Ep # 84 - Rock On: Channel Your Inner Rock Star for a Vibrant Life After Work with Dr. Sally Chivers-Storey
Joe and Dr. Sally Chivers-Storey explore the dynamics of aging, retirement, and intergenerational collaboration.
They delve into the complexities of navigating workplace tensions arising from different generational perspectives and caregiving responsibilities. Dr. Chivers-Storey emphasizes the importance of valuing the wisdom and experiences of older adults, challenging ageist beliefs, and fostering intergenerational spaces where individuals of all ages can learn from each other and contribute meaningfully to society.
What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode
Generational Tensions and Collaboration: The podcast addresses generational tensions in the workplace and suggests that while different age groups may have varying work ethics and approaches, there's much to learn from each other. Intergenerational collaboration, facilitated through mentorship programs and topic-based engagements, can bridge these gaps and foster mutual learning.
Transition into Retirement: They discuss the challenges and implications of older employees transitioning into retirement, emphasizing the loss of valuable knowledge and experience. The conversation extends to the importance of finding ways to keep older employees engaged, even post-retirement, through flexible work arrangements and continued involvement in activities.
Redefining Retirement: Retirement is portrayed as a stage for reinvention rather than a stopping of activity. Examples like forming fantasy bands or pursuing long-held interests showcase how retirement can be a time for personal fulfillment and exploration, challenging traditional notions of retirement.
Combatting Ageist Beliefs: The podcast advocates for resisting internalizing ageist beliefs and stereotypes. It emphasizes the need to challenge negative messaging about aging, ignore fear-based narratives, and focus on personal values and pursuits to combat ageism within oneself.
Creating an Age-Embracing Society: The ideal vision includes fostering intergenerational spaces and promoting positive representations of aging in society. By celebrating diversity, valuing experiences, and challenging stereotypes, society can create an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages feel valued and respected.
Ideas Worth Sharing
"There's actually a lot to learn from each other if we took a step back from the ageism that pervades stereotypes."
"You can honor the long-held wisdom and while supporting someone new into the workplace."
"Slowing down isn't happening because you're old. It's happening because you need a rest or because you've always wanted to sit on your couch."
"I'm still going. I'm still able, I'm still physically capable. I still matter. I'm still engaged."
Resources in this Episode
5 Ways to Bust Myths About Aging and Reimagine Retirement
Dr. Sally-Chivers-Storey from the Wrinkle Radio podcast observes that dominant cultural messaging encourages us to be afraid of growing older. Yet the lived experiences of older adults reveal many reasons to look forward to later life stages. Retirement and aging may intersect, but they aren’t always the same. With an open and empowered mindset, we can bust myths about aging and reimagine retirement as a time of reinvention, play, and pursuing lifelong passions.
Technology Use
A common stereotype holds that older adults struggle with adopting new technologies. For instance, the sudden shift to videoconferencing during the pandemic gave rise to ageist jokes about seniors failing to mute themselves on calls. However, Dr'. Chivers-Storey argues that many older people have already adapted to tremendous technological change over the years. She cites her own experience as a 52-year-old professor, noting that the internet barely existed when she began her PhD. Though a "quick adopter," her facility with new technology has little correlation to her age.
Intergenerational Workplaces
Rather than resorting to assumptions about generational divides, Dr. Chivesr-Storey suggests that today's multigenerational workplaces have much to learn from one another. She points to caregiving responsibilities as an example, noting that Gen X employees may need to provide elder care and childcare simultaneously. In this case, stereotypically "Gen Z" ideas about taking breaks when needed could prove useful to someone in their 40s or 50s. By focusing on knowledge-sharing around topics rather than ages, companies can enable this kind of intergenerational collaboration. Mentorship programs could pair less experienced employees with longtime experts, not based on age, but specialized skill sets.
Gradual Transitions
Joe shares an example from his client base of someone who slowly reduced their working hours over three years as they approached full retirement. This gradual transition prevented an abrupt shock to the person's daily rhythms and routines. It also created space for them to pass on knowledge and contacts to the next generation taking over their role. Companies would do well to facilitate phased retirements. And on an individual level, people can make the most of flexible arrangements like these.
Lifelong Passions
D. Chivers-Storey remarks that some boomers who longed to be rock stars or musicians since the Beatles and Ed Sullivan finally have the time and money to buy guitars and form bands in retirement. This explosion of "fantasy bands" epitomizes the reinvention we see in retirement today, as compared to earlier generations merely taking up hobbies to pass time. Beyond music, many pursue artistic passions or even new careers after leaving decades-long jobs. Retirement no longer means an end to personal growth and adventure.
Rather than internalizing fear-based messaging about decline, we can consciously tune out such ageist noise from advertisements, social media, and more. Instead of following one-size-fits-all tips for health in older age, reconnect with your core values first. If physical activity aligns with your values, then adjust general advice to your needs and abilities. For overall well-being, consider research on "Blue Zones" where older adults enjoy longevity and quality of life. But remember no single lifestyle change produces the full picture.
Finally, remain open to learning, the same as when you were younger. The old saying may hold that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but the neural pathways in our brains continue forming no matter our age. In fact, the wisdom we accrue over the years can make older adults better students when they pursue formal education later in life. Curiosity and courage will serve you well.