Real Talk

What Does Growing Older Sound Like?

Working in healthcare has given me the opportunity to speak with people of all ages.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that age doesn’t always sound the way we expect it to.

I’ll speak with someone my age, and they sound tired, defeated, and much older than 66.

Then a few minutes later, I’ll answer the phone and speak with someone in their 80s who sounds alert, confident, positive, and fully engaged in life.

It always makes me stop and think.

What is the difference?

Is it health?

Is it attitude?

Is it purpose?

Is it resilience?

Or is it a combination of all those things?

I don’t believe there is one answer because every person’s journey is different.

I’ve learned that growing older isn’t simply about the number of birthdays we’ve celebrated.

It’s about how we choose to continue living.

Do we remain curious?

Do we continue learning?

Do we find reasons to laugh?

Do we stay connected with others?

Do we keep looking forward instead of only looking back?

Life will challenge every one of us. None of us escapes hardship.

But I’ve met enough remarkable older adults to know that age alone does not determine the strength of a person’s spirit.

The next time you meet someone older than you, don’t assume you know their story.

You may discover a person with incredible wisdom, humor, resilience, and a passion for life that inspires you.

And maybe…

Just maybe…

We should all ask ourselves…

What will I sound like when I’m 80?

Blessings,
Lady Flava 🌻