I don’t consider myself old, but in years I’m pushing 70 and that’s a scary thought. I never imagined I would see this age, so it feels like foreign territory. Fortunately, I had very good mentors, elders who showed me how they stayed young, relevant and active as they aged. It may be easier for some people than others, but I’m trying to stay vibrant – at least in heart and mind.

Although my mentors have passed on, I’m still learning lessons from their lives as well as discovering my own insights. Below is what I wish a grandparent had told me when I was a teen or young adult. I don’t have grandchildren yet, but someday I hope to share this with them.

Staying Relevant at Any Age

1. Align in heart and mind with your own core values first before venturing into the world of relationships and endless things to do. That means, know what motivates and inspires you, and what is most important to you. Never give up on that.
2.  Get a good education. We learn from the past so we can build a better today and tomorrow on that foundation. Don’t go into a profession for the money, go into it because it’s a good fit for you, it’s a way that you can contribute something of value. If you’re not happy with the work you’re doing it will destroy you.
3. Forget about the “happily ever after” fairy tales and the “get rich quick” schemes, life doesn’t work that way. Don’t waste time pursuing superficial success. Happiness is what you create by living from the inside out. Love life, love others, love yourself – in all circumstances.
4. Always stop and reexamine where you’re going and what you’re doing when your life feels like it’s a mess. It doesn’t always have to be perfect but it’s important to learn from what’s not working.
5. What you learn in high school and college will soon become outdated, so keep learning. Your mind will only deteriorate if you let it get lazy or uninspired.
6. Make a lifelong habit of taking care of your physical health through good nutrition and exercise while you’re young. Don’t take your youth for granted, it doesn’t last forever.
7. Make a lifelong habit of some type of spiritual practice that fits your personality. It doesn’t have to be a religion or a specific belief; just find a way to connect with the source of unconditional acceptance and love.
8. Stay humble, there is so much we don’t know or can’t comprehend now. Humility creates openness to learning and growth – the evolution of the human heart and mind.