Approaching 95 years of age, Mrs. Santos finally decided it was time to give up her apartment in New York and move to Miami. She was given the name of a Florida realtor, who enthusiastically drove her all over Miami, extolling the virtues of every apartment they looked at.
“And this one, what a steal,” he rhapsodized, “the investment of a lifetime. Why, in ten years, it will be worth three times…”
“Sonny,” interrupted Mrs. Santos, “I don’t even buy green bananas at my age.”Why do real estate agents put their pictures on business cards, Facebook pages, websites, billboards, bus stops, postcards, vehicle wraps, yard signs and printed ads?
So you’ll know what they looked like 10 years ago.
When a reporter approached him, an older man relaxed at his hundredth birthday party. “Sir, what is the secret of your long life?”
The man considered this momentarily and then replied, “Every day at 9 p.m. I have a glass of wine. It’s good for the heart, I’ve heard.”
The reporter replied, “That’s ALL?”
The man smiled, “That, and cancelling my trip on Titanic.”
Have you seen those highway billboard ads featuring anti-aging, anti-wrinkle face cream? I have always wondered why they get young models under 20 to model it.
In a world often fixated on youth and early achievement, the stories of individuals who defied age-related stereotypes to achieve greatness stand as beacons of inspiration. From culinary icons to literary luminaries, these remarkable individuals embarked on transformative journeys later in life, proving that age is not a barrier to reinvention and success.
Take, for instance, Julia Child, whose culinary career indeed took flight in her late 30s. With her groundbreaking television show “The French Chef,” she introduced French cuisine to American audiences and inspired countless home cooks, becoming a household name in her 50s.
Similarly, Vera Wang, after a successful career in figure skating and fashion editing, launched her eponymous fashion label specializing in bridal wear at the age of 40, solidifying her status as one of the world’s most renowned bridal designers.
Then there’s Colonel Harland Sanders, whose journey as the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) began at 65.
Despite a lifetime of various jobs, including steam engine stoker and insurance salesman, Sanders’ savvy marketing skills and secret fried chicken recipe led to KFC’s global success. And who could forget Laura Ingalls Wilder, who didn’t publish her first book in the “Little House” series until her 60s, captivating readers with her nostalgic tales of pioneer life? These individuals remind us that age is not a barrier but a springboard for reinvention and achievement.
But why do so many of us hesitate to embrace change, especially as we age? Epictetus wisely noted, “People are not disturbed by things but by the view they take of them.” The fear of inadequacy or the comfort of familiarity may hold us back. Age, in particular, can be a perceived limitation, with outdated views dictating when and how we should transform our lives.
Yet, as the workforce demographics evolve and our working lifetimes expand, it’s time for a fresh perspective. The self-limiting belief that age constrains our capacity for growth is precisely that – a belief. While the transformation journey may differ across generations, the potential for change remains universal. It’s about challenging the false assumptions about age and recognizing the inherent capacity within each of us to reinvent ourselves.
Indeed, the path to reinvention may be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but it is also filled with boundless opportunities for growth and fulfillment. As we navigate the complexities of our professional journeys, let us heed the examples set by these remarkable individuals. Let us embrace change with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in our ability to defy expectations and write our success stories.
Ultimately, age is not a determinant of our potential but a testament to our resilience and adaptability. Pursuing our passions, charting new paths and making a meaningful impact on the world is always possible. So, let us cast aside the shackles of age-related limitations and embark on the transformative journey of reinvention, knowing that greatness knows no age.
Francis Kong’s “Inspiring Excellence” podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms.
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