For Hoosiers navigating the second half of life, the playing field has changed. The old roadmap — where you retired at 65 with a pension, a gold watch, and secure healthcare — no longer exists. Today, rapid digital transformation is changing the job market, property taxes are putting pressure on homeownership, and navigating healthcare can feel like a full-time job.
But at The Second Half, we don’t believe in alarmism, and we certainly don’t believe in consolation. We believe in equipping you. We know that with the right tools, strategy, and community, your best years are still ahead.
In Episode 2 of The Second Half Podcast, co-hosts Thomas Griffin and Andrea McGordon sat down with Indianapolis leader Andrea Hunley to dive deep into the top three issues affecting Central Indiana residents aged 50 and over: employment, health care, and housing.
Workforce reinvention: Turning tech disruption into opportunity
Many professionals over 50 in Indianapolis are facing unexpected career transitions. Rapid digital transformation means that tech skills are changing faster than ever, and those who built decades of expertise in manual labor or legacy industries are finding themselves locked out.
Andrea Hunley pointed out that this is where civic and community infrastructure must step up.
“It is the responsibility of government to support folks who want to get new skills, and to ensure that workforce training programs are both available and highly accessible to those over the age of 50.” > — Andrea Hunley
The Second Half Perspective: Longevity is an asset, not a liability. Our community possesses unmatched institutional knowledge, work ethic, and resilience. Government and local business leaders must build dedicated pathways for tech upskilling.
Proactive health care: Demanding systemic collaboration
As we navigate the second half of life, maintaining our physical vitality is our absolute priority. But rising healthcare costs and reactive treatment models often get in the way.
Hunley highlighted Indianapolis’s unique position as a major healthcare hub and challenged local leadership to utilize that power on behalf of our community.
$$Insert Image 2: Andrea Hunley Quote Graphic on Healthcare Systems$$
“We’ve got five large healthcare systems in the heart of Indianapolis. One of the roles of government is not to be everything, but it can be the convener, the connector, and the one that sets the vision. So, are we bringing together the leaders from Eskenazi Health, Franciscan Health, IU Health, and others to support preventive care?” — Andrea Hunley
The Second Half perspective: True healthcare security isn’t just about managing illness — it’s about preventive care, regular physical activity, nutritional support, and localized wellness initiatives that keep us strong, active, and independent.
Preserving housing: Protecting homeownership and generational wealth
For many families in Indianapolis, homeownership is the single greatest driver of generational wealth. However, rising property taxes, high insurance premiums, and deferred maintenance costs are making it increasingly difficult for residents over 50 to remain in the neighborhoods they spent decades building.
Andrea Hunley made it clear that preserving homeownership is a matter of economic justice and legacy:
“One of the greatest ways to build generational wealth is to own a home. We have to make sure that people can own a home and stay in their home and have the ability to pass those homes down or pass down the equity.” — Andrea Hunley
The Second Half perspective: We must advocate for policies that protect homeowners from displacement, freeze property tax spikes for long-term residents, and provide community-backed repair resources. Your home is your legacy—and we are committed to helping you protect it.
THE PLAYBOOK
Actionable steps you can take this week to secure your second half.
Led by co-host Andrea McGordon (Community Development Manager and SVP at Old National Bank), here is your playbook for action based on Episode 2:
- Upskill for the future: Don’t let digital shifts sideline you. Reach out to local workforce development programs or check out free digital literacy classes offered by the Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL).
- Prioritize your preventive care: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your primary care provider at Eskenazi, IU Health, or Franciscan Health to schedule your routine screenings and wellness check-ups.
- Protect your asset: Look into Marion County’s property tax deduction programs. Ensure you have filed for your Homestead Deduction and search for local property tax relief programs that protect long-term homeowners from sudden rate hikes.
THE SECOND HALF SPOTLIGHT
A closing thought from co-host Thomas Griffin.
“Family, we built this city. We paid our taxes, raised our kids, and anchored these blocks. The issues we face today are real, but our strength is greater. Don’t let anyone tell you your contribution is over. We are just getting started on the second half of the game, and we’ve got the home-court advantage.” — Thomas Griffin
Join the movement: Your voice is vital to this conversation. We invite you to watch, comment, and share this episode with your family, friends, and neighbors.
Watch: Episode 2 on YouTube
Subscribe to The Second Half Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Let’s build the future of Indianapolis — together.
