Approaching the final week at my current job had me thinking a lot about what I have learned from all the wonderful people there. I have worked with those eligible for Medicare (aka elderly/wise/experienced) a lot in the past, but never every single day and every hour of every day as I have in the last 4 years. I never thought I would have been there for that long, 4 years goes really fast when trying to have a baby, then having a baby, then deciding you want to chase your career dreams.
Here are 3 (of many) lessons I have learned and think all of us need to start copying from those 80+.
The Art of the Introduction
This is an art form that has disappeared. The art of introducing one person you know to another person you know. Seems so easy but NO ONE does it anymore. Then we walk away trying to guess who that other person was, or the awkward “I just saw you and am running into you again but I didn’t get introduced so now I’m going to just pretend I don’t see you”. If you are having a conversation with person A, and person B approaches, immediately introduce person A to person B. You will be so pleased with how much easier this makes the conversation, that there are a lot of connections that will be made (6 degrees of Kevin Bacon lol). There are countless occasions where I have been introduced to someone and then shockingly ran into them again. That connection is priceless and goes along with my general goal to make the world a better place!
Take Care of your Feet
Those over 80 have learned the hard way, get good shoes! You get what you pay for. Your feet take a huge burden every.single.day.of.your.life so let’s keep them as happy as you can while you are trying to reach your 10,000 steps on your FitBit! I’ve seen some of the scariest toes and feet you can imagine. Take care of your feet! Avoid high heels (with the exception of date night or girls night out when you need to feel sassy). Wear shoes that have enough room for your toes to spread out. Take your shoes off at the end of your day and let your feet stretch! Let the toes BREATHE PLEASE!!!
Sunscreen- Wear it.
Every time I would meet a man or woman with excellent complexion, I would ask them what products they used on their face. I have seen women & men in their 90’s without a wrinkle-it IS possible people!! Hydration (including drinking enough water) and sun protection. From cheap olive oil to the expensive Lancome creams, hydrate your face and then SPF it. Easy.