Maddy Dychtwald
Leading Authority on Aging, Generational Marketing, Lifestyle and Trends
Biography
Recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 50 female futurists globally, Maddy Dychtwald has been deeply involved for more than 30 years in exploring all aspects of the age wave and how it’s transforming the marketplace, the workplace, our world, and our lives. She is an internationally acclaimed author, public speaker, Wall Street Journal blogger, and thought leader on longevity, aging, the new retirement, and the ascent of women. A successful entrepreneur, in 1986 Maddy co-founded Age Wave, the world’s leading think tank and corporate adviser on the far-reaching and profound impacts of our global aging population. The Age Wave team has worked with more than half of the Fortune 500 in industries ranging from healthcare and medical technology to financial services and consumer products. With women at the forefront of the longevity revolution, Maddy has deeply explored their specific longevity-related wants, needs, and challenges. She has led numerous acclaimed studies on women and money, including the landmark Women, Money and Power sponsored by Allianz and Women and Financial Wellness: Beyond the Bottom Line for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Maddy also served as the national co-spokesperson for an in-depth investigation titled The Four Pillars of the New Retirement: What a Difference a Year Makes, sponsored by Edward Jones. In addition, she has been involved in more than 25 thought leadership research studies worldwide on aging, longevity, retirement, health, family, caregiving, housing, and leisure, which have been featured in prominent media outlets, including Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Newsweek, Time, CNBC, and NPR—cumulatively garnering more than 12 billion media impressions. As a member of The Wall Street Journal’s Expert Panel on Retirement, Maddy’s posts on leadership, wealth management, and financial planning topped the most-read lists for their categories in 2017 and 2018. She is the author of three books, Cycles: How We Will Live, Work, and Buy (voted Book of the Year by the National Community Colleges Association), Influence: How Women’s Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better, and the children’s/young readers’ book Gideon’s Dream: A Tale of New Beginnings. Currently she is working on a new book, Ageless Aging: Women’s Longevity Bonus and the Art and Science of Living Longer, Better, to be published with Mayo Clinic Press which merges her professional and personal passions. Having watched both her mother and mother-in-law battle dementia, Maddy is committed to eradicating this horrific disease. She is a co-founder of the non-profit Women Against Alzheimer’s and serves as a board member of the non-profit BrightFocus Foundation, which funds cutting-edge research to cure diseases of the brain and eye. A working mom for much of her adult life, Maddy is now an empty nester. She is passionate about her family and about longevity as both a demographic phenomenon and a personal journey. Maddy and her husband Ken were awarded the prestigious Esalen Prize for their outstanding contributions to advancing the human potential of aging men and women worldwide.
Speech Topics
The $Multi-Trillion Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight
The 50+ market is the next big thing—and most brands are still missing it. Forget the outdated stereotypes. Today’s 50+ population isn’t slowing down—they’re living longer, thinking younger, controlling more than 70% of all U.S. personal wealth, and spending more boldly than ever before. Especially women, who control the lion’s share of household wealth and influence. Yet most businesses are still chasing youth, ignoring the fastest-growing, most financially powerful consumer segment in the country. In this high-energy, insight-rich keynote, Maddy Dychtwald—bestselling author of Ageless Aging and co-founder of Age Wave—unveils why the longevity revolution is a game-changer for businesses you can’t afford to ignore. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world successful brand strategies, Maddy will shift your lens—and inspire new strategies. What your audience will walk away with: The shifting consumer behaviors and values redefining aging—and why it matters to every industry • Why women 50+ are the most influential—and overlooked—trendsetters in today’s marketplace • What longer lives mean for loyalty, brand strategy, and customer experience • Cautionary tales and smart moves from brands already engaging this powerful demo • Clear, actionable, data-driven strategies to future-proof your growth The Bottom line: This isn’t just a niche. It’s a wide-open, multi-trillion-dollar opportunity—and the brands that serve its needs and dreams will win big.
The New Rules of Retirement: What Today’s Clients Really Want—and Need
Retirement isn’t what it used to be—and it never will be again. Driven by increased longevity, financial uncertainty, and generational shifts in values and expectations, the entire concept of retirement is being redefined. For financial professionals, this transformation presents both a challenge and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead. In this eye-opening keynote, Maddy Dychtwald—national bestselling author and co-founder of Age Wave—reveals the latest insights from cutting-edge research on how retirement is changing: its timing, funding, and purpose. With an emphasis on practical application and strategic foresight, Maddy shows how forward-thinking financial professionals can build deeper trust, deliver greater value, and help clients navigate this new chapter with confidence. What Your Audience Will Learn: Why financial peace of mind has overtaken wealth accumulation as the #1 retirement priority—and how to help clients achieve it What’s keeping pre-retirees and retirees up at night—and how to turn anxiety into action How generational generosity is reshaping family wealth planning and creating hidden risks – and how to avoid them Why caregiving is a growing financial disruptor—and how to prepare clients for it The untapped power of purpose in retirement—and how to integrate it into planning conversations The Bottom Line: Retirement is no longer a wind-down—it’s a reinvention. Financial professionals who grasp the new rules will deepen relationships, future-proof their value, stand out in a competitive landscape, and recharge their business. Those who don’t could be left behind.
