By guest blogger Lisa Jacobson, Career Consultant and Executive Coach of Workplace Solutions
One of the best workshops I attended at the 2014 Positive Aging Conference in Sarasota, Florida last week was presented by Francine Toder, Ph.D. Dr. Toder shared inspiring insights and stories from her latest book: The Vintage Years: Finding Your Inner Artist After Sixty.
Toder began her talk with a potent statistic. “Most people in their 60’s may have a third of their lives to live”. Toder calls these the Vintage Years because they have the potential to be full of beauty, depth, and richness.
Wisdom is the hallmark of our Vintage Years. Toder describes wisdom as the accrual and synthesis of knowledge through a lifetime of experiences. At midlife and beyond, our brain’s right and left hemispheres become better integrated and more functionally intertwined. This integration allows for better patterning. We develop “short-hand” processes for ideas and are able to find quicker and more creative solutions in a wider range. That might be why we tend to understand the gist of something or see the root of a problem a lot faster than younger folks. A lifetime of mistakes and experiences matters!
Neuro-psychologists confirm age sixty and beyond can be an ideal for exploring and discovering second careers and new art forms such as writing, musical instruments, chorus singing, painting, sculpting or ceramics. As we continue to grow new connections, we can become more creative and efficient problem solvers.
Increased focus is another advantage to aging. This is made possible by lifestyle changes. We have the time and freedom to be single-focused, fully present and mindful. In an age of mindless, half-hearted, multi-tasking, mindfulness can produce dramatic results.
Finally, Toder classifies the Vintage Years as a “gift” for all the hard work we’ve done in our lifetimes. It can be a positive and vibrant stage of life. Her book features several examples of individuals living their lives to the fullest through art and second careers. Age is not pathology and cognitive decline is not inevitable. Take Doctor Toder’s advice and look into exploring the best of your Vintage Years.
PS: A great way to start your exploration would be to sign up for a workshop at Encore Academy!