I am not sure when this dilemma began, but there has been a growing disregard for those of us who are over 60 and considered outdated, often useless and even unwanted as we age. We, as senior citizens, have even bought into this cultural phenomenon!
We “Throwaways” have been pushed out of jobs, often in the name of cost cutting, and left companies devoid of experience and the wisdom that has come with it. The average CEO in the US is just over 45 with only 3 years at a given company – do you think they are missing out on valuable expertise that comes with historical knowledge? In European countries, on the other hand, the average CEO’s is over 50 and has been with their company over 30 years.
This blog is to remind us all that we not only have tremendous value but also that our younger generations are missing out on years of experience, development of wisdom and differing views. This does not mean that we have all of the right answers. What we provide is another perspective that can help our younger community in their decision making.
This perspective is why I wrote my book Rock & Roll at Any Age (http://amzn.to/2nligFs). I believe that we seniors can change these opinions if we are healthy and then able to participate more in our communities.
I personally love these “elder” years because I see things in a different light, a calmer, more peaceful and often more focused light than I did when I was younger. I could lament that I wasn’t the best mother or I could use what I have learned to be the best grandmother and, if asked, be a counselor to those now parenting.
In addition, as a business owner for 30 years, I can share some of the pitfalls and ways to avoid them with younger, newer entrepreneurs. In both areas, people have asked and had many conversations with me that I have been told have enhanced their lives and businesses.
More ideas to come in my next blog.
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