Significance After 60

Forty Under Forty is Amazing as is Significance After 60

Hi. I know. It’s been awhile. Which is the point of this whole post. I stepped down from my fulltime role in early October and wow, have I been busy. Everyone always says, “Wow, I’ve retired and I’ve never been busier.” But this is different and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned. Life is so rich and meaningful in this next chapter.

I have written and published a book (award winning and best selling, but who’s counting), built a house and moved (twice), taken over a volunteer organization, been elected to help lead another volunteer organization, married off a son so we have a great new daughter, gone on a mission trip with our youngest son, volunteered for the world’s largest volunteer tennis organization and worked hundreds of hours getting my coaching certifications. I’m sure I am forgetting things like that fact that I’ve also applied to start my MBA but more on that in a few paragraphs.

---

Rewired, On-Fire, Not Retired: Celebrating Significance Over 60

For decades, the phrase “over the hill” cast a long, limiting shadow over life after 60. But today, a new generation is redefining what it means to grow older—and they aren’t slowing down, they’re rewiring. Rather than winding down in retirement, more people are stepping into purpose-driven roles, creative ventures, mentorship, and community leadership. They’re not retiring—they’re refiring and I am thrilled to be part of this time.

So it is beyond time for society to stop viewing aging as decline and start recognizing it as transformation. That means shifting the spotlight from youth-only accolades like 40 Under 40 and also celebrating Significance Over 60—those who are proving that impact doesn’t have an expiration date. Far from it, like fine wine or bourbon, it can improve with age.

---

Rewiring with Purpose

Rewiring means moving from career identity to life identity. It’s about channeling a lifetime of experience into work (whether one is paid in dollars, crowns in heaven or the satisfaction of making a difference) that matters—whether that’s starting a nonprofit, mentoring entrepreneurs, launching a podcast, writing a book, leading a consciously capitalistic organization or volunteering in meaningful ways. This stage of life is uniquely powerful: wisdom is deeper, time is more intentional, and ego takes a back seat to impact.

Far from being obsolete, people over 60 often have the clearest sense of what’s worth doing—and the confidence to do it.

---

Why Significance Over 60 Matters

In a world obsessed with innovation and speed, we often overlook the value of experience, depth, and long-view thinking. But those over 60, even those of us barely over 60, are leading in powerful ways:

• We are building legacy, not just careers.

• We mentor and multiply talent.

• We model resilience, adaptability, and purpose.

Celebrating Significance Over 60 isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about honoring continued relevance. Just as we cheer on young disruptors, we should also applaud seasoned visionaries especially those who use their platform for good.

---

The New Power Profile

So I think we need a new cultural scoreboard—one that values contribution over age or rather celebrates contribution in addition to experience. Instead of aging out of influence, more people are aging into their most meaningful work. Imagine Forbes or LinkedIn headlines that read:

• 60 Over 60 Who Are Still Changing the World

• Legacy Leaders to Watch

• The Rewired 100: Purpose-Driven Influencers Beyond Retirement

I personally took an 86% pay cut at the age of 54 to run a nonprofit that provided high quality early education to children from families from low income households and other at-risk backgrounds. Many, many other stories like mine exist. They just need the same visibility and significance that we give younger achievers.

---

How to Join the Movement

If you’re approaching or living life after 60, ask yourself not “What’s next?” but “What’s now?” What brings you joy? What problem can you help solve? What story can you finally tell? Whom can you help? How can you make a difference?

I also tell people that I have “Marie Kondo’d my calendar”. I only do things that bring me joy. Coaching others brings me joy. Consulting with others on business problems brings me joy. Helping grow the University of Michigan Club in Atlanta brings me an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. Helping grow the Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter and Foundation Endowment, brings me joy. Helping introduce others to St. David’s Episcopal Church , brings me joy. Spending time with family, friends, my dogs, feeding my deer and playing a little tennis, brings me joy.

Next Monday, I start my MBA. It is free in the state of Georgia to anyone 62 and older. Wow. I never had the time before but now I’m going to make the time because I need it to teach which is something that I think will bring more joy.

But this movement is not just for the young. I am loving the Chi Omegas and the Michigan young alums that I am spending time with and learning from. They teach me so much and I know they embrace my positive mindset too. If you are of the younger generation, perhaps, ask yourself: Who over 60 am I learning from? Who’s mentoring me? Who do I admire for their sustained impact?

A multi-generational mindset is a smarter, stronger one. Wisdom and fresh ideas aren’t in competition—they’re complementary.

---

Final Thought: More Than a Season—A Calling

Being rewired rather than retired is about realizing that purpose doesn’t retire. Age doesn’t limit value. And legacy is built not in the first act, but across a lifetime.

So let’s celebrate the bold, wise, purposeful path of Significance Over 60—because the world needs what only time and experience can teach.

The future is not just young—it’s ageless. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this because I’m just getting started.