After Retiring, It's Time to Utilize Your Wisdom Actively
Throughout history, elder figures in various cultures have been responsible for contemplating the future, imparting knowledge, and making decisions that would favor future generations. The finest example of this concept is the Seventh Generation Thought. Native American tribes adhere to the belief that our actions today should take into account the potential positive or negative impacts these actions may have on seven future generations.
The organization The Elders was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 as an autonomous group of global leaders advocating for peace, justice, human rights, and a sustainable environment. Their focus is on global issues that demand collective attention, such as the climate crisis, pandemics, and nuclear weapons. Beyond conflict, which is a danger in itself and a risk factor for other threats, The Elders also work towards resolving conflicts.
In developed countries, this generation of "elders" is the longest living, wealthiest, healthiest, most highly educated, and represents the largest percentage of the elderly population ever, states life coach and author John Izzo, author of The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.
Izzo posed a critical question for elders: How can you continue contributing positively to the world once past the age of 50? This transition is often marked by a shift in focus from personal ego to service. Midlife is now extended in two directions, with individuals in their 30s and 40s questioning typical issues that tend to arise in their 50s and 60s, such as, "What will I do now that I have earned a living?" and "What can I do with my energy, time, talent, and resources?"
The definition of work changes when one retires; it becomes an opportunity to share skills, talents, and passions. Encourage retirees to share their interests, hobbies, and passions instead of associating themselves with the term "retired." By asking, "What are you interested in or involved in at present?" rather than, "What do you do?", we can stimulate more engaging conversations.
Reframe your wealth, talents, and wisdom, and use them to innovate and tackle societal challenges. Discover causes that resonate with you, and become actively involved. Donate to charities that are working towards the advancement of their chosen cause. Reinvent yourself and contribute towards a better society by identifying your strengths and interests, and act on them.
Additionally, this new involvement can lead to the development of a new identity, something that is often lacking in retirement. People often become more conservative as they age, but it's more beneficial to concentrate on protecting what we, as a community, possess. New meanings often arise from working towards the betterment of others.
As we age, focusing inward will not improve the world or benefit future generations. Instead, let us apply our wisdom to continue opening our hearts and contributing to creating a better world for all of us.
Elders in this new generation, like retirees, have a wealth of wisdom and experience to contribute, potentially shaping a legacy that extends past retirement. Their contribution can be seamlessly transitioned into helping society, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or advocating for causes they care about.
The legacy of elders is not confined to retirement; rather, it can be an ongoing inspiration and significant impact in guiding future generations towards peace, justice, and a sustainable environment, akin to the mission of 'The Elders' founded by Nelson Mandela.
