AGING ICON

LIVE HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE

Never Stop Learning, The Key to a Lifetime of Growth and Impact

I am honored to receive Pulse’s Lifetime Achievement Award for my work as a patient advocate, mentor, and educator. (https://www.pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org/fcpa)

It’s a humbling recognition of decades spent helping individuals navigate the healthcare system and empowering professionals in our field. But as I step onto that stage, I am not standing still. In fact, I am attending this two-day training because I believe that learning never stops, regardless of age, experience, or accolades.

Many might ask, “Why continue training when you’ve already achieved so much?” The answer is simple. I do it to stay relevant, engaged, and vibrant in both my professional and personal life.

Learning is not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about keeping our minds sharp, expanding our perspectives, and fostering deeper connections with the world around us.

I have spent my career challenging the idea that limitations are set in stone. My book, Aging Icon, was born from this philosophy. Just as I refuse to accept dead ends for my clients, I refuse to accept that I have learned everything there is to know in my field. Every training, every conversation, and every piece of new knowledge adds to my ability to serve others.

The world of healthcare is constantly evolving. New policies, technologies, and treatments emerge every day. If we stop learning, we fall behind and when you’re in the business of advocating for others, falling behind isn’t an option.

Attending training sessions, engaging with new ideas, and collaborating with the next generation of patient advocates ensures that I can continue to provide the best guidance possible.

But beyond professional growth, continuous learning keeps me young in spirit. It introduces me to new people, fresh perspectives, and unexpected opportunities. It fosters curiosity, which in turn keeps life exciting. When we open ourselves up to learning, we expand not just our skill set but also our relationships, our communities, and our world.

Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award is not a signal to slow down, it’s a moment to celebrate, reflect, and then push forward with renewed purpose. I encourage everyone, no matter where they are in their journey, to seek knowledge, embrace new experiences, and never stop asking, “what else can I learn” because when you stay curious, you stay engaged. When you stay engaged, you stay young. And when you keep learning, you keep making an impact.

March 12, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Embracing Adventure and Staying Vibrant, Productive, and Passionate as an Aging Icon

As we age, society often whispers messages of limitation and irrelevance. These whispers can become a deafening roar, convincing many to step away from the pursuits that once lit up their lives. But I believe, wholeheartedly, that this narrative must change. It’s not only possible but essential for us to remain vibrant, productive, and deeply engaged with our work and passions as we grow older.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s recent words offer a stirring call to action: “I’ve tried not to fear defeat. Too many people are so timid about trying bold things and ambitious things and challenging and unpredictable things, adventurous and exciting things, gratifying things that they restrict their own lives” (The Daytona Beach News-Journal, 12/30/24). Carter’s insight resonates powerfully, reminding us that it is never too late to pursue bold, fulfilling endeavors.

The Fear of Irrelevance

Aging often brings with it an unspoken fear: the fear of being left behind or no longer having value to contribute. This mindset can be paralyzing, preventing us from staying engaged in our life’s work, chasing dreams or rediscovering the passions that once defined us. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Life is meant to be lived fully at every stage, with no exceptions!

Aging Icons often bring with them a wealth of experience, insight, and emotional depth that make our contributions even more valuable. Whether it’s a skill honed over decades, a passion waiting to be rekindled, or a bold new interest to explore, now is the time to embrace life’s adventures with courage and enthusiasm.

Rekindling Your Passions

As Carter’s words suggest, it is vital to resist timidity. Think back to the activities that once made your heart race and your spirit soar. Were you a painter? A teacher? A writer? An advocate for a cause close to your heart? Did you run a department or lead a successful company? Whatever it may be these passions still hold the potential to enrich your life and the lives of others.

Rekindling a passion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Take a class, join a community group, be a mentor, or simply set aside a little time each week to reengage with what you love. You may find that these activities not only bring you joy but also inspire others to follow their own dreams.

Staying Connected and Curious

Isolation can be one of the biggest hurdles to staying vibrant in later years. Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and like-minded, engaged individuals can help you maintain a sense of purpose and belonging. These connections also serve as a support system, encouraging you to take risks and embrace new challenges.

At the same time, staying curious about the world can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Attend lectures, read widely, or travel, whether that’s to a neighboring town or a distant country. Curiosity is the key to continuous learning, and learning is one of the most effective ways to stay mentally sharp and engaged.

Redefining Productivity

Productivity doesn’t have to mean working a 9-to-5 job or achieving societal markers of success. It’s about doing things that matter to you. Volunteer for a cause, mentor younger generations, or write a memoir. These acts of contribution can be deeply gratifying, proving that your knowledge and talents are timeless.

Remember, productivity can also mean self-care and personal growth. Taking care of your health, practicing mindfulness, and setting personal goals are all forms of productivity that enhance your quality of life and enable you to continue pursuing your passions.

Finding Purpose in Bold Challenges

Carter’s encouragement to take on “bold things and ambitious things” is a call to stretch beyond comfort zones. While this might seem intimidating, it can also be incredibly empowering. Perhaps it’s time to start that nonprofit you’ve always dreamed of or to pick up a new skill, like learning to play an instrument or mastering a foreign language. You may even wish to stay engaged with the industry you worked in before, and attend networking or association meetings or events.

Stepping into new challenges means you’re embracing life as a period of growth and transformation. These experiences remind us that life is always unfolding, full of opportunities to make a difference.

A Legacy of Passion and Purpose

Living vibrantly as we age is not just about personal fulfillment; it’s about leaving a legacy. By continuing to pursue our passions and engaging with the world, we inspire others, children, grandchildren, and our communities, to do the same. This ripple effect ensures that the spirit of adventure and resilience continues for generations to come.

The Time is Now

The journey of an Aging Icon is not a descent into irrelevance but a climb toward new heights of understanding, contribution, and joy. Take Carter’s words to heart and refuse to let fear or timidity restrict your life. Instead, embrace your passions, stay connected, and seek out bold and adventurous challenges.

You have a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be unearthed. Don’t let them pass by unnoticed.

January 2, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , | Leave a comment

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