that.

That’s where 45Forward comes in!

Join me as we shift the old “waiting-for-retirement” mentality to a new mindset of your second half of life as a journey of exciting and purposeful chapters. Every episode dives into one of life’s essential aspects—health, home finance, relationships, work, and personal pursuits—helping you craft a holistic personal plan for the decades ahead.

So why 45, instead of the usual midlife marker, 50?

I wanted to help you plan the second half of life before you hit the symbolic 50-yard line. Think of it this way: If you wanted to throw a football as far as you could, what angle would you throw it at? 45 degrees. Similarly, if you want to get the most out of your later years, start planning at age 45. You’ll get the most “yardage” out of life—the most opportunities, the most possibilities and options to create the life you imagine.

From revitalizing relationships, to finding your next home and caring for aging parents, we don’t shy away from the real-life challenges in this stage of life. You’ll hear from experts and everyday people who are redefining what it means manage midlife—and thrive.

45 Forward won’t give you cookie-cutter solutions—but it will empower you to shape your future with confidence, purpose, and a sense of adventure.


Fear of the future is not knowing how to prepare for it.

45Forward will help you shape your own life through unique information, resources and inspiring stories.

Ron interviews fascinating people with a wide range of "Second Half" insights, tips, and resources. Here you will find a rich audio archive of these entertaining and informative interviews.

The Caregiving Navigator is a dynamic interactive tool that spells out for caregivers and their loved ones how to plan along the way, what to do, and where to turn for the most useful resources and services.

Inspiring Articles and Blog reflections ranging from "Body and Soul", Family and Friends", "Community", and "Unretirement" to a rolling compendium of Ron's essays.

Are You Prepared to Make Your Second Half the Better Half?

A Print Copy of The CareGiving Navigator is Now Available!

Stay up to date with the latest tips & tools from pro communicators.

Each show tackles an aspect of health, finance, family and friends, housing, work, and personal pursuits as part of an integrated plan. Experts discuss topics like revitalizing relationships, creating mini retirements, managing the maze of technology, finding your next homestead, and caring for aging parents.

Starting the Long-Term Care Conversation Before a Crisis Published on YouTube: October 11, 2026. Watch on YouTube. Episode Description: Ron Roel welcomes Lindsay Friedman to discuss practical preparation for future ... READ MORE

A Mother and Son on Compassionate Mental Healthcare Published on YouTube: August 20, 2026. Watch on YouTube. Episode Description: Ron Roel talks with psychiatrist Ellen Bassuk and her son, Daniel ... READ MORE

Access, Independence and Everyday Inclusion Published on YouTube: August 17, 2026. Watch on YouTube. Episode Description: Mary Keating joins Ron Roel to examine the barriers that make everyday life less ... READ MORE

Becoming a Care Leader for a Loved One Published on YouTube: August 3, 2026. Watch on YouTube. Episode Description: Mark Wilson joins Ron Roel to discuss the approach to family ... READ MORE

Rethinking the Stages of Aging Published on YouTube: July 5, 2026. Watch on YouTube. Episode Description: Ron Roel and Stuart C. Kaplan explore why longer lives call for a more ... READ MORE

Lessons from a Career in Aging Services Published on YouTube: June 15, 2026. Watch on YouTube. Episode Description: Kathleen Otte returns to 45 Forward to reflect on a career serving ... READ MORE

Boost Your Skills.

Are You Prepared to Make Your Second Half the Better Half?

Listen to Ron's radio broadcast every Monday at Noon Pacific / 3 p.m Eastern time: