I have been noticing a pattern. As my clients get older, many of them begin to focus more on spirituality and their personal energy.
In One Love, we define spirituality as the use of energy to support health, happiness, and well-being. Among those over 60, nearly everyone talks about their health, what they eat, how they exercise, and how they are taking care of themselves. It seems to come naturally with age, perhaps because they feel they have already accomplished much of what they set out to do in this lifetime.
Shifting Away from Religion, Toward Energy
Many no longer identify with traditional religion, yet they believe in energy as a key to staying healthy and active into their 70s and beyond. Some who retire enjoy it at first, but after a while, many begin to feel bored, as they struggle to find a renewed sense of purpose.
Smaller Circles, New Environments
A few turn to charity work, but many have lost friends over time and find themselves with smaller social circles. Socializing takes more effort, and meeting new people can feel challenging. Some move to new places and spend years adjusting to a different environment, while others return home and reflect on how both they, and their surroundings, have changed. There is both sadness and fulfillment in watching their children grow up and live independent lives. Those who live near family often have a richer social experience.
Eventually, some choose assisted living environments where help is readily available. For many, this stage of life is not something they ever imagined for themselves.
Daily Habits and the Meaning of Presence
Daily habits also shift. Many spend more time watching television than reading. Some are comfortable with technology and use the internet, but others remain set in their ways. Learning new things often becomes less of a priority. When I ask them what it means to “be present,” they often say it means giving full attention to the person they are with in the moment.
Energy, Health, and Thoughts of Mortality
As time passes, physical limitations become more common. Energy declines, and health issues arise. It makes me wonder how different things might be if more people had focused on their energy and well-being earlier in life. Instead, many spent decades building careers, developing skills, and creating meaning through achievement.
In One Love, we emphasize the importance of energy, dividing it into seven categories. Yet most people have never heard of concepts like the core “star of light” or explored the nature of the soul in depth. Some even joke about the soul without truly understanding it. As challenges increase, thoughts of mortality naturally begin to surface.
The Exceptions: Those Who Stay Vibrant
This has been my experience. Those who spend time with older individuals often see a very different perspective compared to those who are young and feel the world is theirs to conquer. Over time, abilities change, a five-mile walk may become one mile, or none at all. Activity levels often decline significantly.
That said, there are always exceptions. I meet a small number, perhaps one in ten, who remain vibrant, active, and engaged. They continue to travel, explore, and embrace life fully. But for many others, the focus shifts toward preserving what they have and avoiding the stress of travel, new environments, and unfamiliar situations.
Despite these challenges, most people maintain a positive outlook and feel they have lived a good life.
What the Golden Years Really Teach Us
So what can we take from this?
Perhaps it is a reminder that these so-called “golden years” are not always as ideal as we imagine. It encourages us to live fully while we are young, to explore, take risks, and appreciate the present. Time moves quickly, and many people find it hard to believe how fast the years have passed.
Life, in many ways, simply slips by.
