Make a Lasting Change: Become a Mentor or Find One Yourself

With decades of life experience to share, if you’re over 65, you’re uniquely positioned to serve as a mentor, offering someone younger or less experienced invaluable personal and professional insights, guidance and encouragement.

Yet, the benefits of mentorship aren’t one-sided. You can also gain fresh perspectives, stay connected to emerging trends and find renewed purpose by having a mentor yourself —whether it’s a peer or a younger individual with expertise in areas of interest, such as technology, a hobby or personal development.

In his article “It’s a Two-Way Street: Four Ways Mentoring Benefits the Mentor,1” Alex Lymon of the Huffington Post explains the personal benefits of being a mentor go far beyond simply helping another person grow personally or professionally.

Why should you become a mentor?

Rediscover what matters

Each time you share a lesson or skill with your mentee, you reinforce its value in your own life. Lessons learned long ago may resurface and take on new meaning, helping you sharpen your own skills and perspectives.

Gain fresh perspectives

As a mentor, you provide unbiased advice and act as a sounding board. In doing so, you may also gain clarity and new insights about challenges in your own life through the discussions you have with your mentee.

Continue learning

Mentorship is a two-way exchange. If you approach it with curiosity and openness, you might pick up new skills, techniques or ideas that can enrich your life.

Inspire future leaders

Your mentorship has a ripple effect. By guiding your mentee, you may inspire them to lead in their own circles — at home, in the workplace or in the community. One day, they may pay it forward by becoming a mentor themselves.

Why find a mentor?

It’s never too late to seek mentorship. Whether it’s mastering new technology, exploring a hobby or achieving a personal goal, a mentor can help you grow in ways you might not manage on your own.

Keep growing

Growth doesn’t stop with age. A mentor can support you in developing new skills and refining existing ones, helping you stay sharp and fulfilled.

Gain knowledge

Don’t hesitate to learn from younger mentors. Their fresh perspectives, recent education and expertise in areas such as technology can provide valuable insights and solutions to challenges you may face.

Set and achieve goals

A mentor acts as a partner in accountability. Whether you’re pursuing healthier habits, honing a skill or working toward a personal milestone, their guidance can keep you on track.

Mentorship is a lifelong opportunity

Being a mentor or having one doesn’t require a significant financial investment — just time, effort and a willingness to connect. The impact can be profound, fostering growth, purpose and connection for both parties.

Take the first step today: Reach out to someone who could benefit from your guidance or whose expertise could enrich your life. Mentorship might just be the most rewarding decision you’ll ever make.

evidencebasedmentoring.org/four-ways-mentoring-benefits-mentor/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/why-is-a-mentor-important

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