Are You a Smart Ager?

How to leverage your time and leave a lasting legacy.

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Conventional wisdom suggests aging is gradual decline, but Smart Agers challenge that notion. Here I use Brendon Bouchard’s six ‘High-Performance Habits’ to show how Smart Agers live intentionally and inject value into every day.

#1 Raise Necessity:

First, Smart Agers recognise Memento Mori, a Latin phrase meaning "remember that you must die”.

You know it’s a timeless reminder of the impermanence of human existence. That natural sense of urgency and necessity, that potent reminder that life is fleeting and precious, urges you towards mindfulness and purposeful living.

It’s time to make every day count.

#2 Clarify Purpose:

What is really important?

Celebrate Achievements: Smart Agers reflect on past milestones and accomplishments to recognise the impact they've had and find renewed purpose in their journey.

Redefine self: Who are you? What do you value? You imagine your best self and choose to be that person every day from today. It might be the first time you can choose to be who you want to be.

Set New Goals: Aging doesn't mean giving up on goal setting. As a Smart Ager, you establish new and realistic goals aligned with that redefined self. What are your goals? What’s your plan?

Are you an engaged Creator or a mindless Consumer?

#3 Generate Energy:

Physical, cognitive and financial fitness underpin a Smart Ager life.

Your personal energy may undergo transformations, but it remains a valuable and manageable resource. As a Smart Ager, you know how to tap those vast reservoirs.

However, it requires attention to healthy habits to those sustain energy levels.

You know that regular physical activity tailored to your abilities invigorates and maintains essential functions and is not negotiable. Challenging your mind and nourishing your intellectual curiosity generates the mental energy and acuity essential for continued cognitive vitality.

This comprehensive wellspring of energy is the foundation on which you build that audacious Smart Ager life.

#4 Increase Productivity:

High-performing Smart Agers use age-old productivity strategies.

Routine and Structure: You create new daily and weekly routines to maintain consistency and discipline. You dedicate time for creative activities, exercise, social interactions, and program relaxation to optimise your creative productivity,

Rest and Reflect: You recognise that regular downtime is still as important for recharging and maintaining personal energy as always. Simple activities like reading, gardening, or spending time in nature recharge the batteries.

Adapt: You are open to and excited about new technologies to support your creative and productive mindset.

Use Tech: As a Smart Ager, you harness the power of technology, seamlessly integrating digital tools into daily routines, amplifying your ability to accomplish tasks and pursue passions. You comfortably embrace wearable health and fitness tech to take control of your health. Computers, tablets and smartphones connect you with loved ones, allow you to engage in online learning platforms, or even participate in remote work or entrepreneurial ventures.

Smart Agers know there are always things to do, memories to create, and legacies to leave.

#5 Demonstrate Courage:

As a Smart Ager, you embrace challenges, step outside comfort zones, take calculated risks, confront fears, and view failures as opportunities for growth, especially at this time of life.

Take Risks: You courageously take calculated risks, like starting a new business venture, travelling to new places, or trying something adventurous.

Mentor and Lead: You take on roles as a mentor or leader, sharing your knowledge and guiding younger generations to help create a better future.

Entrepreneurship: Smart Agers start new business ventures or invest in innovative projects that align with their expertise. Your accumulated knowledge and life experiences provide valuable insights and decision-making abilities, enabling informed and calculated business choices.

Travel and Explore: Smart Agers embark on journeys to new places, both domestically and internationally, experience different cultures, meet new people, and step out of their comfort zones to embrace novel experiences and make memories.

Pursue Education: You enrol in courses, workshops, or further education in subjects you’re passionate about, learning new languages, acquiring new skills, and delving into topics they've always been curious about. What about that PhD you put off?

Get Adventurous: Smart Agers engage in physically challenging or adventurous pursuits, like climbing, skydiving, or learning to sail. They push boundaries and test capabilities.

Be bold! When else?

#6 Develop Influence:

Smart Agers understand the importance of influencing others positively.

Collaborate: You love to collaborate with younger generations, influencers, or experts in related fields to expand your reach and influence. Joint projects and partnerships lead to new audiences and enhanced credibility.

Engage in Community: You engage with online and offline communities to build connections and influence. You participate in discussions, offer advice, and provide support as a trusted figure within communities.

Mentor and Coach: You share life experiences, knowledge, and insights with younger individuals as a mentor or coach. You might offer guidance on topics like career, relationships, and personal growth, creating a lasting impact on your mentees.

Embrace Technology: Smart Agers are comfortable and proficient with tech to connect with a wide audience.

Act and Advocate: You might leverage your influence to advocate for causes you care about. Whether it's environmental issues, social justice, or health awareness, using your platform to raise awareness and drive positive change can amplify your positive influence.

The world is your oyster in your later years. Be a Smart Ager. Live with purpose and passion. Age with Attitude.

Remember, you are the role models for those coming behind.