Breaking Barriers: Empowering Older Adults and Embracing the Transitions of Aging

Aging is often perceived through a narrow lens, with many younger generations viewing older adults as fragile, forgetful, or less capable. However, this view overlooks the richness of life experience and the potential for growth at every stage of life. While, Sulamith Wülfing, a german artist, portrayed (see above) the young child viewing an older adult with her meticulous and mellifluous artistry, older adults are far from this image.

Aging is not a decline but a transition filled with potential, and by breaking down the limitations imposed on older adults—especially in relation to conditions like dementia—we can create a more inclusive, respectful, and empowering future for all ages.

Society's perception of aging can limit the opportunities and potential of older adults, however we can shift this narrative to uplift, empower, and inspire both generations. Let me repeat this: we can inspire, uplift, encourage, and empower. Not only in our daily lives, personal relationships, no, we can also begin living this creed within healthcare, medical, home care, and education. As a woman centimeters to age 60, the beautiful transitions I am experiencing are divine and so glorious bringing with me knowledge, experience, wisdom (to some degree), a sense of self, and a fabulous regard for my interior and exterior beauty.

The Transitions of Aging: A New Chapter of Possibilities

Aging is not just about physical changes but emotional, social, and cognitive shifts. It’s an evolving journey inviting new experiences, self-reflection, and growth.

Many view aging as a loss—of independence, physical abilities, and memory. However, this perception needs reframing. Adults today are experiencing longer lives and have begun regarding health, wellbeing, and purpose, in new approaches with new beginnings. Adults, beyond age 60, are still vivacious, developing intimacy and relationships. Roughly, 11 million adults, aged 65 and older, are employed and 13 million volunteer, supporting vulnerable populations and engaging in social issues. A sense of purpose is felt for adults in their 60s.

As someone turning 60 this year, I am far from retiring and in fact, the word "retire" is not in my vocabulary. My work in the field is growing globally, I am excited about travel, writing books, beginning a campaign to run 5Ks this year, and am giving back to society. No!

This chapter of my life, and for many others, is a marvelous transition feeling excited, perhaps a bit nervous, and contented with a chapter of possibilities.

The Limiting Viewpoints of Younger Generations

Younger generations often see older adults as fragile or dependent. This perspective can limit older individuals' independence and agency, pushing them into roles of dependency they might not actually need. Example: Older adults in retirement communities or caregiving facilities may be treated as incapable without exploring the possibility of independence or social engagement. Even adults diagnosed with a form of dementia, hobbies, purpose, enjoyment, and fun, is critical and is needed.

Empowerment for older adults with dementia.

Reversing this stereotype involves focusing on what older adults can do, not what they can’t. Physical health, mental well-being, and independent living are experienced by 83% of older adults. Even with a form of dementia, movement, health, and purpose CAN be had.

There’s often an assumption that older generations are out of touch with modern technology or trends, when in reality, many are learning and thriving in digital spaces. Example: Older adults embracing social media, online learning, or digital tools to stay connected with loved ones and engage with their interests.

I encourage intergenerational learning, where younger people can help share their tech skills with older adults, and also celebrate the wisdom and perspective older adults bring. Often, I refer to Plato (400 B.C.) as he thought of aging inclusive of wisdom and sharing knowledge with younger generations. In addition to Plato, Cicero, Erickson, Piaget, and other historical figures regarded older adults with experiential acuity, social engagement, and a lifetime of supporting the younger generations. Older generations have built roadways, technology, infrastructures, and provided education and created new approaches that younger generations are enjoying.

While I can write / speak for hours on the beauty of aging, I will leave you with this thought:

My patients with a form of dementia, while in the end stages of life, always spoke of only one purpose in life. Even after a lifetime of work, paying taxes, challenges, divorce, only one element was left for each patient to share with me...

Love.

To give and receive Love.

In my own words, Love with your whole heart, so even the blind can see it.

Dr. Holzner