Thriving in Retirement

Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society

Dick Rappleye WG’65
Dick Rappleye WG’65

Message from the Program Designer: Dick Rappleye

Thriving in Retirement is something we all want to do. Much has been written about the transition into retirement and the need for self-awareness and planning. Less has been available for navigating the challenges of the later retirement years and dealing with the realities of aging.

Thriving in Retirement is the goal of the WGES program that focuses on the common concerns we’ll all face in this phase of life. The site provides helpful retirement information and resources for caregiving and family support, challenges and transitions, connections, finding balance, health and wellness, overcoming loss, and travel opportunities. This section also provides links to additional information, which is reviewed and updated periodically.

If you have the need for further information and/or direct support from a WGES member, we have provided you a form to fill out. We can then match you with a WGES member that has the necessary background and knowledge to serve you.

We welcome your participation, involvement, and input into the Thriving in Retirement program.

Your Retirement Resources

Each article links too various resources such as books, articles, videos, and other organizations.

  • View All
  • Caregiving & Family Support
  • Challenges & Transitions
  • Connections
  • Finding Balance
  • Health & Wellness
  • Overcoming Loss
  • Technology
  • Travel Opportunities

Technology and Older Adults

Connections, Communities, and Relationships

Caregiving (family support)

Other Challenges and Transitions

Finding Balance

Overcoming Loss

Travel Opportunities

Health and Wellness

Your Retirement Resources

Each article links too various resources such as books, articles, videos, and other organizations.

  • View All
  • Caregiving & Family Support
  • Challenges & Transitions
  • Connections
  • Finding Balance
  • Health & Wellness
  • Overcoming Loss
  • Technology
  • Travel Opportunities

Technology and Older Adults

Connections, Communities, and Relationships

Caregiving (family support)

Other Challenges and Transitions

Finding Balance

Overcoming Loss

Travel Opportunities

Health and Wellness

A group of people in a modern office setting engaged in a discussion about AI. A large digital display shows an AI-themed graphic. Text reads "Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society – AI Talk."

AI information Emeritus Society Members

Beginning in Fall 2025, Wharton will be offering a major for undergraduates and graduates. The Leadership Committee decided that it was important for WGES members to understand more about AI. They therefore  had the following AI Tutorial provided by Wharton School Graduate Nareen Mathews Blair.

Thriving in Retirement: A New Program from the Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society
The WGES Leadership Committee, represented by Dick Rappleye, has worked with University and Wharton staff to develop resources for retired or soon-to-retire graduates on the following topics:

  • Connections, communities, and relationships
  • Health and Wellness
  • Travel Opportunities
  • Caregiving (family support)
  • Finding Balance
    • Volunteering
    • Continuing Education
  • Overcoming Loss
  • Other Challenges and Transitions
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Full Name
  • Email
  • Phone

MBA Career Management

Visit MBA Alumni Career Management’s Thriving in Retirement page to access resources that will help you transition from a full-time career to a meaningful and productive retirement.

Connect With Us

The Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society has group pages on both LinkedIn and Facebook. The purpose of these groups is to bring you current information about the School, and its students, faculty and curriculum as well as to bring you information on what the world is saying about Wharton, and other information of interest to WGES members.

If you are a member of LinkedIn or Facebook you can search for “Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society” and ask to become a member of one of these groups. You could also email Rick Perkins at raperk1@gmail.com and he will invite you to become a member of one of the groups.

Sign up now, for the below social media pages that have special content just for WGES members.

Wharton Magazine

Wharton Magazine serves as an essential connection between the School and its alumni population of more than 100,000 living graduates, with stories about the people and ideas who define the global Wharton community.

Pennsylvania Gazette

The Pennsylvania Gazette is the University of Pennsylvania’s alumni magazine. The magazine presents thought-provoking articles and information about the University campus along with alumni notes and comment.

Wharton Alumni Site

Wharton offers many ways to connect and engage with the School and fellow alumni. In just a few minutes, hours, or days, you can get involved!

Penn Alumni Site

The new alumni community has all of the great benefits of QuakerNet plus so much more! Log In to MyPenn. Connect with Penn Alumni. Stay in touch with your class.

Update Your MyPenn Profile

MyPenn is the online directory for University of Pennsylvania alumni. Make sure your MyPenn Profile is up to date!

Add Class Correspondence

Find your Class Notes correspondent.

Email Us

You can submit questions, updates, photos, and more.

Create a PennKey

You need a PennKey to access alumni resources and register for events including Reunion Weekend. Need help? Read our PennKey frequently asked questions

Want to Get Involved?

Thanks for your interest in helping to make your Reunion truly special!

For general questions or to plan a pre-Reunion event in your city, contact alumni.relations@wharton.upenn.edu.

For questions about class giving, contact whartonfund@wharton.upenn.edu.

A small group of diverse people socializing at an event and a person holding a dog.