Aging Wisely, Aging Well
By Dr. Jay Zinn
Recently I turned 62, however I feel like 45. I know I look old, but I don’t feel old and I am excited about what the future holds. I realize that God has been very good to me, especially since I have looked death in the face three times in the course of my life and survived. I believe there is a purpose for me in my old age, just as much as when I was younger. In fact, every stage of life is important and necessary, not only for me, but also for others who are touched by God’s life through me. I began to recognize this more when I was taught about the four seasons of life. I can’t recall where I learned this, but I have taught it and followed its wisdom since my late 20s.
The first stage is the season of “beginnings.” From 1-20 years of age, each of us is in mandatory learning—under the tutelage of others—about what “I can” do. It is a time that stresses the dignity and character of relationships with others. Ages 21-30 applies the “I can” lessons from our child-rearing years toward developing goals and plans. At this stage we envision and dream about great things to accomplish with our lives. It is a season of believing.
The second stage is the season of “becoming.” From ages 31-50 years we are taking our applied lessons and turning them into “I will.” We come to realize that to accomplish the dreams and goals we developed in our 20s requires latching on to mentors and fathers (or mothers) who have been there and can take us further than our limited experience. We find these mentors in books and through networks in our fields of interest. And by the time we’ve reached our 40s, we’ve been through a few obstacles and difficulties that have prepared us to handle more. We have failed at some things, but know we are not failures. We have succeeded at some things, but know those successes are not final. This is the season of hoping.
The third stage is the season of “building.” From ages 51- 70 years we are taking the experiences from our careers, life, and family and turning them into this is who “I am.” We take our “secureness” in what we became during the last 20 years and begin to pour back into the generation behind us. We have gone from being mentored to becoming a mentor, a coach, or father. We begin our legacy of sowing into sons and daughters. That’s what I do now, and that’s what I am so excited about at this stage in my life—as an older man. It is also a season of loving.
The fourth stage is the season of “bequeathing.” From age 71 years and on, we are giving away the wisdom and counsel we learned from our mentors, the people we mentored, and the experiences of life and family—all from the highly advantaged position of “hindsight.” This is not the time to close up shop; it is the time where you can say, “I give!” We encourage the younger visionary to take command of the ship and cheer them on to finish their voyage well. This is the season of grace.
No matter which season you are in—it is an important time for you, and vital to the plans God has to use every bit of your life to contribute to the generations behind you. So, as an older man, my advice to you is to look at your life through God’s eyes, guard it and your heart well, maintain your health through diet and exercise, hold on to your passion for adventure, and keep learning. You will never know everything there is to know, no matter how old you are. It is in learning that we discover more amazing truths and acquire more wisdom to pass onto others.
Jay Zinn