Long life is not something a human can plan on. It happens to the few and is not a matter of blood or inheritance. The average life in the U.S. is about 73 for men and 79 for women. Why am I entering my 97th year and Lenette her 91st? It is a reasonable question to ask.
Physical and mental use cannot be the answer. We were always active, but nothing unusual or unique. As I’ve stated previously, we never thought about “old,” so old was never a subject with us.
It is also important to note that we never associated with people our age. Our friends were always much younger and active. This is also true of the professionals and entrepreneurs we worked with nationwide. On average, they were at least ten years younger but rich in life experiences.
What may have helped keep me young was pushing myself as a student of power and leadership. This drove me to understand and devise ways for this to be taught.
Lenette played a vital role at the beginning of my research. She typed my notes until she taught me to type. So, we both learned and used the material in our relationship. Our ability to communicate with each other soared.
Clearly, my seeking to understand relationships made a massive difference in my own life. I never wondered what kind of leader I was; I just led. As a leadership teacher, I learned of its complexity; nothing asks more of a human than when they are leaders.
Sy