The 20-Year Reverse Age Gap

One of my friends retired two years ago at 53. He's one of those men who always seemed younger than his age. He had a little extra pep in his step; another gear. Perhaps that's what made him so successful in his career, leading him to a point where he could afford to retire at age 53. Boy, was he ever dreaming for that day to come!!! He couldn't wait to peace out and stop working. For the past two years, he's lived his dream of pursuing a life of leisure. Lots of golf, lots of relaxation, lots of time in his shop.

He and I recently reconnected. I say this with the utmost respect, and he gave me permission to write about it, but he looks terrible! He looks like he has aged two decades in the past two years. No health issues. From all accounts, he's a generally healthy dude. When we talk, that spark he used to have is gone. That extra pep in his step is missing. He admitted that retirement life wasn't what he was expecting. There's something missing, but he can't quite put his finger on it.

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I recently chatted with another friend. She's 75 years old and still fully engaged in her career. She's one of the most joyful, energetic people I know. When it comes to peps in steps and extra gears, she's the definition. I've known her for about a decade, and all I've known is joy, energy, passion, and purpose. The world tells her she should retire to "finally enjoy life," all the while, all she's doing is enjoying life! She and I regularly talk about work. She speaks so highly of her career, proud of what she's built. The little meaning in her day-to-day. The joy of serving her clients well. Getting up in the morning and knowing there's a purpose to the day. Yeah, she enjoys her family, friends, and travel, but her work still provides purpose.

This friend redefines our culture's perspective on "enjoying life." She could be sitting on a beach, yet here she is, making more of an impact than ever before. Not at the expense of her happiness and enjoyment, but as one of the primary contributors to her happiness and enjoyment. I never want to use the word "hero" lightly, but she's a hero of mine. I watch how she handles herself, and I aspire to be more like her.

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These two friends have a 20-year age gap, but their ages might as well be reversed. Is it luck? Is it health? Is it genetics? I can't prove it, but I can't help but think about how much their career choices have influenced this counterintuitive discrepancy. Someday, I'd like to conduct a study on this topic, but in the meantime, the overwhelming anecdotal evidence I witness day in and day out continues to affirm that work matters far more than we give it credit for.

A tip of my cap to you, my friend. You inspire me and countless others!

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