The Toothpaste is Already out of the Tube

Society had been conditioned to think that “older” people should operate on the fringes not in the middle.  But the dead hand of tradition, the heavy weights of ridiculous regulations, the power of others’ expectations should not define who we choose to be and what adventures we choose to take on regardless of age.

There are second and now third chances to continue to explore, to make a meaningful difference, to continue to contribute now that we live longer and healthier lives.  There are opportunities to go back and do some things that we were unable to do earlier in life.  There is a paradigm shift occurring right now that will catch many off guard, yet we all know that the some of greatest achievements in history occur on the fringes.  That thread that lies between what we have always done to what is now possible.  Only the brave build new paradigms.  Ageless Explorers are brave.

Life in “stages” is such an old way of thinking.  It’s time to uproot the ageism that clouds our hope for the future and replace it with a more positive approach.

In earlier times, the young admired and respected those who were older.  It used to be that the wisdom that came with age was highly valued. At one point age was valued so much that people exaggerated their age when asked.  Why did men wear white wigs back in the day?  To hide their youth and display wisdom.  In China age is so highly valued for the wisdom and knowledge earned over decades, that when asked how old they are, a 55 year old is likely to say 60.  Here in North America, it’s the opposite.

Prior to this century retirement didn’t exist and elders were relied on for wisdom and insight.   The older generations are living bridges between yesterday and today - no group is as well suited to perform this role and none better equipped to turn a bumpy road into a super highway.

The remarkable individuals I talk with virtually every week agree that it does not make sense to stop being productive at a certain age.  They are continuing to travel ahead and chart the uncertain territory of long life for themselves and the generations to follow.  They are explorers!  Game changers. Sleeping giants.

The toothpaste is already out of the tube, so let’s not ignore the demographic destiny we are facing or rely on antiquated models that no longer make sense.  It’s time to change the narrative.