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Welcome to the world's first “midlife wisdom school” dedicated to long-life learning.

Modern Elderly Academy

The retreat was started by Chip Conley, a hotelier who had taken a job at Airbnb where he was known as “the elder.” Inspired by the name, he set out to help people ages 30 and up find their inner elder. 
 
Modern Elder Academy offers three programs, many of which feel like luxury resorts - a week-long retreat in Baja, an 8-week online course, and a several-months stay in Todos Santos, Mexico. 

"Soon, many in the group were seeing their boundaries fall. Some cried. Others said they were sharing things for the first time.... There was a growing sense of empowerment and camaraderie — almost rebellion. Mr. Conley talked about reclaiming the term elder like the gay community has reclaimed queer." - New York Times

"The Modern Elder Academy curriculum is unlike probably any you’ve ever seen. Some classes deal with work and careers; others deal with the heart and soul...Plus, there’s a pool, a massage studio and a silent contemplation park on a preserved dune."  - Forbes

"Conley has struck a chord with his determination to celebrate the intelligence of aging. And why not do that surrounded by peace, beauty, wisdom and an añejo tequila in hand." - The Los Angeles Times

MEA offers three programs;

Baja workshops are five or seven days long and are available May through June. Each group is 18-24 participants who are selected through a competitive application process. 

MEA Online is an 8-week online course led by the MEA three founders.

Sabbatical Sessions are in in the rural farming village of El Pescadero. The schedule is much lighter than in the Baja workshops, and is a self-guided experience. 

Modern Elder is building a regenerative community in New Mexico, U.S., providing an alternative to traditional retirement communities. 
