Older but Wiser

I might be getting older but I am not dead. Aging is an inevitable part of life, but sometimes it feels like society has missed the memo that growing older is a privilege, not a liability. As I navigate the later stages of my career and life, I've noticed a troubling pattern: being older can sometimes make you feel invisible. People don't see or hear you the same way anymore. It's as if wisdom and experience suddenly have an expiration date.

 For those of you who have been following my recent posts, I am on a bit of a crusade on Ageism. Not just for myself but to be a voice for those afraid to speak up. There have been times when my voice in meetings, once respected and sought after, is now overshadowed by younger, less-experienced colleagues. Questions I could answer in my sleep are redirected elsewhere, as if my years of hard-earned knowledge no longer count. It's not just in professional spaces either; this subtle disregard happens in everyday life. A cashier might bypass my presence to serve someone younger. A tech support call may devolve into an assumption that I’m "too old to get it." It’s as though society equates age with irrelevance.

One of the most painful realities of aging in the workforce is being passed over for opportunities—not because of a lack of skill or willingness, but simply because I’ve been around longer. I’ve been overlooked for leadership roles that I’ve trained others to step into. Promotions that seemed tailor-made for my expertise were handed to someone who, by all measures, still had much to learn. It’s disheartening to realize that, in many cases, assumptions about age overshadow proven capabilities. 

This marginalization stems from a lack of respect for wisdom, a quality that comes only with time and experience. Wisdom isn’t about knowing the latest TikTok trend or being able to master the newest software at lightning speed. It’s about understanding people, navigating challenges with grace, and drawing from a deep well of lessons learned. Wisdom is the steady hand in a storm, the voice of reason when decisions must be made, and the foundation for mentoring the next generation. And yet, in a culture that worships youth, wisdom often goes unnoticed, undervalued, or worse, dismissed.

But let me be clear: being older is not a bad thing. Far from it! I would argue that age is an asset—one that too many overlook. Aging brings perspective, patience, and a clarity that’s hard to achieve in your younger years. It’s a stage of life where you’ve weathered the storms, celebrated the triumphs, and gained the ability to see the bigger picture. The confidence and self-assuredness that come with age are liberating. I’m not chasing trends; I’m standing firm in my identity, rooted in the values and lessons that have shaped me. 

Being older also means being a keeper of stories, a bridge between generations, and a living example that life doesn’t lose its value—it deepens with time. I see my age not as a barrier but as a badge of honor. Sure, I might move a little slower some days, and maybe I need my reading glasses more than I’d like, but I also bring a wealth of experience and insight to every conversation and decision. On the Pickleball court I am able to turn my age and wisdom into an advantage by anticipating a shot or return based on thousands of previous shots...I am able to make up for a lost step with anticipation and response that can only come with playing time and experience. It is that same wisdom from life experiences that can be used in any situation...at home or at work.

So, to those who might dismiss us simply because we’ve seen a few more sunrises: don’t count us out. We may be older, but we are far from finished—our wisdom, resilience, and perspective are invaluable, and it's time the world started recognizing that….Older but Wiser!