Ageless Aging: Boosting Healthspan, Brainspan, and Well-being at Every Age
In a world where we’re living and working longer than ever before, personal well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage. In this inspiring, science-backed keynote, Maddy Dychtwald—national bestselling author of Ageless Aging (Mayo Clinic Press) and co-founder of Age Wave—reveals how increasing healthspan (how long we live healthy) and brainspan (how long we stay mentally sharp) can unlock greater well-being, resilience, focus, and fulfillment and even performance at every life stage. Drawing on proprietary research and nearly 100 interviews with cutting-edge experts in longevity, neuroscience, and lifestyle medicine, Maddy shares a practical blueprint for living with more energy, clarity, and purpose—at work and beyond. Key Takeaways: The new science of longevity: how boosting healthspan and brainspan is reshaping how we age, live, and work Evidence-based wellness strategies and action tools to improve mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical vitality The emerging role of purpose and connection as powerful drivers of well-being and extended health How individuals and organizations can proactively support lifelong wellness—not just for performance, but for life satisfaction The Bottom Line: This keynote provides a powerful wake-up call—and an actionable roadmap—for building a future where wellness fuels performance, longevity enhances leadership, and aging becomes a path to greater vitality, not decline.
Videos
Testimonials
"“Maddy was fantastic. Her personal, interactive, and multimedia presentation style was an excellent role model for all speakers in this edu-tainment age. Her presentation injected new, powerful, and provocative marketing paradigms into our business and inspired us greatly in our innovation drive.”"
"“Maddy Dychtwald delivers powerful insights into the very influential and lucrative women’s 50+ market, an often overlooked and misunderstood demographic in the minds of brands and advertisers. She helps business leaders understand the enormous opportunities available from this financially powerful group of three generations of women.”"
"“We love Maddy at InvestmentNews! She cleverly set the stage at our Woman Adviser Summit through great storytelling and illustrative examples supported by data. Through this excellent virtual presentation, she took our advisers on a journey of how women are leading the longevity revolution and becoming more important financial decision makers, including many tips and suggestions for advisors.”"
"“Maddy was terrific! The material was on target, extremely relevant and timely, and of vital importance to our membership. She took the steps necessary to learn as much as possible about our audience and their needs. That’s the kind of effort that guarantees the unbelievably positive response we received.”"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Maddy Dychtwald's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Maddy Dychtwald's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Maddy Dychtwald's speaking fee?
The typical range for Maddy Dychtwald's speaking fee is $20,000–$35,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Maddy Dychtwald to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Maddy Dychtwald for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Maddy Dychtwald's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Maddy Dychtwald through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Maddy Dychtwald
Richard Lui
Richard Lui's career in politics and political news spans 25 years, including news anchor for MSNBC, NBC News and CNN Worldwide. He is a Policy Fellow at the University of California Riverside where he explores the cross of public policy and media, Global Ambassador for Plan International, one of 200 active US State Department Traveling Speakers, and spokesperson for NGOs focusing on gender equality and human trafficking including the UN's HeForShe campaign. Outside of work, Richard travels each week from New York City to San Francisco to care for his father, an Alzheimer’s patient. To highlight and raise awareness of the importance of family caregiving, Richard is an AARP Caregiving Champion and an Alzheimer’s Association Celebrity Champion. Also, he is a champion of gender equality and ending violence against women.
Fee Range: $19,000–$32,000
Travels From: CA
Rocky Bleier
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Crippled by enemy fire during the Vietnam conflict, he fought overwhelming odds and demonstrated the courage and determination to overcome his injuries, becoming one of the NFL's premier running backs. His remarkable story became the subject of the book, Fighting Back, which was recreated in the 1980 ABC-TV movie of the same name. In his presentations, he motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments, employing a dynamic style with real-life stories and an appropriate injection of humor.
Fee Range: $7,000–$11,000
Travels From: PA
Stacy Allison
At the age of 21, Stacy Allison began major alpine climbing in earnest and achieved rapid success. Within a year, Stacy reached the top of Alaska’s Mt. McKinley, the highest point in North America, and was part of the first successful women’s ascent of Ama Dablam, the 22,495-foot peak known as Nepal’s Matterhorn. On September 29, 1988, after twenty-nine days on the mountain, Stacy became the first American woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Stacy’s first book, Beyond the Limits: A Woman’s Triumph on Everest, is a suspenseful, triumphant adventure story. Her second book, Many Mountains to Climb; Reflections on Competence, Courage and Commitment is an exciting anecdotal account of climbing challenges practically applied to help you plot your way more surely to professional and personal success. Stacy Allison brings a vast range of experiences and knowledge to her energetic and dynamic presentations.
Fee Range: $20,000–$21,500
Travels From: OR
Gail Wilensky
Dr. Gail Wilensky is the John M. Olin Senior Fellow at Project HOPE, an international health foundation, and Chair of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). She is a nationally-recognized expert on health policy and financing issues. She directed the Medicare and Medicaid programs and served in the White House as a senior adviser on health and welfare issues to President George H.W. Bush. She was also the first chair of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Her expertise is on strategies to reform health care, with particular emphasis on Medicare, comparative effectiveness research and military health care.
Fee Range: $16,000–$20,000
Travels From: MD
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