This past month, I returned from the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Annual Meeting, where the theme was “Waves of Change.” It is a fitting image because healthcare, like the tide, is always moving. As pharmacists, caregivers, and patients, we are constantly adapting, learning, and finding new ways to stay steady as things shift around us.

Writing this after the conference, I find myself reflecting on what that theme really means. This year, the waves took me in a direction I did not quite expect: more meetings, conversations, and networking than education sessions. It was a happy change in many ways - Connecting with colleagues and making new relationships is one of the best parts of ASCP.

Still, I would be lying if I said I did not miss some of the education I had planned to attend. I think it is natural to miss what we thought we were supposed to do - while realizing we learned something different instead. That is the heart of lifelong learning. Growth does not always happen where we expect it to.

This year was also special because I was honored to receive the Next Gen-Rx Award. It was such a humbling experience and a reminder that growth does not happen in isolation. It happens through mentors, colleagues, and the patients who trust us along the way. The award represents not just my work, but the community of pharmacists and healthcare professionals who are committed to moving our field forward together.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters

Learning something new at any age keeps our minds sharp, our confidence strong, and our spirits curious. Whether it is taking a class, learning a skill, or just exploring a new topic, learning gives us purpose and energy. It’s not about the subject - it’s about keeping your mind open and your heart curious.

I see this every day in my work. Patients who stay curious and open to new information often feel more confident managing their health. They ask better questions, make more informed choices, and feel more in control.

Small Ways to Keep Learning

You don’t have to go back to school or attend a conference to keep growing. Here are a few simple ways to bring learning into everyday life:

• Take a Free Class: Many community colleges offer free or low-cost courses for older adults, from nutrition to creative writing.

• Attend a Local Event: Libraries, community centers, and senior programs often host engaging talks or workshops. There are even fitness classes and more offered at these community centers.

• Try a New Hobby: Cooking, painting, gardening, or learning a new app all keep your brain active and engaged. (Even cooking with a family member can teach you something new!)

• Stay Social: Join a walking group, a book club, or a volunteer project. Some of the best learning comes from the people around us.

A Growth Mindset for Every Season

The “Waves of Change” theme has stayed with me since returning home. It reminded me that education is not limited to the classroom. It is in the people we meet, the questions we ask, and the challenges that push us to grow.

At Wright Geriatric Consulting, education is one of our main values. We live it every day through mentoring pharmacy students, speaking at community events, and providing one-on-one teaching in our concierge sessions. Lifelong learning does more than build knowledge. It builds connection, confidence, and care.

With a love of learning,
Abigail Wright, RPh BCGP CDP PharmD MS FASCP
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting