While strolling along the river’s still-frozen shoreline with Sir Beaumont the Sheepadoodle, a thought struck me with the suddenness of the squirrel that had crash-landed on our deck this morning, scrambling for an escape. This thought – “Why are you so concerned about aging, Louise?” – whirled through my mind, refusing to settle despite my efforts to focus on the present.

It was relentless. As if possessed a life of its own, operating independently from my conscious self. Ever experience that? When your mind feels detached, a whirlwind of thoughts you can’t seem to control?

Right. And there I am wandering off topic. Back to the present…

The crux of my concern isn’t so much the personal fear of aging. It’s about our societal attitudes towards aging and how these collective perceptions shape not only our individual beliefs but our experiences as we age. They influence how we see ourselves, our abilities to contribute and find meaning, and our place within families, communities, and society at large.

Society’s view on aging deeply affects our personal viewpoints, beliefs and actions.

But there’s more to it than societal perceptions. The frequency and tone of portrayals of aging in advertising, movies, social media, and other media forms often diminishes as we grow older, making us feel invisible or irrelevant. This invisibility, this sense of being wrong for aging, is deeply concerning.

In my time working in the homeless-serving sector, I strived to change narratives individuals experiencing homelessness, our perceptions of homelessness and how we support those living it. I made an impact.

Now, as an older adult, I’m dedicated to altering perceptions around aging. My mission is to rekindle a sense of wonder and power in living and aging, encouraging individuals to embrace this journey fuelled by the knowledge they are not irrelevant or without agency. Our wisdom, experience, contributions make a difference.

So yes, I do ponder on aging a lot. Not out of fear, but out of love.

Aging comes with its set of unknowns and changes. However, I’d rather meet these changes head-on, actively participating in my own aging process, than hide away, passively awaiting the end.

I aspire to live each day fully, infusing every moment with wonder, awe, and curiosity. To keep unfolding my dream of a world where every life has value, no matter their age, origin or fairth. Let my every breath be a testament to a life lived beyond the confines of complacency, striving always to create better.

Let my every act inspire others to take action to engage with their aging in love with their dreams unfolding and their life well-lived.

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If you are interested in learning more about how to age with passion, purpose and pizzazz, join me on April 12 at 9am MT, for my 90 minute free masterclass, Radiant Bold Aging. (Click on image below to register)