Why seeking new challenges may provide opportunities for rewarding growth

Q. I retired after 50 years in a most rewarding profession. I reveled in the challenges that were presented. Although I continue to have a schedule of satisfying activities, I am looking for the next new challenge. It is not easy. Any suggestions? A.B.

When the term “challenge” is used with older adults, it often refers to those with age-related declines. They may face challenges of declining health, mobility, strength and hearing to name a few. This is true but not the entire story.

Focusing only on challenges that are age-related assumes the “challenge days” for older adults are over. Clearly, that’s not the case.

Let’s refine the term and look at several possible components: passion, purpose, opportunity and accomplishment. Highlighting each one may make finding the next challenge a little clearer. 

Passion: Passion is an emotion, an overwhelming feeling. It has been defined as a focused desire, a powerful feeling of enthusiasm that might include a cause, person or an activity with a strong desire to engage. Some may have difficulty in identifying their passion. Terms such as “joy, “pleasure,” and “excitement” might be more relatable. Note: I don’t recall the term “passion” being used when I was growing up. 

Purpose: This is the “why,” the underlying reason something is being done or created. Having a purpose is the reason to get up in the morning; it’s what you care about. And it is related to longevity. An article published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found that having a high sense of purpose is associated with a reduced risk for all causes of death. In other words, “those who have a sense of purpose live longer than those who don’t.” 

Opportunity: Find that opportunity and empty space. That could be a societal need or a personal desire, such as becoming an expert in a craft or the arts. Opportunities may become apparent by engaging in an industry or professional network. Also consider exploring one’s social connections and having conversations with folks you find interesting and inspiring. Relationships may be a key. 

Accomplishments: That could be a personal accomplishment such as running a 10K race, learning a new language or joining a chorus. Accomplishments could be for the greater good that could include developing a plan to feed the homeless, becoming involved in environmental concerns or running for public office. 

We have many examples of those who mastered challenges in their later years. Here are just a few.

At age 69, Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite having life-threatening heart disease, she helped those who were sick poor, dying and disaster victims in Calcutta. During the last years of her life with severe health problems, she continued to lead her “Missions of Charity” that grew to 4,000 members and 610 foundations in 123 countries. 

Near his 70th birthday, Peter Mark Roget was forced to retire from the Royal Society, a group of esteemed scientists in London. He returned to his long-term interest in the scientific order of words compiling a list of words with similar meaning. As a result, he created “Roget’s Thesaurus,” considered one of the most enduring sets of reference materials. 

And then there is Grandma Moses, who began painting at age 76 because her arthritic hands could no longer hold a crochet needle. Without formal art training, she produced more than 1,000 paintings in 25 years. Her works are in museums in Washington, New York, Chicago and abroad. =

Benjamin Franklin went to school up to the age of 10. In his adult life, he was known as a printmaker, publisher and inventor. At age 70, he signed the Declaration of Independence and worked with the Continental Congress to write the U.S. Constitution, signing it at age 81. 

Not all of us want to or are able to mirror the accomplishments of these examples. Yet each offers an inspiring message of possibilities with the message that is never too late. 

Here are a few points to consider. 

• Consider what excites you.
• Recall something you always wanted to do, but did not do it for various reasons.
• If you don’t have the skills or knowledge to address that challenge, prepare by engaging in relevant training and education. 
• Stay informed. That might be happenings in your community, profession or in an area that piques your curiosity. 
• Look at your existing connections and contacts. 
• Speak with others who are doing things that intrigue you. 
• Remain curious, explore and take a risk. 

Thank you, A.B., for your “challenging” question. Stay well and know that kindness is the best gift one can give. 

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity.