I hate obits and fancy memorials. We have an extraordinary resource of brilliant elders. But so many leave this plane without others benefitting from their knowledge and experience.
Some manage to break through to our busy minds but much wisdom is buried or cremated when that elder’s wisdom could change lives and make a lasting difference.
Our fascination with celebrity and “what sells” causes us to overlook amazing reservoirs of experience and knowledge.
Media sends a constant subliminal message to elders:
“Your ideas don’t matter.!”
I am not suggesting that every elder is wise. But I am saying there are so many who still have so much to give, but they are not included in the conversation.
The key point is that the elder has no real repository to share that wisdom.
Books are good vehicles for the sharing of wisdom. But much more could be gained by seeing and listening to thoughtful older people.
They express gratitude for the opportunity to be listened to and heard beyond their immediate friends and family. Sometimes even people close to them are unaware of the brilliance they possess until they see and hear an in-depth interview.
I have spent the last 15 years of my extensive media career devoted to interviewing and expanding the exposure of gifted older people. So many say they feel invisible after spending time on their work (sometimes decades of work.)
With the growing complexity of our world, we can’t afford to squander this wisdom. Old people have survived wars, famine, unrest, political conflicts, and scientific advances. Their insight can contribute much to this ever-changing world.
I have interviewed some of the greatest minds in the universe. I had lengthy conversations on air with Carl Sagan, BF Skinner, Gloria Steinem, Alex Haley, Gore Vidal, and Nora Ephron just to name a few. They were fortunate to be known. There are so many more like them that go unheralded.
Today I still devote myself to this work. People who work with me and my company have received thousands of views, built a substantial following, and have a sustainable lasting presence that gives them a vehicle for their ideas and their work, If you are an artist, inventor, or someone with great ideas I would love to expand your exposure to the world and include you in a community of thoughtful individuals who like you want to make the world a better place.
This is not an offer for PR services. I am a curator of ideas and a gatherer of brilliant people who deserve a platform.
Don’t let your brilliance go to waste.
Please write to me at producer@greatlegacyinterviews.com and my associate producer will set up a time for us to talk.
Wonderful story. After reading this I a proud to be an elder
I agree. People assume our older friends/colleagues/family have less to offer. I've worked in HR for years and I've heard many people say, 'he/she should retire' or 'he/she will be retiring' without speaking to the employee to see if they want to. What they should be doing is talking about how that employee can share their wisdom, work related or not.