Many of us refuse to stop. We have things we want to accomplish and we don’t want our age to interfere. But it does. Our brains change just as our hair grays and our bones thin. It takes a little longer to absorb new information and a little longer to determine consequences. But for most of us, these are not strong enough reasons to simply fade away. And we don’t need to do so. However, we do need to recognize when it is time to change direction, to back down and let the next generation provide the energy and nimble thinking that creates strong leadership and success. Not to do so is to defy the life cycle of nature, which most often leads to resounding failure. Conversely, to do so, to back away and let younger minds lead, opens new pathways to accomplishing late in life goals that will reflect all your strengths.
For example, a close friend of mine has gone back to work as a therapist, but she no longer works directly with clients. She now gives advice to other therapists, younger therapists who rely on her experience for insight. Her goal now is to pass on the knowledge she has gained over her many years, and she views that knowledge as her legacy. This is a tangible and very valuable legacy. It is not the wellness she once helped her clients attain. It is the imparting of wisdom for the ages.
Another friend is up at the crack of dawn each day to finish writing a summary of his career as a Pediatrician. Again, this friend understands the importance of passing on the wisdom he amassed from his years with crying children.
We are old, but we don’t give up. We don’t go away quietly. But I believe those of us who are making the strongest impact are those who have stopped being in the front lines and instead are giving their knowledge, their wisdom, to help strengthen those who follow.
If older politicians would recognize the importance of the wisdom they have gained over the years, perhaps they would understand that even when retired there is still a great deal left to accomplish. Just change direction. Back away and provide much needed advice – advice that will merge and strengthen current leadership goals. You need to let the next generation use their energy the way you once used yours. But by staying in office, by clinging to positions that now only reflect your past glory and not new ideas, you hold back the country. Let someone who understands computers ask the questions that will provide the answers we need. Let someone whose brain is as nimble as the muscles of an Olympic athlete take on the discussions and negotiations with our adversaries. You can provide examples, advice, insight and history even if you are no longer young enough to provide answers.
Staying in office when you are too old is like deciding that wisdom has no place in politics.