I am not retiring yet. I could retire, but I am not ready. I'm not good at golf and not a big fan of fishing. And there are only so many home projects to do. I want to stay relevant in the world of work.
When you work in a younger professional world, there are challenges when you have gray hair, ample wrinkles and a sore back. People start assuming you’re slowing down, thinking about retirement or stepping aside to make room for the next generation.
But here’s the truth: age doesn’t automatically put you on the sidelines. If you approach it right, your 60s and 70s (and beyond) can be some of the most exciting and rewarding years in your career.
I’ve learned that staying young in business isn’t about Botox, running marathons or pretending you’re 30 again. It’s about keeping my mind, energy and attitude sharp. Here’s what helps me (and might help you, too):
The quickest way to feel old is to stop learning. I read constantly, take online courses and talk to the best young successful people. The world moves fast — new tech, new tools, new ways of thinking. If you stay curious, you stay relevant in business (and in life). I believe curiosity is the best anti-aging agent in a career.
I’m not coding apps or building robots, but I make sure I understand the tools that matter today. AI, automation and social media are today's engines in business. (Believe me, I came from the now old print media industry. You know how that's going and why I left.) I reach out to younger colleagues (or my son) to walk me through things I need to learn. I don't believe asking for help is a weakness — it’s smart. Plus, once you “get it,” you can combine decades of business experience with fresh tools. That’s powerful.
When heading to the office for a Zoom call, I tell my wife that I am: "Going to meet the kids..." Spending time with younger professionals keeps you fresh. They see the world differently. They challenge your assumptions. They show you trends before they become mainstream. I like to think of it as reverse mentoring — sure, I can share wisdom with them, but they’re teaching me too.
This one’s simple: you can’t show up strong in business if you’re dragging. Sleep, exercise, decent food, stress management — it matters more now than it did at 30. Staying healthy isn’t just about living longer; it’s about showing up every day with the energy and presence people notice.
What really keeps you young isn’t the date on your birth certificate. Mental flexibility is essential. Adapt when necessary. Pivot when needed. Laugh when you don't get it right. Check your professional ego at the door. Those qualities keep you relevant. The people who get stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it” thinking get left behind, no matter their age.
Here’s the beauty of being older — you’ve seen things. You’ve been through the wins and the failures. You know how to spot red flags others miss. You can see the bigger picture when everyone else is panicking. That experience is your superpower. Pair it with openness to change, and you will always be an asset.
At the end of the day, nothing makes you feel younger than doing what you love. If you’ve lost touch with the passion that got you started, take time to reconnect with it. People can feel your enthusiasm — it’s contagious. And honestly, passion is timeless.
Staying young in business isn’t about fighting age. It’s about embracing it while refusing to get stuck.
Because here’s the truth: business doesn’t care how old you are. It cares if you bring value, energy, and ideas to the table. And at 60+, you’ve got plenty of all three.
If you want to connect with other seasoned (older than 60) professionals, let's have a conversation.