As I approach my 60th birthday, being an "elder in training" has recently become a prominent topic. I was honoured to be interviewed by the esteemed online publication Mamamia, who was keen to explore this concept.
Additionally, I am organising our first international retreat on intentional elderhood, which will take place in October 2026 in Africa.
As I delved deeper into the topic, I noticed a common thread among those who grow to become wise elders: their remarkable ability to adapt to life's challenges. This realisation ties in seamlessly with one of our February themes, adaptability.
In the rich tapestry of African cultures, elders hold a revered and respected position in society. As wisdom keepers and advisors, they are called upon to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights with their communities. But the role of an elder is not simply granted—it is earned through a lifetime of learning, growth, and intentional preparation. At the heart of this journey is adaptability.
Adaptability is a key aspect of becoming an elder because it equips us with the skills and resilience needed to navigate life's challenges, embrace change, and, ultimately, share our wisdom with others. In African traditions, elders are honoured for their age and ability to adapt, grow, and continuously share valuable life lessons.
I believe we can begin cultivating adaptability to prepare ourselves for our future roles as elders at any age, and here are some ways to start:
Embrace continuous learning: Our curiosity and thirst for knowledge should never wane as we age. We grow in wisdom and understanding by actively seeking new experiences and learning from them.
Overcome resistance to change: Change is a constant in life, and resistance to it can hinder our personal growth. When we face change with an open mind and a willing spirit, we demonstrate adaptability and strengthen our capacity to guide others through life's transitions.
Practice self-reflection: Reflecting on our experiences allows us to gain valuable insights and learn from our mistakes. This cultivates humility and wisdom—essential traits of an esteemed elder.
Build resilience through adversity: Challenges and hardships are inevitable, but they can be our most outstanding teachers. By facing adversity with courage and tenacity, we develop resilience and a wealth of wisdom to share with future generations.
Nurture empathy and connection: A key role of elders is to offer guidance and support to others. By cultivating empathy and meaningful connections with those around us, we become better equipped to serve our communities in this capacity.
Becoming an elder is a lifelong journey rooted in adaptability and personal growth. Embracing continuous learning, overcoming resistance to change, practising self-reflection, building resilience, and developing empathy, we prepare ourselves to one day serve as respected and cherished elders within our communities. This role is an honour to fulfil, and I look forward to it wholeheartedly.
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