Productivity and Aging
In our youth-obsessed culture, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that productivity and success are solely the domain of the young and the restless. We’re bombarded with images of fresh-faced entrepreneurs, prodigies, and wunderkinds who seem to have achieved more by the age of 25 than most of us will in a lifetime. But a study by the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that the most productive time of our lives may be within our later years.
The Joys of Painting
Grandma Moses was an American folk artist. She began painting seriously at the age of 78, after arthritis had robbed her of her ability to do needlepoint and embroidery. Grandma Moses’s work reflects her life on farms in rural New York and Virginia, primarily depicting brightly colored rural scenes.
Grandma Moses was born in 1860 and lived to be 101 years old, having seen the Civil War, the first automobile, and the first airplane. She created close to 1,600 paintings.
Aging Provides a Wider Experience Base for Decisions
AARP reports that “Baby Boomers are the most well-educated generation the world has ever seen.” Comprising 20 percent of the 2023 population, Baby Boomers are still doing very well emotionally, even when they aren’t doing so well physically. The people of this generation tend to be generous, thoughtful and emotionally complex. They have been encouraged to grow mentally, psychologically, and physically. They were taught to work hard and long to reach goals. Experiences of the last half-century have taught and rounded many seniors into diligent, insightful, and even visionary individuals. These qualities are valuable in today’s world.
Continuing the Impact
With long-term experience and knowledge, Boomers can be some of the most productive employees in a business, and many Baby Boomers are still working. But employment does not necessarily define productivity.
From travel to volunteering and political activism, CSUN health sciences professor Stephan Chung said Baby Boomers are using their post-retirement years to facilitate change, belying the stereotype that older adults are passive and disengage from society. Baby Boomers have been associated with significant social changes and activism throughout their lives,” he said. “Now, as they age, many continue to challenge societal norms and engage in activism, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to making a difference in the world.”
Remaining Relevant
As we age, it is not uncommon to recognize the desire to make an impact in the world. We long to do good, to share what we know, and to guide the future generations to learn from their mistakes and amplify their successes.
As seniors, we can now choose what productivity means to each of us. There are many avenues to choose from. We only need to choose our goal and map our path.
Do you want to advocate for the environment, the handicapped, the homeless? Google resources and just jump in. Find an agency that caters to your cause and ask how you can get involved. Search for a Facebook or Meetup group with similar interests.
Do you want to further your education? Contact your local University, Senior Center or your local Office on Aging and ask for assistance.
Do you want to begin a new hobby? Search YouTube or Google the topic.
Don’t let anything stand in your way.
A Professional Caregiver
A professional caregiver can be an important part of your support system when you are working on living your best life. A professional caregiver can provide support, care, and companionship for you in the comfort of your own home. They can help decide on and initiate your interests. You can find a professional caregiver through our website whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.
