There has been a lot of talk lately about age. Particularly about those of us who have some years on our bones. I’d first like to say that the longevity of life is never guaranteed for any of us, so it’s a blessing to get older. If we are fortunate enough to have a long life, the quality of that life is also not guaranteed.
The older we get; we bring with us everything that we have learned during our lifetimes. We each are the sum of our experiences. If you are younger, talk to your older uncles, aunties, and your parents. They hold your history and invaluable life lessons and experiences that can enrich your life like nothing else.
Is every person who has reached an advanced age wise? Seriously…no! Wisdom, (in my opinion) is a slow trial and error process only if the person growing older pays attention and approaches life with an open heart, and a true desire to give value and meaning not only to their own lives but to the lives of those around them.
Some of you know that I teach English as a second language, online. This coming December will be my tenth year doing so. Most of my students are in Beijing, China. What they have shared with me over the years are many of their beautiful traditions. Not their government, but the traditions of their families and their ancestors. How they honor their older family members is simply beautiful. They honor their advice. They honor their wisdom. They create a space of honor for them. Many live in multi-generational homes where everyone has a role and a stake in raising the next generation. They have asked me about nursing homes in America, thinking that our elderly placed there must not have any family and must be very poor. They feel bad that we have them (nursing homes). I explain, as best I can, that we have a different perspective and differing lifestyles that sometimes make a nursing home the best choice. They still don’t understand.
To those my age (a proud 69) and older, my best advice is not to ever retire! Now, before you get too bent on that statement, what I mean is never stop moving, doing, learning and sharing! Start that business that you’ve always wanted. Travel as far and as wide as your resources will carry you. Take that young person under your wing and share with them the best that life has taught you. Teach love and generosity. Teach tolerance and inclusion. Teach them that hate, anger and division is not a winning strategy for a successful and happy life, because it simply is not. Teach them that they have a stake in this world, our country and their communities. Teach them that they are valued and necessary.
We “oldies” have literally “been there and done that.” Share what you’ve learned. Don’t leave out the challenges and the rewards that you have experienced. And whatever you do…please, never retire!
