Have you ever wondered whether mentors have mentors themselves? And if they do, who guides them? Does aging mean we’re left without mentors? The answer is no! Even those at the top of their game require guidance. Mentors can also be learners. Being a mentor doesn’t preclude one from being mentored. Mentorship isn’t a straightforward, top-down affair. It’s a multifaceted network of connections. We seek guidance from others when needed and, likewise, extend support when sought by others. Mentorship is more than a hierarchical structure; it’s a dynamic exchange. Rather... Continue Reading
Deborah Heiser
Dr. Joel Weinberger, a professor of psychology and author of The Unconscious, discusses what makes us make decisions and what drives our reactions. Why are we biased against the elderly when we hope to become older adults? Dr. Joel Weinberger addresses this question and tips on how we can be aware of our unconscious and how it works in our everyday lives. The Right Side of 40 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Share The Right Side of 40 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work,... Continue Reading
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Are you apprehensive about retirement? For many, retirement signifies departing from a career—a perceived loss. Though anticipated since youth, retirement’s arrival often evokes feelings of “jumping off a cliff,” “panic,” or “loss of identity.” However, retirement need not be synonymous with these anxieties. Instead, it presents an opportunity. Research indicates that by our 50s, 60s, and 70s, we’re at our happiest (AARP, 2018). At this stage, we’re poised to care for others selflessly (Ehlman, 2012), harboring a wealth of experience and... Continue Reading
Don’t just plant to grow older with your partner. Plan to grow closer. Meaningful projects with your partner are powerful bonding experiences. Giving back is great. Giving back together is better. Subscribe now When you think of giving back, what comes to mind? For most, it is a personal endeavor involving volunteering, mentoring, or philanthropy. If this is what you imagine for yourself, this is great! If this is what you are already doing, keep going. But don’t stop there. Research shows that paired generativity (giving back to a significant other) may be one of the most beneficial... Continue Reading
I had the pleasure of meeting with Shawn Perry, host of The Senior Zone radio show. He’s been connecting seniors in the Washington, DC, area with services for over a decade. His story is particularly interesting because he had a career in the Air Force, and when he retired, was influenced by his grandmother to pivot to the field of aging. Because of Shawn’s work, countless people are connected with financial and mental health resources. I love hearing stories like his because it just takes one person with a passion to impact the world positively. You can check out my interview with Shawn... Continue Reading
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/monochrome-photo-of-couple-laughing-3692738/As the calendar turns to February and the aisles of stores don shades of red and pink, Valentine’s Day beckons us to celebrate love in its many forms. For empty nesters, this annual occasion may evoke a spectrum of emotions, from nostalgia for the days of homemade valentines and family celebrations to the excitement of rediscovering oneself in an empty nest. This Valentine’s Day, let us embark on a journey of self-love and exploration, embracing the unique chapters that unfold beyond... Continue Reading
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-and-drinks-inside-the-carton-box-6590920/ What brings you the most joy? Think of those activities that you willingly engage in without needing reminders or external pushes. Whether it’s reading, solving crossword puzzles, gardening, cooking, or playing a sport, these activities hold a special place in our hearts. However, have you ever wondered what would happen if you were paid to do something you love? The dynamics change – your intrinsic motivation, the internal desire to engage in the activity, might shift to extrinsic... Continue Reading
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Storytelling is powerful. So powerful that it can shape a life’s courseIn the spirit of National Mentoring Month, I’d like to share the story of my relationship with my grandfather and how his storytelling shaped my life. My first mentor was my grandfather, Charles S. Crook, II, a decorated Captain in the US Army in World War II, who is now buried in Arlington Cemetery. As soon as I turned five, my grandfather made it a tradition to pick me up in his big 1970s Cadillac convertible to run errands with him in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. He was a six-foot tall man with... Continue Reading