Don’t Be A Fuddy Duddy: Staying Happy and Optimistic in A Changing World

It is a common opinion among the over-60 crowd that the world we live in today is considerably inferior to the one we grew up in. I hear about this a lot lately whenever I am with a group of my peers. And in many respects, I agree. The time we grew up in and raised our own kids had a much less complicated way of living. Reminiscing about those days is enjoyable and can be a positive thing. But at what point does fondly remembering the past cross over into constant grumbling about the present? Are we sabotaging our current happiness by being super focused on what we feel is so wrong in today’s world?

Come mothers and fathers throughout the land and don’t criticize what you can’t understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin’. Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand. For the times they are a-changin’

Bob Dylan

Are We Any Different Than The Generations Before Us?

Bob Dylan’s 1963 song (above) struck a chord during the transformative counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. It also resonates today. The song’s timeless lyrics hold relevance for any point in history. Growing up I remember the mutterings from the older generations. Men were wearing their hair too long, the loud rock and roll music we favored wasn’t music at all, and the casual attitudes regarding sex and birth control were shocking to say the least. I suppose, to us, this all seems pale in comparison to what we are now witnessing. But there was some intense stuff going on back then. I wonder what those who served in WWII thought about our attitudes toward The Vietnam War. Were the protests seen as a lack of sense of duty? To them was this a sign that our country was failing, as many believe it is today? It’s worth asking. Is everything really getting that much worse? Or are we just always unprepared for change?

Maybe Our Grandkids Will Be Okay After All

I want my grandchildren to have a childhood similar to mine. Or at least similar to their parents’. We had a great time doing the things we did, or at least we thought so. We keep hearing so much about the lost youth of today, constantly glued to their phones and tablets, never interacting face to face. In theory, it does sound like a miserable existence. But that isn’t exactly what I see in my own family. Do they have these devices? Of course! But, I also know they play sports, hang out with friends, camp, hike, ride bikes, and do many other things just as we did. And here is a crazy thought. Could they actually be smarter than we were as a result of these tools that we are deeming so detrimental? We may not like or understand it all, but I think we should connect with them on these positive aspects and be optimistic about their future. While they will likely enjoy hearing about the good old days once in a while, chances are being told what a crappy time they are living in won’t be as well received.

Accentuate The Positive

Keeping up with what’s happening around us is generally good. Nowadays, we have many options to get news, but for me, a little bit is enough. Considering the divide in our nation today, it’s likely that there are things we strongly disagree with happening which can be extremely frustrating. It’s challenging to make sense of the constant changes happening around us and we are looking for answers and solutions. But constant negative stories from 24-hour news channels or social media feeds can overwhelm and stress us out. I want to know enough to make informed decisions but beyond that, I find little value. Let’s continue to seek out what’s positive in the world. Even though a little more difficult to find, surely there are still stories that inspire and bring joy.

Embrace The Technology at Our Fingertips

I get how some fancy new tech stuff can make us feel a bit unsure. Take those ads on Facebook, for example. Do you ever notice how they show us stuff we were just talking about with a friend? And don’t even get me started on artificial intelligence. It’s a mind-blowing world all on its own. But hey, why not take advantage of the simpler applications available? There are still people who resist technology advancements, even though they make our lives easier. A lot of these new and trendy things have had a positive impact. I mean, who wants to go back to using those big, old-fashioned printed maps and struggling to fold them back up? And let’s not forget the sheer convenience of a simple text when you’re running late to meet someone. Social media can indeed have some drawbacks, but it also serves many different purposes. Personally, I use it to share my blog, and I know it’s helpful for others in promoting their businesses. Older adults use it for sharing pictures and staying in touch with family and friends who are far away. It’s not suitable for everyone, and that’s okay. But it’s important to approach it with an open mind and not feel too overwhelmed by unfamiliarity. I think we’re getting there in closing the gap between older adults and younger generations when it comes to technology. We are getting it now.

Pass The Baton

Remember the serenity prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” It’s great to speak up and make a positive impact on the world when we can, but let’s try not to be that grump in the crowd who’s always whining about how messed up everything is. Me? I simply want to enjoy some peace and tranquility for the rest of my days. We did our best and now it is up to the next generations to take it from here, however messy.