There’s a popular narrative that aging means slowing down, settling, or fading into the background. But across the globe—and often right in our communities—there are older adults living with purpose, passion, and energy well into their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. What if, instead of fearing aging, young adults turned to these inspiring individuals to learn how to build fulfilling, resilient lives?

Older generations carry decades of life lessons—earned through trial, triumph, change, and reinvention. Those who continue to thrive into later life often do so because of intentional choices, mindset shifts, and daily habits. And the best part? Many of those lessons can be applied early, giving younger generations a head start on designing a life that’s not only successful, but meaningful.

Lesson #1: Define Success on Your Own Terms

Many older adults who lead fulfilling lives didn’t follow a traditional path. They may have changed careers midlife, started passion projects after retirement, or embraced lifestyles that align with their values instead of societal expectations. Their success isn’t just financial—it’s emotional, relational, and purposeful.

As author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.” Thriving older adults show us that life is not a race to some fixed finish line. Instead, it’s about crafting a life you’re proud to live.

Action step: Journal about what a successful life looks like to you—beyond the metrics of money or fame. What legacy do you want to build? What would fulfillment look like at 80?

Lesson #2: Relationships Matter More Than You Think

Longitudinal studies like the Harvard Study of Adult Development have found that close relationships are the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness—not career achievements or wealth (Harvard Gazette). Many thriving older adults credit their friendships, marriages, families, or communities for sustaining their sense of joy and resilience.

While it’s easy in youth to prioritize productivity and ambition, connection is what sustains us.

Action step: Nurture friendships that go beyond surface-level. Consider regular check-ins, shared hobbies, or even starting an intergenerational conversation group to learn from older mentors.

Lesson #3: Keep Moving—Literally and Figuratively

From 90-year-old yoga instructors to centenarian marathoners, one message is loud and clear: movement is non-negotiable. But it’s not just about exercise—it’s about staying curious, mentally engaged, and adaptable. Whether it’s picking up painting at 60 or learning a language at 70, thriving individuals show us that growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

As author and psychologist Carl Jung said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” That journey doesn’t stop just because the calendar says you’re older.

Action step: Try one new physical or intellectual challenge this month. Explore platforms likeMasterClass orCoursera to fuel lifelong learning.

Lesson #4: Resilience Is Built Over Time

Older adults who thrive didn’t necessarily have easier lives—they just kept going. Loss, divorce, financial setbacks, health scares—these are common parts of life. What sets resilient people apart is their ability to adapt, reflect, and keep showing up.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated,” Maya Angelou once said. Young adults can learn that setbacks aren’t roadblocks, but refining tools.

Action step: Reflect on a recent challenge and ask yourself: what did it teach me? How can I use this to strengthen my path forward?

Lesson #5: Purpose Fuels Longevity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that having a sense of purpose in life was associated with lower mortality rates (source). Many people who live past 90 with vibrancy credit a reason to get out of bed—whether that’s volunteering, mentoring, creating, or simply contributing to something bigger than themselves.

If you wait to find purpose later in life, you may miss out on years of direction and joy. Thriving elders remind us: start exploring purpose early. It can evolve—but it needs to be nurtured.

Action step: Ask yourself: What do I care deeply about? What problem would I love to help solve? Begin taking small steps to align your time with your values.

Older generations don’t just hold the past—they hold a map to the future many of us are hoping to build. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, don’t wait to learn these lessons the hard way. Listen now. Ask questions. Observe how they live—and then, make intentional choices that support your future self.

So, what’s one lesson you’ve learned from someone decades older than you? How are you applying that wisdom to your life now?

Join the conversation in theforum and share how the people who came before you are inspiring the path ahead.