We can learn a ton about living life from the older people around us. Their one distinct advantage? They have actually already lived through i! The various season of life, aging, parenting, fulfillment, contentment, friendships and marriages – we can’t image what’s ahead.
In his book, 30 Lessons for Living, Karl Pillemer interviews thousands of older folks, whom he refers to as “The Experts”, to glean some great lessons. It’s an eye-opening book.
Most people have friends who are in the ten-year window of the own age, most often it’s five years. Who do you sit down and talk with who is older than you? Do you have regular conversations with someone 80 or older? Or is there a young person with whom you’re sharing some of your wisdom?
Here’s a list of questions you can ask next time you get a chance:
What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned over the course of your life?
What kind of advice would you have about getting and staying married?
What kind of advice would you have about raising kids?
Do you have any advice about how to succeed in a career?
Some people they learn the most through difficult and stressful situations. Is that true? If so, what have you learned?
As you look back on your life, do you have any key turning points, an event that altered the direction of your life?
What would you say you know about a happy and successful life that you didn’t know when you were twenty?
What you would you say are the major values or principles that you live by?
Have you learned any lessons regarding staying in good health?
What advice would you give to people about growing older?
Make some time to talk with the experts in your life! This is a great season to do it!
I write with church leaders in mind and I would be honored to have you join me by subscribing to the blog. You can take a look at the top posts here. The posts are categorized: pastors, worship leaders, student ministry and kids ministry. In case we’re just meeting, here’s little about my life.
Other Posts:
5 Lessons Older Youth Workers Teach Us
Great Advice From The Older Folks
Intangible Gifts Touch The Child’s Heart
