I recently finished reading Thomas Moore’s most recent book: Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy https://www.amazon.com/Ageless-Soul-Lifelong-Journey-Meaning/dp/B075X2S2Y8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533849488&sr=8-1&keywords=ageless+soul+thomas+moore.

I find the book extremely important and have described its premise—distinguishing between being elderly and being an elder—as critical for living a life with meaning and joy. I also immediately saw its importance to the survival of both the incumbent head of a family business and the business itself.

Within the mainstream of our contemporary culture ‘elder’ is perhaps an elusive term. Moore though, uses this term as he writes about elders he has known in his life, and about their qualities. Surprisingly, these qualities are not elusive, though they may be challenging. In the section of the book entitled “How to Be an Elder” (pp 178-185) he presents this list:

1. The first requirement is to be comfortable with your age
2. Have confidence in your education and experience to the point you may guide others
3. The elder has to love young people
4. The elder uses any knowledge and wisdom he or she has to benefit others, especially the young
5. Cultivate your power to inspire others