Category Archives: GRUMPY OLD FART

AGE SHOULD BE MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER, DAMMIT !

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Shattering Stereotypes and Embracing Life’s Full Potential

There’s a phrase whispered like a mantra throughout our lives: “Age is just a number.” Age should be more than just a number dammit, and the choice is ours. But how often do we genuinely internalize its meaning? We watch time march on, counting birthdays like milestones on a dusty road. We insist on associating them with limitations and decline. But is it true?

What if age, that seemingly linear progression, is instead a mosaic? A vibrant collage of experiences, wisdom, and potential, far richer and more dynamic than a single number can represent.

In truth, the statistics paint an interesting picture. Stop picturing the forgetful grandparent struggling with technology. Consider Johannes Mallow, the 48-year-old world memory champion, or the countless older adults mastering new languages with impressive fluency. Studies show our brains keep their remarkable plasticity, the ability to adapt and form new connections, throughout our lifespan.

Our physical ability can also defy expectations. Marathon legends like Fauja Singh, who tackled the London Marathon at 100, are testaments to the human spirit’s enduring strength. And Ernestine Shepherd, who became the world’s oldest competitive bodybuilder at 86, proves that physical peak performance can blossom even in life’s later chapters.

The world of innovation and achievement follows suit. While we often glorify youthful entrepreneurship, the average age of successful startup founders sits closer to 40 than 25. Experience, it seems, trumps youthful energy when building high-impact companies. And let’s not forget the late bloomers, individuals who find their creative voice or professional calling later in life. Helen Frankenthaler, who redefined abstract expressionism at 50, is a powerful example.

People assume that happiness, that elusive butterfly, seems to take flight with age. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that people over 85 reported higher levels of life satisfaction than their younger counterparts did. Perhaps wisdom’s gentle hand helps us understand what truly matters and appreciate the richness of each passing moment.

But these statistics are merely stepping stones to embracing the “Age is Just a Number” philosophy. It’s about dismantling the ageist narratives that infiltrate our society, from hiring practices based on arbitrary dates to the limiting expectations we place on ourselves and others.

How about recognizing that a 25-year-old can be a seasoned artist, a 60-year-old can still be an agile athlete, and an 80-year-old a tech-savvy entrepreneur? Potential knows no age, and limitations are often self-imposed.

So, how do we genuinely internalize this transformative message? It starts with a shift in perspective. View age as a spectrum, not a rigid ladder. Celebrate the wisdom gained with each passing year while nurturing the curiosity and spirit of adventure within us all. Let’s champion lifelong learning, embrace new challenges, and redefine what it means to “age gracefully.”

Most importantly, let’s replace the tired figure of decline with the vibrant narrative of continuous growth, boundless potential, and a life that explodes in color and possibility, regardless of the number on the calendar.

Because, my friends, age is just a number. It’s time we started living like it.

Beyond the Number: Practical Steps to Embrace an Age-Positive Life

“Age is just a number.” How do we translate that sentiment into everyday life? How do we dismantle ageist stereotypes and cultivate a genuinely inclusive mindset for ourselves and those around us?

The good news is, it’s not magic; it’s action. Here are some practical steps you can take to embrace an age-positive life:

Challenge your own biases:

  • Awareness is key. Reflect on your own subconscious biases about aging. Do you associate youth with energy and potential while linking older age with decline and limitations? Recognize these thoughts as internalized stereotypes and actively work to challenge them.
  • Flip the script. Instead of focusing on perceived limitations, consider the strengths and wisdom that come with experience. Consider older adults as mentors, resource pools, and valuable societal contributors.

Embrace lifelong learning:

  • Curiosity is ageless. Never stop learning, growing, and exploring new interests. Whether taking a class, picking up a new hobby, or simply engaging in stimulating conversations, keep your mind active and receptive to new ideas.
  • Become a mentor. Share your knowledge and experience with younger generations. Volunteering as a tutor, coach, or community leader can be mutually rewarding, fostering connections and breaking down age barriers.

Combat ageism in everyday life:

  • Use inclusive language. Avoid ageist terms like “senior citizen” or “over the hill.” Instead, use respectful and person-centred language focusing on individual identities and contributions.
  • Challenge ageist assumptions. Stop making assumptions about what someone can or cannot do based on their age. It would help to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their years on the planet.
  • Advocate for positive change. Speak up against age discrimination in the workplace, healthcare system, and other areas of society. Support age-inclusive policies and initiatives that promote fair treatment and opportunities for all.
  • Don’t be afraid to push back against people who write off limitations based on age – even health care professionals.

Build bridges across generations:

  • Seek intergenerational connections. Spend time with people of different ages, from young children to older adults. Share stories, learn from each other, and celebrate each generation’s unique perspectives.
  • Organise intergenerational activities. Take part in events or programs that unite different age groups, such as community service projects, cultural celebrations, or intergenerational learning initiatives.
  • Embrace family connections. Cherish relationships with grandparents, parents, children, and other family members across the age spectrum. These bonds offer invaluable support, love, and a sense of belonging, regardless of age differences.

