Most people tend to hang out with people who are roughly their same age – and for good reason. Their children are probably close to the same ages, they grew up in the same era and remember many of the same historical events; so there’s a certain comfort level associated with doing this. As comfortable as this may feel, it’s also a good idea to cultivate friendships with people who are younger than you as well as people who are older. Younger people tend to be energetic, enthusiastic and filled with new ideas. Hanging out with these people will help keep you feeling young and open to new ideas. Older people have a treasure trove of wisdom they’ve accumulate though their years which they can pass on to you. This can save you the strain and pain associated with learning something the hard way. So make it a point to branch out from your age group once in a while. You’ll feel younger and become wiser if you do.
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So true! My husband and I have 3 other couples that we have vacationed with for the past 8 years. We range in age from late 30’s to mid-60’s!!! The younger challenge us older to be adventurous and try new things!! The older pass on a wealth of living knowledge!!!
Ross,
I am 68. At 41 I married a woman who is now 53 (yes, she was 26). I have a 22 year old daughter, a 19 year old son, and an 8 year old step-grandson. I lift weights at the gym with my son, ball-room dance with my daughter, go to church with my wife, and just try to keep up with the grandson. My doctor says I’m as healthy as a 50 year old and my wife says I act like a kid.
I have heard that 60 is the new 40… to me 68 is the new 68…
Best,
George
You are right! After I joined, I found that the Rotary Club I affiliated with was made up of “young jocks”. I thought about switching to another club (there are several in town) which is closer to my place of work, has people closer to my age, and where most of the people are businessmen and businesswomen. After thinking about it I decided I would learn more and grow more if I stayed put. And I did. I developed friends that I would likely never have come across had I joined another club; I got to know them and their young families and we ended up sharing an exchange student who had three sets of “parents” during the school year – us, the age of her grandparents, one couple the age of her own parents, one younger couple with babies. We all benefited from an exchange of ideas, ideals, and insight.
Cecile Morgan
Good for you Cecile! That’s exactly what I was referring to. Thank you so much for your comment. All the best, Ross