Aging is a privilege. And it’s all for the better when we can appreciate and take ownership of our parts in this chapter – life’s second, and arguably best, half.
Here are a few thoughts on ways we can be more comfortable expecting and seizing our trophy parts as we age.
Stop saying “I’m not old,” or “I don’t want to live there with all those OLD people” or “I don’t like being here with all those old folks,” that kind of ageist talk is not helping with your embrace of the acceptance of aging. Getting older is not a competition and no one is doing it better or worse than you are. If anyone is #winning it’s the person who is grateful and eager to be older, wiser and better.
Look at yourself in the mirror and love and be proud of yourself for every fine line, wrinkle and extra pound. You worked hard to get here, be proud of who you’ve become! Take account of your strengths and expertise and look for ways to share it with other people as a mentor or teacher. There are many places to be a mentor to students, younger people in your field of work or enthusiasts who share your interest, activity or passion.
Consider your new second-half roles – grandparent, mentor, teacher, wisdomsharer – as your new jobs. By doing so, you can establish real structure around developing these roles and applying the time, interest and attention necessary to find purpose in them.
Become less focused on yourself – your appearance, your success, your achievement – and emphasize others and what you can do to benefit them. This work will require more intentional presence, better listening skills and dedication to someone who’s not named you.
There are so many strengths we can enjoy as we navigate this phase of life. Old age is not about denying the challenges that come with it but instead accepting and celebrating the gifts it brings.