Resources for your age-positive journey:

  • Books: “Disrupt Aging” by Jo Ann Jenkins, “The Longevity Book” by Cameron Diaz
  • Websites: The National Center to Reframe Aging, The Global Coalition on Aging, The MacArthur Foundation’s Initiative on Successful Aging
  • Organizations: AARP, Eldercare Locator, The National Council on Aging

Remember, embracing an age-positive mindset is a continuous journey. There will be stumbles and challenges along the way, but every step you take towards breaking down age barriers and fostering inclusion makes a difference. Let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of human experience, regardless of the number on the calendar. Together, we can create a world where age is truly just a number, and everyone can thrive at any stage of life.

Most readers of this corner will know that I recently completed a series of books to help retirees increase their income. It is sad that over 2/3 of polled seniors say that they need extra income in order to live comfortably. So, my point is that not everyone needs more income but instead, are looking for something to add a little life to their lives.

They might just find that in the book series since there are dozens of possibilities presented for learning and connecting with other people. Of course, a few extra bucks might allow them to splurge on that really expensive bottle of wine. And, in case you are wondering, Cabernet Sauvignon and your tokens of appreciation are always welcome.

POLITICS AND MEDIA

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Perhaps you were shocked by the title, but here’s a link to last week’s blog. I thought I should do a brief follow-up to let you know that I have not mellowed since I wrote that.

To further clarify my feelings toward the politics of the day – it sucks. Yes, we need to accept the responsibility for electing these people, but the media, social and conventional both, need to accept a big dose of responsibility for their constant attempts to undermine anything their owners don’t agree with. The whole concept of an objective review of damn near anything is long gone. As soon as anyone gets elected, the media creates shocking headlines and often total untruths to shoot down anything they attempt. Unless, of course, the politicians represent a party or philosophy the writer or organization personally like.

There is no question that the media has a serious left-wing bias. The “something-for-nothing-crowd” likes to perpetuate the myth that anyone who tries to make something of themselves is suspect. And some are. But most conservative-minded small business people are simply trying to build a business to support their families and the families of their employees. They are rarely hell bent on undermining society, the environment, or their neighbors. It would be hard to find a “popular” media outlet that agrees with that perspective.

I am a bit bitchy about politicians and the media. It seems to me that they have reached the exalted heights of trustworthiness of lawyers and used car salesmen. Perhaps it is time for me to stop whining and begin wining. After all, it is Saturday and low and behold the sun is shining. Well, it is shining on some people. We Flames fans may not be quite so sunny today. It may be time to take a deep breath…

OK, Calm down

In case you want to join me in taking a deep breath, let me offer you a FREE copy of one of my e-books, 5 minute MEDITATION. Just send me a quick message, email or a contact form and I will send it to you. This FREE offer is only good this weekend, so don’t procrastinate.

SHITTY POLITICIANS

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The Grumpy old fart is making an appearance today

Kennedy vs. Nixon debate picture

It’s our own fault, really. We have been voting for form over function for decades. It started during the Kennedy vs. Nixon election when television inserted itself into the conversation. Prior to 1960, we received election promises through the newspaper and during scheduled speeches. These two forms of communication were much slower and more reasoned. They had the advantage of being edited and second guessed. Advisors could help influence the actual content of a politician’s promises, vision, and answers. There was time for reflection, along with the naïve concept of thinking that they should only propose an idea for the good of the people. Well, most of the time anyway.

Television started the descent into leadership hell. During the 1960 debates, we were wondering about Nixon’s 5 o’clock shadow and they contrasted it with Kennedy’s youth and good looks. That Kennedy was a better speaker helped, too. TV had an extraordinary influence on voting behaviour that year and it, along with some new influences, has been growing ever since.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that politicians were better or more honest prior to 1960. I am simply pointing out the change in how voters consumed political fodder. When the back-room boys realized the power held by television, they were quick to jump on board, but it changed an essential dynamic of the election process. Money! In order to compete in an election, political wannabees needed to purchase space on television and that cost escalated the need to raise enormous sums of money. It helped if you already had lots of money at your disposal, and the connections that go with it, so it eliminated the “average person.”

We were no longer making voting decisions based on ideas or vision, but on who we saw most frequently on TV ads and how they looked and spoke. Name recognition in the polling booth is a result of frequency in the media. Form over function. Big money had claimed an overpowering influence in our voting decisions. It was so much more obvious than previously. But we ignored it and the slide into poor leadership accelerated. The age of “influencers” had taken control.

ial media montage

Politicians, going back centuries, always had supporters who helped them and there were certain obligations to uphold so they could continue to receive the support. But now they had to have less intellectual capacity and more appearance capacity. Appearance extended to more than physical appearance but also influenced their words and actions. They needed to “appear” to have the interests of the voting public foremost in their promises. The only real aim after winning an election was winning the next one.

The political process has now devolved from a list of empty promises to no promises at all and nothing more than a mud slinging match. When was the last time you heard a political aspirant articulate a vision for the future of the country, state, province, or city? They now spend our time telling us about the shortcoming of their opponents. Negative campaigning has become the norm and we let them continue. We keep electing people who do nothing more than bitch and complain about other people’s efforts.

lying promise

Apparently, we get what we deserve for politicians. I wish I had a simple solution, but until vision, fulfilling promises, electorate first becomes more important than the design on a politician’s socks, we get poor leadership. We are not electing leaders; we are electing media pros, personality and appearances.

yours truly,

Grumpy Old Fart