Thank You For Being Late, Really.

Retirees Unique Wisdom of Experience in the Digital Age

I picked up Thomas Friedman's “Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations” since the title caught my eye.  Most people would not want to show gratitude or thank someone for making them wait.  However, being forced to slow down while the world spins, evolves and reacts at an unprecedented pace is not a bad thing. I believe that our generation brings a unique perspective to the age of accelerating technology and warp speed reactions – blending the wisdom of a slower, emotionally grounded life with new enabling technology.

The Power of Adaptability With Perspective

Our generation has a compelling advantage here. We've transitioned from analog to digital, from rotary phones to smartphones. The key is cultivating an adaptable mindset that embraces new experiences while valuing our bridge to the past. Friedman advises to "Always be in beta: Always be in the state of mind of a beginner, and always be ready to start anew." This experience gives us valuable perspective – appreciating technology's benefits while recognizing its limitations and shadows.

Balancing Screens and Real-World Engagement

The digital age offers gains for retirees, including long-distance family connections and learning platforms. However, it also brings losses like reduced spontaneous social interactions.

For younger generations, the digital landscape presents its own set of gains (global connectivity, niche communities) and losses (decreased interpersonal communication depth, higher anxiety). 

I think everyone can appreciate the value of balancing new tools with timeless human connection. For example:

- Using AI tools to explore ideas, then enriching them through real-world conversations infused with curiosity for deeper insight and color

- Enjoying a sunset with a photo to preserve the beauty without dimming the moment by going into Instagram and posting it immediately

- Appreciating online shopping convenience while stopping by a local bookstore to chat with someone about their reflection on a new book

The Dopamine See-Saw

However, this balance is tricky. With the ubiquitous mobile phone and the very convenient Dopamine triggering social platforms, the impact on our brains has emerged as a key concern.  For kids and young adults,  the ability (skill) to sit with quietness, boredom and low stimulation is severely diminished.   There is still work to be done to prove a causal relationship is 100% accurate. However, there is anecdotal evidence everywhere that we are less connected in person and have a lot more difficulty simply being present contributes to poor mental health on a large scale. 

The Power of Presence: A Retirement Calling for Baby Boomers and GenXers

I believe that a potential role for the retired generation is to provide nuanced guidance and be an example of strong connected relationships and actively be unplugged (for some period of time).  Pulling kids and young adults into the mode that we grew up with could enrich their lives in ways that can make a difference. 

Here are a few ideas:

1. Mentor younger generations on balanced technology use - not by nagging or criticizing but by showing

2. Share perspectives blending technological efficiency with human wisdom

3. Create time for meaningful, uninterrupted conversations 

4. Incorporate screen-free play into life - pull out those Uno cards or learn to play Codebreaker. Or, as Dr. Andrew Huberman likes to say “sand castles, not selfies”.

Through these activities, our generation can make a difference by:

• Fostering emotional intelligence through face-to-face interactions

• Encouraging conflict resolution through open communication

• Cultivating deeper listening skills with fewer digital distractions

• Reinforcing how to read non-verbal cues and body language

• Demonstrating how to  process emotions through sustained, uninterrupted conversations

• Teaching  greater tolerance for slower-moving experiences

Until I started to spend time with our grandkids, I hadn’t put a lot of thought into our generation's unique perspective and how it is a valuable asset in this rapidly changing world. We can embrace change and new technologies while also appreciating the timeless aspects of human connection, natural beauty and quiet.

The next time someone is late (ok, maybe not too late), thank them.  Allowing you to gain some time to let your brain wonder and tap into your creative mind for a minute is a gift. A respite from our hyperconnected, screen-laden world that is overflowing with stimuli.

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