In it for Life: Maximizing Longevity

Approaching retirement means discovering new purpose. Beginning the journey feels like facing a dark entrance into the deep forest. The pathway through the forest is where purpose, meaning and our legacy lie. Time is short, so you need to be about it. Begin with single steps to explore the forest that, in the end, holds not fear, but wonder. ...

Grandparenting has fundamentally changed. The pandemic redefined the role for many elders who found themselves “substitute parenting” their grandchildren. When the ones we love need help, we may be in a unique position to provide it, even if it saps our patience and energy to the bone. ...

My goal: to qualify for, and run, the 2023 Boston Marathon at age 70. Explaining “the why” of it all is pretty simple, actually. To quote Bob Hayes, “By the time I finish the race, I’ll be really glad that I did it.” Will you be glad about the race you’ve run — the life you lived? Guarantee it by committing to doing the hard things — starting right now! ...

Aging has the potential of bringing on isolation and cynicism. We can too easily find ourselves glued to the television, joining the news station chorus on bemoaning the state of world affairs, because of what that other group is doing that is not right, by our own group’s definition. I don’t do Us and Them-ism anymore. I personally choose connection and understanding over cynicism and isolation.  ...

Traditions offer anchoring reassurances that life can still make sense and be simple again. Boomer blogger Tim Lybarger says, "As I age, I have resolved to hang onto the traditions that truly reflect the core of who I am. The world can toss me about, but it cannot loosen my grip on the things that matter most to me." What are your traditions that provide hope for green fields and dandelions? ...

The pandemic has opened up a huge range of possibilities for maximizing the many years we may still have ahead of us. If downtime is not your thing, then you may want to explore working from home. Companies are hungry for reliable employees and experienced folks like us. The world needs what we have to offer, even from the comfort of our own homes! ...

Tiny things in complex systems can, through magnification over time, result in massive unforeseen consequences. This implies not a fading importance to my later life, but instead, a growing responsibility to carefully consider each and every action I take and word I say. What I think, do and say in every circumstance may have magnificent meaning in its potential to affect the world.  ...

It’s time to pay it forward. In our stage of life, we have experience, wisdom and insights to offer. ...