Eyes Wide Open

It is probably incredibly obvious, but I have a thing about the usefulness of age.  For too long it seems to me older age has been seen to be a liability only.  Older people were made to feel their best days were behind them, and their usefulness was a thing of the past.
It is true that old age brings limitations.  I remember talking to a young fella about the need for caution.  Yet I think sometimes that is true, and at other times it is an unnecessary impediment.  Younger people are often “I can” risk takers and often it is valid.  So is the need to be cautious in risk taking.  To channel energy.  To weigh things up before setting out on a great adventure.  Maybe the task is a bridge too far for an older person, but following in someone else’s footsteps always demands the caring for and shepherding the little uns.
I am so glad to hear talk of allowing older ones into the workforce if that is where they want to be.  It has an obvious financial advantage, but it can also provide a sense of self-worth.
Caution may be needed employing older people as often they can be set in their ways.  But a person does not need to be old to be that. 
I have been involved in volunteering for a number of years.  One year I actually got volunteer of the year in the sport I was involved in. But that was not my motivation, and I did not even know it existed.  I have for a long time been interesting in unearthing potential.  Seeing it where it may not be obvious.  Coaxing it out.
There is nothing like being older to understand an older person’s perspective.  For sure there is not the staying power of a younger person, but there is often invaluable insight.  I do not know how often I have thought “I wish they’d have taught that at school.”  There is often stuff worth hearing, born of a lifetime of experience.
All of this was brought on by my weekly email from James Clear.  I really like some of the things he was saying.
"Whatever age you are today, your future self would love to be it.  Today is a great opportunity, no matter your age. Looking back in a few years, today [can] (word choice mine) seem like … the turning point when you made a choice that benefited your future.  The moment in front of you right now is a good one. Make the most of it."
"… opportunities tend to be stumbled upon, not handed out.  If you're waiting for someone to hand deliver an excellent opportunity to you, it's unlikely to happen. But if you are exploring and moving—if you're in the mix and engaged—then you'll stumble upon many opportunities.  … Keep tilling the soil and you will occasionally unearth something wonderful."
I feel it really is a case of “if it is to be it is up to me.”  No matter the age (and opportunities may diminish) opportunities remain for young and old when looked for.