…(Or A Bottle of Wine)
When I was little, I remember people saying, “Oh no, she can’t do it. She’s too old.”
Or, ‘Let’s ask somebody younger. She’ll have more energy.”
Fifteen years ago, when we were both 56, Karen Stone-McCown and I (yes, I got her permission to say that ) started Six Seconds, a global organization supporting people-performance and positive change that now operates in 10 major regions, and supports practitioners in over 75 countries.
Then three years ago, we started an independent K-8 school, Synapse, a school that fulfills our dream of combining leading-edge instruction (brain-based, project driven, and constructivist learning in school-wide themes) with social and emotional learning.
What is wrong with us? Don’t we know we are too old?
About three years ago, a friend gave me a little book. The title was Age Only Counts If You Are A Cheese.
I’ve taken that book to heart.
And I have a great role model to follow.
My mother who celebrated her 91st birthday this year doesn’t seem to know that she is too old to be alive. Ten years ago when she discovered she had macular degeneration, she had eyebrows tattooed on her face!
Why?
Because she knew that soon she would not be able to see to draw them correctly in place. She plans ahead.
She is also not too old to make a fabulous chocolate cream pie, even though she is legally blind.
Did you know that men usually make their mark by 30, but women often make their mark after 60?
Edison, Monet, Shaw, Picasso, Schweitzer all were productive in their late 80’s and 90’s.
Here are some interesting factoids:
- David Ray of Tennessee learned to read at 99.
- Armand Hammer actively headed Occidental Petroleum at 91.
- At the age of 92, Paul Spangler completed his 14th marathon.
- Hulda Crooks climbed Mt. Whitney, age 91.
- Martha Graham was still doing choreography in her nineties.
We are not too old to put emotional intelligence into our lives. We are not too old to start a new business. We are not too old to find new customers.
Age need not be a deterrent. In fact, it can create momentum.
I am more careful with how I use my minutes.
I find I am more careful with whom I spend my minutes.
Dylan Thomas once said, “Do not go gentle into that good night.”
I, for one, do not intend to do so.
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Wow how inspiring! I fully agree that age should not be a deterrent to living one’s dream. thanks for this empowering post.
Dear Anabel,
I am 43 – not old! – but I just ran my first half Marathon today – I did it in 1 hour and 48 minutes – and I was disappointed that I did not do it faster. Many in my running group say that I set my sights too high. Thank God for people like you who keep reminding me that the sky really is the limit!
God bless you in all your endeavours.
George
Just a thought to add to George’s comment:
I heard in a rather recent song a line that goes somewhat like this: “The sky is not the limit, it is just another point of view” (artist unknown).
I consider the sky only a stepping stone, imagine what else is beyond those clouds!
Enjoy your Day and Every Day!
Dear Anabel,
I was so inspired by this article… I loved it.. It came just at a time in my life where I will be embarking on something a bit “challenging” for my age… I think reading your article gave me hope and a lot of motivation and it boosted my intrinsic motivation and optimism.
We always need to remind ourselves of the fact that our world is a lovely world of possibilities…
Thanks for sharing
Souhair
Inspiring! At times my mum seems to underestimate herself considering that she will turn 60 in a couple of months and have to retire. Culturally as well once you retire there is almost no motivation to push you to do new things. This message inspires me to look at my life ahead in new light and also to share this excitement about the future with my mom. You only get better with age!
Thank you Anabel.
Or if you are a vintage wine – but age in people should be respected – think of all those experiences – all that knowledge
Way to go :0) I’d like to share a conversation I had a while ago with a wonderful adorable couple, they started out as clients and are now one of my most cherished friends. She is about 75 or so and he is about 90 and in all of our conversations he would always say to me, ” do take care of my wife and help her if s’thing happens to me,’ and one day I asked him, Sir, if I told you that you definitely have another 15 yrs to live, would you live differently ? He replied after considerable thought…and said ‘Yes, I would.’
