Discovering Your Strengths
“You are a gerontologist who understands both the challenges and the opportunities of aging. Even though we begin aging when we are born, what do you think the years after 70 offer that those before didn’t? You are such a respected professional, and one with a big heart and deep soul. Thank you for creating this timely and needed service.”
Dear Trying to Discover My Strengths,
In the past several decades in Western culture, maintaining youth has been glorified. But, for most of history, and in many cultures around the world still today, it is the older citizens in society who are regarded with the most respect and reverence.
Since the unique opportunities in this next stage of life are endless, today I will focus specifically on one area of distinction for older adults: mentoring, encouraging, and guiding the next generation. With age and a wealth of life experiences (both good and bad) comes wisdom, maturity, and the ability to see circumstances and situations from a more holistic perspective. Your insight and guidance will be of immense value to a younger person who is navigating life’s ups and downs.
As more young people today live alone or with roommates instead of with parents or grandparents as in generations past, the desire and demand for this type of counsel and mentorship has been increasing dramatically.
In fact, Google recently began funding a non-profit website called ElderWisdomCircle™️, an “online intergenerational program pairing advice seekers with a network of older adults (“Elders”) who provide empathetic, caring, and supportive advice based on their own life experiences. Elders answer advice letters via the Internet, offering readers of younger generations free, personal advice on a wide range of topics--love and relationships, family and child-rearing, career and self-improvement, and much more.” You can view their website and learn more about this program here. Please feel free to participate in this online program and make a difference in a young person’s life.
Similarly, amidst the current COVID-19 crisis Encore.org recently published an article outlining five different ways that older adults can help and support younger generations during these difficult times. These include reading to young children through a video app called Caribu, participating in virtual volunteer opportunities remotely through VolunteerMatch and Create the Good, giving college-planning or career advice to young adults through online platforms such as UPchieve and Careervillage.org, and providing emotional support to teenagers who are struggling with depression and anxiety through The Crisis Text Line. Read the full article and learn more about these opportunities here.
As you enter this new season of life, although there are challenges, do not forget that there are also many new opportunities! You may discover great purpose and meaning by sharing your advice and life experience to guide, encourage, and mentor the next generation, who are desperately in need of your wisdom.