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Tips for Finding a Fulfilling Third Age Identity and Direction

Tips for Finding a Fulfilling Third Age Identity and Direction

1. Third Age is about "becoming", stepping into your whole person and growing as you explore those interests and dreams that are deeply personal to you. You must be willing to let go of what you know to allow a new vision and direction to emerge. This takes time, faith, and reflective thought. Don't give in to the urge to fill up space by "doing for doing's sake"; allow yourself time and space for reflection and exploration.

2. Be willing to let go of the habits and markers of success associated with your Second Age roles. Consider how you might redefine success, by asking yourself these questions: What is most important to me? What legacy do I want to leave?

3. Pay attention to the cultural imprints about aging that may be keeping you from considering and embracing the journey into the Third Age. Begin to change your images of aging by creating a personal "gallery of elders" who particularly inspire you.

4. You may have spent much of your youth "learning", and much of your adulthood "doing". There probably has been little time for "just being". Consider the mix of learning, doing, and being that will best serve your vision for who you wish to become in Third Age.

5. Think of your life as being a starburst rather than a linear progression. There is no singular "fixed and correct" direction. What are all the directions and interests you might explore?

6. Finally, recognize that it is natural, and okay, to want something more or different and that the journey to find it can be challenging. Talk to others and seek support. There are many resources out there to help you figure out what's next for you - friends, family, life coaches, workshops, and more. The approach doesn't matter what does matter is recognizing that you have choices and taking advantage of them.

Melita DeBellis
Turning-Point-Coaching
Life, Business & Career Coach
(802) 434-6600