I enjoyed sitting down with Marc Cooper, the insightful author behind "Older to Elder." Together, we discuss the difference between simply getting older and consciously stepping into the role of an elder—a transformation that calls for intention, mindfulness, and a commitment to higher purpose.Marc brings a refreshing perspective, moving beyond conversations about ageism and decline to focus on what’s possible when we choose to live with wisdom, curiosity, and compassion. We talk about what it means to be a “contemporary elder...
I enjoyed sitting down with Marc Cooper, the insightful author behind "Older to Elder." Together, we discuss the difference between simply getting older and consciously stepping into the role of an elder—a transformation that calls for intention, mindfulness, and a commitment to higher purpose.
Marc brings a refreshing perspective, moving beyond conversations about ageism and decline to focus on what’s possible when we choose to live with wisdom, curiosity, and compassion. We talk about what it means to be a “contemporary elder” and how this journey involves embracing—not avoiding—life’s endings, and, in doing so, finding freedom, peace, and relevance.
Whether you’re navigating your own path through aging or supporting someone you love, I think this conversation will inspire you. It’s all about seeing aging not just as something that happens to us, but something we can deeply engage with—so we can truly age in full bloom.
Key Moments
00:00 Overcoming Ageism: "Older to Elder"
05:13 "Elders' Acceptance of Aging"
07:11 Embrace Death to Live Fully
11:59 Self-Discovery and Cultural Isolation
14:56 Embracing Life's Unfairness
18:29 Elder Freedom and Expression
23:07 "Life's End: Plan Backwards"
24:22 Hearing Life's Higher Purpose
30:10 Elder Acknowledgment and Transition
31:22 Inspiration: Confidence, Compassion, Kindness
Here are my big takeaways:
Elderhood is a Choice, Not Just a Stage: Becoming an elder requires mindfulness, intentionality, and self-inquiry. It’s about embracing the responsibilities and freedoms that come with age, rather than passively accepting societal narratives about getting old.
Legacy Through Presence and Purpose: Elders aren’t just “older” people—they’re contributors and stewards. By focusing on a higher purpose, elders enrich not only their own lives but also their communities, impacting personal, business, and political conversations with newfound wisdom.
Spirituality & Self-Reflection Are Key: The journey from older to elder hinges on self-acceptance, letting go of the past, and cultivating a sense of meaning. Marc emphasizes that this is a spiritual journey as much as a practical one, embracing uncertainty and fostering peace with both life and death.
Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com
Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.
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Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale
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Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you
