Advice for Living: Aging in a Growing Youth Culture

How do you deal with aging in this youth culture we live in today?

I love how I can be listening to the radio and a song comes on that has a great blues groove and an amazing guitar part and I immediately know that it’s Cream or Led Zeppelin playing one of their hits. And then, I may switch over to NEW MUSIC FRIDAY and sift through the latest hip hop / pop tunes and get jazzed by a new release by a young artist. I love exploring the new landscape and discovering new sounds in music. It helps me to stay in touch with what is going on in the music world, which I love and am a part of.  I think that the effort to stay in the “know” keeps you relevant.

Getting Older is an Adventure

Aging becomes a beautiful journey when you are willing to stay current, especially when you embrace all that you know and weave it into what’s happening today, I have to say it makes for a pretty cool adventure. And trust me getting older is an adventure… I have often said that “getting older is not for wusses”! 😚

Back in the day (when I was younger), I couldn’t understand why so many old people wore a perpetual frown – the infamous “resting bitch face.” But with years comes a newfound appreciation for the hurdles that aging brings. You tend to move out of the black and white and have to learn to live in the gray with all of the hues of life you have lived with. It takes a real effort to stay in the moment, to smile in the face of challenges, and to choose positivity.

Staying Relevant is Required

Sometimes you feel a little odd as a person over 60 “getting out there”. This youth culture that we live and work in can easily exclude you if you’re over a certain age – totally disregarding the knowledge and wisdom that you offer. Living with, hanging around, and working with younger people than myself, helps me stay in tune with a side of me that is still growing and exploring. I would recommend a good dose of youth for everyone over the age of 60! I live in a multi-generational home. I am with my kids and grandkids 24/7. Sometimes I can see the divide that age brings and what an effort it takes on both sides to understand, have compassion for, and accept the inadequacies (or not) of all the parties. Being relevant helps you to understand what the hell is going on!

Don’t throw out that older person! We have more going for us, more knowledge, more experience, more ideas, then you can even imagine.

The misconception that life plateaus at 30, 40, 50, or 60+ is just that – a misconception. Age is a mindset, and regardless of the number, there’s ample opportunity for personal and professional growth. But do not be mislead!! We ARE different people at all those ages. We have to have compassion and patience with our own selves. The 60 year old self may have to let go of the 30 year old dream because it’s just no longer possible. On the other had, there may be even more potential for the 60 year old self to attaint the 40-50 year old self aspirations… you may be better equipped!

Quit Chasing Shadows

We all have beautiful memories, places we have lived, people we have loved, and those wonderful moments become the fabric of our life. But trying to recreate the past is like chasing shadows – it’s futile. Instead, hold on to your dreams, embrace the good that is now, nurture a grateful heart, and let a strong will guide you. As you get older there’s a richness about you that cannot be compared, and it should never be overlooked.

Learn to trust the voice you have found, and cherish the wisdom you have gained, you deserve it!

Several years ago, I launched my first video podcast – the INSIDERS on Real Estate & Marketing. Putting myself out there on video was challenging at first, I have to admit I was self-conscious about my age, but I was MORE confident about what I had to offer. And there you go! So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and went for it. Now, 47 or so episodes later, I’m proud that I took the leap and of the library of content and information I have developed that is shared with business professionals of all ages.

Age is only a number in your head. We are not our culture, our culture is a reflection of us, so let’s change that and never let go of the magic that makes you, you!