We are living in uncharted, stressful times that are full of opportunity. Just like getting older. And like the outstanding fall foliage, getting older can emphasize the beauty and significance of change, highlighting the richness that can come with a different stage of life.
No matter which candidate won the recent Presidential election, our population will continue to get older and our families, our neighborhoods and our society will continue to struggle to adjust. And not just adjust, but hopefully to get out in front of our aging demographic curve. People over 65 are the fastest growing demographic and percentage of the electorate.
One of the tenets of conscious aging which resonates with me is the difference between leaving a legacy and living a legacy. Today, the time is ripe for role models.
Most people think of leaving a legacy in terms of material gifts after we die, e.g., leaving an inheritance. It can also refer to accomplishments that inspire others after we die.
“When death finds me, let it find me alive.” African proverb
Instead of waiting until we die to leave gifts, living a legacy is leaving gifts through how we live every day. Living a legacy involves day-to-day actions and behaviors that reflect our values and principles. It is staying passionate and engaged and being present to all the difficulties and invitations of being in community. Living a legacy is about making some positive difference in the here and now at any age. This is important in post-election America, and it will shatter the myth that life peaks in middle-age and then it’s all downhill after that.
Why not take advantage of being alive and just live a legacy now? Why not start living with intention? Think of the possibilities if we regard the last stage of life as an opportunity to stay engaged in some way as we encourage equitable relationships and communities. This will likely have positive impact on present and future generations.
We live in an ageist culture. Research shows that children can start to develop stereotypes and biases about aging and older people as early as preschool. Most of us think that old is bad and young is good. As an older person living our legacy, we can be a positive role-model for people of all ages. It is a way to be anti-ageist, a gift that keeps on giving.
Finding common ground to work together to build our relationships and communities is a terrific way to live a legacy. And there is no template. Each person and each community is different, with different resources and strengths - and often with similar dreams. Each of us can find our own way to live our own legacy. Role models will help all of us along the way.