How to Stay Relevant in Old Age
Today’s piece of advice is about how to stay relevant in old age.
Here I am, 70 years old, I have children and grandchildren. Now suppose they come and visit me once a month. What do we talk about?
Am I going to tell the same boring stories over-and-over again, so my kids and grandkids are bored out of their minds?
So, they end up saying ‘Do we have to go visit Grandpa and listen to the same old crap over-and-over again?’
The answer to the question is that you need to become a master at something
For example, I’m a master at process improvement. So, when I’m 75 or 80 or 90 years old, people will still want to come and talk to me about process improvement because I have something to say.
When Dr. Deming was 90 years old he once called me up and said: ‘Hey Howie, let’s go grab dinner’.
Even though I was in Miami and he was in California, I jumped on a plane and flew all that way for a 2-hour dinner with him.
Why did I do that?
Because he had something to say.
So, the lesson is, whatever age you are, learn to become a master at something, so there will always be people who want to come to you and engage you in intellectual discourse.
And that is how to stay relevant in old age!
Use It or Lose It!
How to stay relevant in old age:
Become a master at something so that people will always seek you out for advice and to engage in intellectual discourse.
When to Use ‘How to Stay Relevant in Old Age’
Since it takes a while to become a master at something, the sooner you start the better!
Discuss…
What are you a master at? (non-sexual activities only, please and thank you)
That’s the piece of advice for this week!
Behave and until next time remember…Prime Your Pump!
-Howie
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Excellent commentary! I have a similar problem with my daughter and son-in-law. Since my retirement, I research and write articles for various historical magazines, not the esoteric and heavily footnoted articles that are seen in professional society journals, but more for the general public who are interested in various historical subjects on a recreational or hobby basis. They both know of my passion, but when my D and SIL visit, neither shows an interest in reading my material. I fully admit their chosen professions do nothing for me, my daughter works in interior design and decorating, my SIL is an electronics and computer guru. He also acts as my Tech Support, for I am the original computer doofus. However, my 3 year old grand daughter and I always find something in common, whether playing with her toys, reading her a story, ‘eating’ the fake food she prepares on her miniature stove, watching a movie, or walking around the block following her while she rides her tricycle.
At conventions and gatherings of like-minded history enthusiasts I talk one-on-one to people, quite often strangers. I also lecture to groups, and have done so for over 30 years.
I love my D and SIL dearly but we separated by no similar interests. As one 70 year old grandfather to another, any suggestions?
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the kind words and thanks for commenting, we appreciate it.
I’m sure your daughter and SIL are super busy between their careers and raising their little angel. So, it is probably going to be on you to figure out how to bridge the ‘similar interests’ gap.
From one 70 year old to another, I have a couple ideas you may want to consider:
(1) There is a technique I teach that you may have heard of called ‘other person’s viewpoint’ or ‘OPV’. Basically you “step into the other person’s shoes” to try to understand where they are coming from. In this case, perhaps you can use OPV to try to understand why they are interested in what they are interested in and then make an effort to take an interest. A couple things may happen: you may actually find something fascinating about what they are interested in and/or they may see that you are making an effort to take an interest in their interests and they may reciprocate.
(2) It sounds like you really love and care about your granddaughter and it sounds like you are an amazing grandpa. Your description of the fun things you do with her touched all 3 of us when we read your comment. I am sure your daughter/SIL love and care about her very much as well, so perhaps she is a common interest that can somehow bring you all together?
Those are my thoughts and by the way, I will have an upcoming video on OPV which I have used successfully in my own personal relationships.
Thanks again and take care,
Howie