Aging gracefully: it’s easier said than done.
From the 6-year-old who insists on being described as 6 ¾ to the forty-something obsessing over a new grey hair, none of us have an easy time dealing with the fact that we are always, always aging.
Fortunately, it seems like there’s always somebody older and wiser right around the corner waiting to dole out advice, occasionally even in the form of a really awesome song. Personally, I’m a big believer in living better through the experiences of others, even if they’re just the tiniest bit wiser.
As a big sister to two teenaged siblings, I love offering unsolicited words of wisdom whenever possible, mostly out of a desire to spare my siblings my mistakes. In turn, I like begging parents, mentors, and friends for their own experiences, in the vain hope that it will prevent me from doing something silly.
Canada’s CBC has a similar appreciation for the power of turning to someone older and wiser—like this clever grandma with the most brilliant insight ever—when you need advice. In celebration of the end of one of their long-running programs, the broadcasting company decided to ask people what advice they would give to someone just a tiny bit younger than them.
We rounded up some of our favorite pieces of advice from every age group. Rest assured, even the under-ten set have some ideas that just about everyone can benefit from. But if you want the ultimate piece of advice, watch the video. They saved the best for last!
WireTap: How to Age Gracefully
CBC Radio's WireTap is saying farewell. In this special video message, people of all ages offer words of wisdom to their younger counterparts.
Posted by CBC Radio on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
1. "No matter what anyone says, stay weird!" — an 8-year-old
2. "Don't get involved with the 'popular kids.' They're narcissistic capitalists that know nothing about politics." — a 12-year-old
3. "Just because it's an all-you-can-eat buffet, doesn't mean that should eat all you can."—a 20-year-old
4. "Always be kind to your family. You'll need each other when things get tough." — a 34-year-old
5. "Stop caring so much about what other people will think. They're not thinking about you at all." — a 47-year-old
6. "It's never too late to try something new." — two 72-year-olds
7. "Spend all your money! Otherwise, your kids are going to do it for you." — an 85-year-old
If you loved these pearls of wisdom — especially the last one — please SHARE on Facebook, and let us know if you have any advice of your own to add!
