Repurpose. Don’t. Retire!
An unexpected support letter recently arrived from a new friend. At age 62, he referred to himself as being in “the gun lap” of his life and ministry. If you are not sure what a gun lap is, let me explain. In a long-distance race around a track, the starter’s pistol is fired twice. It is fired at the beginning of the race after the shouted words, “Runners, to your mark! Set! Then, Bang!” And the race is on.
It is fired again to let the runners know that they are entering the last lap of the race…the gun lap.” Using John’s analogy, if he considers himself at age 62 to be the last lap of his earthly race, what does that make me at 15 years his senior? His heart cry was to finish well assuming he had less than a decade in his gun lap. With this in mind, let me ask,
How old is old?
Stacey Riska asked,“Feeling old?” and called ‘Hogwash!” on those who have “let things slide and now believe they “can’t achieve their dreams.” In addition, Riska provided a litany of reasons older folks should truly become dream chasers.
The most productive age in human life in the U.S. is 60-70 years old. The second is from 70-80. The third is from 50-60. The average age of Nobel Prize winners is sixty-two. Of CEOs of prominent companies, 63 years. Of pastors of the 100 largest churches in the US, seventy-one. And of the popes, it is 76 years.
Moreover, a book review also published in New England Journal of Medicine found that at age 60, you reach the top of your potential, and this continues into your eighties. Then again, Riska urged, “If you are 60-70 or 70-80 you may have the best and 2nd best opportunity in your life to produce meaningful accomplishments that can leave a lasting positive legacy (Bob Fiety).”
Although this may be true, an elderly woman on Quora asked, “How old is old today?” It’s not too old to purchase anything for sale that you can afford whether a solar system, or a new car, or even a new home. Be that as it may, if a facelift is in your future, she warned, “You better schedule it by age 75,” because that was the cut-off date for her plastic surgeon to do face lifts. “If you’re my age (77),” she sighed, “you’re too old for a lift. That’s how old is old!”
One study distinguishes the young-old (60 to 69), the middle-old (70 to 79), and the very old (80+).[16]Another study’s sub-grouping is young-old (65 to 74), middle-old (75 to 84), and oldest-old (85+).[17] A third sub-grouping is young-old (65 to 74), old (74 to 84), and old-old (85+).[18]
Plan to Peak at 80
As I approached mandatory retirement at age 70, I attended my final Board of Trustees meeting at my Alma Mater, Trevecca Nazarene University. President Dr. Dan Boone had invited Dr. Ed Anderson to do Board Development training. Ed gave each of us a green card and a red one. He said he would ask questions throughout his presentation. With this in mind we were to flash our green card if we agreed, and our red card if we disagreed,
Consequently, at one point he asked, “How many of you will commit to studying how to be a better board member over the next ten years?” Many flashed green cards without a thought. That mine remained on the table did not go unnoticed by Dr. Anderson. At the break time, he sought me out.
He wondered why I did not respond. I explained that I was retiring soon. Why would a guy approaching mandatory retirement at age 70 want to keep learning about how to be a better board member he’d never serve on again? Gobsmacked, he replied, “If I were you, I’d plan to peak at 80!”
Repurpose. Don’t. Retire.
I get it now. Dr. Ed wanted me to repurpose, not retire “Repurposing is the process by which an object with one use value is transformed or redeployed as an object with an alternative use value.” This sounds as if it applies to a product or building, not to older humans. People in the gun lap need to renew their focus. It sure seems that Good is willing to repurpose anyone who wants to make a difference in the last quarter of his or her life.
Group of hikers on a mountain. Woman helping her friend to climb a rock. Young people on mountain hike at sunset.
“More is caught than taught”
The idea of becoming an intentional mentor led me to invite a dozen pastors to join me over a ten month period in a mentor group that met monthly to consider a variety of leadership themes. Seven made the commitment. That is to say, “Mentoring cannot be forced. It’s more caught than taught. It best occurs unscripted.”
“More is caught than taught,” John Maxwell said. “You can teach your kids what you know but you reproduce what you are.” I often hear people say, “I am mentoring,” or “being mentored.” I think they confuse mentoring with discipleship. They are not the same. To put it another way, “Mentoring offers practical skills and targeted guidance, but discipleship takes it to another level. Being discipled means nurturing not only your abilities but also your character. It involves building deep, transformative relationships.”
Unfortunately, the church sets its leaders aside with mandatory retirement at age 70. Although, one can serve as POTUS into his eighties. It’s important to realize that God doesn’t have mandatory retirement! So, what’s your plan? Age 70 or age 80? “It doesn’t matter how old you are,” enjoins John C. Maxwell. “It doesn’t matter what you have or haven’t done yet. It’s never too late to do something to change your world.” Remember, “it’s not how old you are, but how you are old!”
What’s your plan for the gun lap?
About a month into retirement, I was reading Daniel 12:3 NIV, and noted the date in the margin. God was up to something new in my life. As He so often does, God uses a verse like this one or a phrase stands out to give me direction and assurance. “Leading many to righteousness…” became my goal in the gun lap.
That’s the reason we are here! To put others on the right path. To lead many to righteousness. God wants to use us all in ways we never thought possible if we are able and willing. So just shine. Jesus said we are the light of the world. Live wisely and well and you will shine brilliantly in the darkest of nights. Retirement shouldn’t be considered merely as an end, but rather, a brand-new beginning.
Amazing accomplishments aren’t just for young people
A Welbi blog site stated, “Amazing accomplishments do not discriminate by age! Older adults across the globe are showing off their skills and setting amazing records. These older adults demonstrate perseverance and serve as an example to all that it is never too late to accomplish your goals.
Seniors across the globe are showing that they can do things that are just as incredible as people who are less than half their age. Some are breaking records or achieving lifelong dreams, and some are just spending time with family or helping to make their community a better place.” I have no interest in breaking records, but if God allows, by age 80 I hope to fulfill a lifelong goal of 50 Mission trips. I’m at #48 as I write this. Moreover, I hope to be living proof that age is just a number.
“You’re never too old to pursue your passions.”
Some notable Old Testament heroes inspire me. At 85, Caleb asks Moses for a mountain to conquer. At 75, Abraham is called to the adventure of a lifetime. “You are never too old to pursue your passions, and interests, including becoming an influencer.
Many successful influencers are of various ages and backgrounds. It’s important to focus on your unique perspective, expertise, and the value you can offer to your audience. Age can bring wisdom and experience that can be appealing to many followers. So, if becoming an influencer is something you’re passionate about, don’t let age hold you back!
It’s never too late to become a Dream Chaser
Serving God and others, joining Him in Missio Dei, remains a passion for me. Perhaps you too should heed Ed Anderson’s advice by staying active and engaged in Kingdom service whether at home or abroad. I’m told this “helps older adults live longer, happier lives.” Perhaps a final word from Brad Montague will suffice: “Dare to dream, but please also Do. For Dreamers are many, but doers are few.”
