Elder wisdom sometimes gets expressed in a powerful phrase or idea. I find that the voice of one or another of the Legacy Project elders will come to mind in stressful situations. I’ve come to call these their “elder mantras.” Read More
Learning to live in the moment: Why not do it now?
Rather than focusing only on our long-term plans and ambitions, the elders tell us to learn while we’re young how to live in the moment. Read More
Worry Wastes Your Life
The elders had a strong opinion about worrying: Yes, bad things may happen, but you will find the resources in yourself to handle them. Why poison the present moment with continual, pointless worry? Read More
The Guilt is Gone
We’re too hard on ourselves when it comes to regrets. Let them go, says Paul, 71. Read More
A Philosophy for Living from a Remarkable Woman
Gladys, 89, was a truly remarkable woman, serving as one of the first commissioned officers in the Navy in World War II. She offered her lessons in a letter to the Legacy Project, and we were saddened to learn that she passed away less than a year later. Over her long life, she developed a philosophy of life, one that bears reading and re-reading. Read More
The Secret to Life is to Have Fun
Gustav, 70, offers an uplifting lesson, telling us that “all that is good is within us” and urging us to laugh and, yes, to have fun! Read More
Learn to Be Grateful
“An attitude of gratitude” is an expression that popped up frequently among the elders. Research shows that promoting a feeling of gratitude can lead to improved psychogical well being. These lessons from the elders can help motivate you in that direction.” Read More
Take Advantage of Every Day: A Refrigerator List
Sometimes the elders spoke with nearly one voice. So it was with their advice to take advantage of every day given to you. They didn’t feel the need to elaborate too much on this point; their message is more along the lines of “just do it!” Read More
