Embracing Our Role as Elders: Reflections on Age & Wisdom

The Year of Being 70

In this episode, Lucy and Lisette, two longtime friends who turned 70 in 2024, explore the changing dynamics and responsibilities that come with age. As they navigate the transition from middle-age to elderhood, they discuss the value of presence, curiosity, and wisdom that their life experiences have provided.

They discuss how they are now seen as the "elders" in various groups and settings, which brings a sense of responsibility but also freedom. As the oldest in the room, they feel a shift in their role - from needing to prove themselves to being a calming, grounding presence that others look to for wisdom and perspective.

Key Highlights

• The shift from feeling like the 'youngest in the room' to embracing the role of respected elder, being able to speak up more freely without worrying about how they will be perceived, and focusing on listening and sharing their accumulated life experiences.

• Learning to manage time and priorities with a more relaxed, less hurried approach. Lisette shares how she has learned to better organise her time and not feel the need to rush or cram everything in, which was a habit when she was younger.

• They discuss shedding unnecessary 'shoulds' and obligations, and focusing on what truly matters to them at this stage of life while recognising the responsibility to share their accumulated knowledge and provide a grounding presence for younger generations

• Lucy talks about the joys and challenges of being a grandparent, and the differences between parenting and grandparenting. They both share memories of their own grandparents and what that older generation brought to their lives as children.

• Lucy shares her experience of going through her mother's belongings to sell the house she no longer lives in, and how it was an emotional process for her and her siblings, each with their own approach. Lisette emphasiaes the importance of having humour and understanding when going through these family transitions.

• They recognise that these moments of saying goodbye to the past can also represent a farewell to one's own childhood.

Why You Should Listen

This episode provides a thoughtful and relatable perspective on the realities of aging, the benefits of embracing one's role as an elder, and the unique insights that can come with a lifetime of experiences. Lucy and Lisette's candid conversation offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own journeys and the evolving dynamics of age and wisdom. They also consider the implications of being part of the large 'baby boomer' cohort and the potential influence they hold as a group.

Join the Conversation

Are you approaching the age of 70, or have family members, friends or mentors older than yourself who are at that stage? If you are an ‘elder’, how do you feel about your role, especially if it's new to you? If you are younger, what benefits and strengths to older people bring to your life and/or work?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Watch/listen to our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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