I loved the article and totally agree with it. I started anew at 51 after divorce and after becoming completely bored and dissatisfied with my previous job.
Thank you for showing all of us what´s´possible.
Irina
I totally live this. I got my second M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation (I have a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering) at 56 and I went from a working environment of “High Tech” to max security prison. I proudly shared this with the hope to power somebody else who are contemplating.
Thanks Anabel for inspiring others.
shabbir
Thank you ..Anabel, for your your inspiring thoughts… on this wonderful journey called ‘LIFE’..!!
Dear Anabel,
How fortunate to have a “boss” like you!
I agree wholeheartedly with all of your comments! With this sentiment (and hard work) our noble goals do not seem so far away!!
Thanks again for your wisdom!
As a 60 year old having to ‘start again’ supporting a teenager and myself after divorce, I found it heartening to read your post, especially the tattooed eyebrows! They will be a symbol for aging with attitude and practicality.
Wow, loved that story.
Also feel the need to contribute something that combines knowledge and life experience, so hard won at times.
Our culture is oriented to youth yet emotional development truly ages like cheese, it gets so much better with time, when you cultivate it. Also we should not bow out just when we start to be able to think more quickly with more depth, abstraction, synthesis and experience, even if we do forget things more often (according to studies on the middle age brain).
Let’s aim to become the ‘best old cheeses’ ever!
Thank You somuch for writing such a heartwarming article that will always remind us the quote”Its not Important How Long We Live but How We Live That Long”.
An absolutely encouraging and inspiring article. Thank you. I read this in a much needed moment. Also given that age is a big defining criteria for a lot one can do here and when in the Indian context, it is very relevant and inspiring.
inspiring,its true the person who said age aint nothing but a number
Excellent article, thank you Annabel for the uplifting thoughts on ageing. You are absolutely on the mark, it doesn’t matter at all. I’m 61 and studying for a Diploma in Training this year. I still love to learn and am enjoying using my years of experience to pass on to others and see them learn and grow too.
Never too old to start blogging either!
I love the part about women making their mark over 60! Thank you, Anabel. I feel so privileged to be working with you and Karen–your energy and creativity and passion are truly inspiring. It’s all about choosing oneself, isn’t it? Making time for what and who are really important and knowing why.
Well said Anabel. The advantages of living long are far greater than the minor inconveniences that accompany it (ok, some are major inconveniences). Our experiences temper our judgement, our judgement tempers our behavior, and our behavior is a model for others. If we use the gifts we have been been given and share them we can make this world a better place. That is why I love to teach and I intend to continue indefinitely. Norman Vaughn at age 98 after a life of exploring the Antarctic, mountain climbing, and other outrageous adventures summed up his advice for living in these words: “dream big, dare to fail”.
Thank you for the inspiration, Anabel. I remember cheering to “trust no one over 30” in the 1960’s. Now, looking at 60 makes me realize there is so much of life yet to be experienced. It is a precious gift not to be wasted or taken for granted.
This resonates with me. I might be 54 but i’m living life to the full, always seeking out new adventures and with more energy than I’ve ever had. Too many people seem to be counting down on life, i’m counting up and enjoying life – both work and travels.
I almost bought a new dress yesterday but I was to ld by friends it is far too old for me, i’m not grown up enough for that sort of outfit.
A favourtie quote from Hunter S Thompson is – “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
Remember me? I have been thinking about you often, Age is just a number. It’s more important to count all that you have accomplished by that age and you have accomplished and contnue to accomplish so much at every age. We need to meet somewhere between our great physical divide.
As always, a beautifully written piece. I do so enjoy the articles you put out; they truly are inspiring and uplifting! Thank you and please continue your good work.
FABULOUS ARTICLE! Congratulations on being a great role model for all of us!
This is so inspiring! Thanks for the sharing.
I have loved your spirit for almost 40 years, Anabel! What a joy to have your article pop up on my email!