IEEE Revitalizes Life Members Program for Senior Engineers

⁤ ​ Updated ‍May 28,2025

The IEEE Life Members⁢ Committee,supporting‌ engineers 65 and older,is experiencing a resurgence after pandemic-related ⁤slowdowns. The program ​waives dues for eligible members and offers reduced⁤ conference fees.

Howard Wolfman, past chair and active IEEE volunteer, said the ‍committee has re-established connections and developed new goals. This‌ includes launching an annual conference, creating a mentoring program, and reactivating affinity groups.

The number of life members has grown significantly, from‍ 25,000 in 2019​ to nearly 39,000 last year. IEEE aims ​to leverage the⁣ experience of​ these seasoned engineers.

Tech‍ for an Aging Population

The Life Members Conference addresses how​ emerging technologies can ‌impact senior citizens. The upcoming conference at Tufts University ⁤in Medford,Mass., from June 11-13, will cover innovations in‍ health technology, artificial intelligence, and ‌robotics.

Sessions⁢ will also ​explore⁣ systems impacting society, including the energy grid and telecommunications. Discussions on aging and longevity will focus on technologies ⁣enhancing the ⁢quality of life for older adults.

Rick ⁤Robinson, vice president ⁣of AARP’s⁢ AgeTech Collaborative, ⁤will be the keynote speaker. Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, ⁣is‌ expected to deliver the closing⁢ keynote.

“Life members ​have the opportunity to share the wisdom they’ve⁣ gained ⁣through ‍their membership as well as careers in industry or academia.”

Sharing Experiences Through Mentoring

The committee introduced group mentoring sessions last year, connecting life⁤ members with high school students, collage​ students, and young professionals. These sessions‌ allow‍ members to share their experiences and lessons learned.

Wolfman noted that mentoring is‍ a two-way street,‌ with life members also gaining insights from younger generations. He is⁣ exploring​ expanding the mentoring program to other IEEE groups.

Affinity Group Activities

With over 190 life member affinity groups in ‍66 countries, these groups offer networking and‌ educational opportunities. The Africa Council recently formed ⁣a new group, while others, like the Dallas group, have been reactivated.

Activities range from visits ⁣to the European Space Agency to tours of medical ⁢equipment companies. Groups also organize educational sessions on topics like​ cybersecurity and electrical safety.

Supporting IEEE Programs

Life members​ donated over $1.7​ million to IEEE’s philanthropic programs last year. The Life ⁢Members ‍Fund supports more than 15 programs,⁢ including awards, ⁢conferences, educational outreach, fellowships, and humanitarian projects.

The fund⁣ supports initiatives like EPICS in IEEE and IEEE MOVE, which‌ provides disaster relief assistance. MOVE India, such as,⁤ donated solar lanterns to ⁤survivors of the Wayanad landslides.

What’s⁤ next

The IEEE life Members Committee ⁤plans to ‌continue‍ expanding its programs and outreach, leveraging the experience of its senior ⁣members to benefit the organization and society.