The conversation that I want to start

It’s about how we see ourselves through a full lifetime and what we do about that vision

As I mentioned in my very first, short post defining AGE & Grace – and here in this post about how I arrived to this view – I see three classic storylines about how our lives unfold which need to be challenged by us as individuals and by the wider industries that serve us:

1. Relevance. If we want to be relevant our whole lives, we ought to start practicing much earlier. It is up to us to stay relevant – to know we matter – not slip into ideas about how life goes that were created in the 1940s. We can consciously build structure and purpose that evolve with us. Challenge our vision(s). I am especially intrigued with developing strengths that keep us cool, that help us even become cooler over time. Humor and lightness combined with self-knowledge. That is the timeless combination.
2. Hero community. I also want to discuss the value of establishing a small network around us in which we recognize each other as heroes: a Hero Community. I’ll throw out there what is a hero in this definition and how you become one, find one. What I’ve seen is that it can be even more heroic to ask for help than to give it. We will talk about why. As in literary nonfiction, we create character and strength when we develop an ability to share our own story. This small network can evolve and enhance your life in its authenticity. Be there when you need it. Bring a laugh, a smile. And with a few good questions, is actually quite easy to start.
3. Design for independence. And finally, its time to design products to use in our homes now that will also serve us as we get older. Products we want in our homes for their comfort and beauty, plus usefulness. This is a long-term part of the AGE & Grace vision: we deserve better design. A few of us are creating an example to stimulate your own thinking. Will describe it when ready. To be clear: I will NOT later try to sell you designs. Whoever makes them will sell them. I want to provide a path to help us get there. Some thought-provoking inspiration via writing and exchange. It starts with us as consumers. Time to get past the “help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” era!

Next up. I will dig into the theme of relevance. Our deep human desire to matter at every age. I look forward to exploring it together with you here and to reading your perspectives, as well.