In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, host Lori Carpenter welcomes renowned demographic strategist Bradley Schurman, founder of Human Change and author of The Super Age, for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping work, wealth, and life in 2026 and beyond. Bradley breaks down why labor shortages are accelerating the need for older workers, how the “longevity economy” creates different opportunities across the 50–64, 65–74, and 75+ markets, and why inclusive products and marketing will win the next decade. They also explore how entrepreneurs can use AI as a true force multiplier, including Bradley’s “three C’s” for adapting to new tech: creativity, curiosity, and communication. Finally, Lori and Bradley connect the trends to real-life decisions in this third phase, from rethinking retirement and business succession to designing homes that support independence and aging in place.

Links from this episode:

1. Bradley Schurman: behumanchange.com | populationnext.com
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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What’s new in aging-in-place design, and how can your home stay both beautiful and functional for decades to come? Lori Carpenter is joined by Leslie Carothers (principal at Savour Partnership and a digital marketing leader in the home industry) to recap their favorite finds from KBIS, including a safer-to-enter freestanding bathtub with a built-in sitting edge, sculptural towel warmers that feel like wall art, and practical hardware upgrades that are easier to see and grip as we age. They also dig into smart accessibility solutions like push-button pull-down closet racks and height-adjustable kitchen work surfaces and cabinets from Granberg, plus why it pays to plan early if you’re remodeling a “forever home.”

Links from this episode:

1. Leslie Carothers: Instagram
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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In this episode of The 3rd Phase Podcast, host Lori Carpenter explores the question many people face in their 60s and beyond: to retire or unretire. Lori is joined by Bruce Hathaway, a recently retired (and newly “unretired”) lighting industry veteran and former Director of National Sales at Accord Lighting, who shares what led him to step away from corporate life, reflect on work-life balance, and design a next chapter built around creativity, family, and flexibility. Bruce also introduces The Coffee Lamp, a sustainability-driven project that transforms coffee-industry materials into one-of-a-kind lighting pieces, and offers practical perspective on planning for retirement, staying engaged, and finding the thing that makes your “eyes sparkle.”

Links from this episode:

1. Bruce Hathaway: Instagram
2. Lori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | Instagram

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