I recently had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Alan Weiss – consulting guru and author of more than 60 books – speak to an audience about thriving in the age of “no normal.” And I’m not joking when I say he copyrighted the phrase “no normal.” At 77 years of age, he continues to predict and profit from the future.
The problem is that many of us are surprised. We say, “That’s amazing for someone your age!” That’s an insult! Are we all expecting to fade to nothing?
Despite the average lifespan decreasing in the USA, most of us, like Dr. Weiss, live active lives well into our later years. Many seniors I talk to understand the importance of keeping their brains engaged. They continue to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
My dad, a retired minister, is still running a Bible Study for men. I regularly call both of my parents for advice about relationships and recipes. They know stuff!
If you have not noticed, our workforce’s average age is trending higher. Nineteen percent of Americans 65 and older were still working in 2023 – twice the amount that were employed at that age 35 years ago. Pew research found that 44% of older workers had at least a bachelor’s degree. Deep knowledge and expertise.
We will see more older workers on our teams. Consider how they are being engaged. Are we honoring them with the same expectations we have for younger workers? Are we still assuming they will be more resistant to changes and slower adopters of technology? Take a hard look in the mirror.
I’m 53. My senior’s discount is right around the corner and I plan to take full advantage of it. But I’m not slowing down! And I don’t expect that any of my wiser clients are either. The greatest skill all of us can develop is the ability to learn, to consider new ideas and different points of view. The greatest personality attribute we can foster is that of curiosity.
“We tend to equate “legacy” with what we leave to our children and grandchildren. But our legacy is actually daily, and our duty is to keep adding to and improving it.” Alan Weiss, Threescore and More.
