Susanne Brennan 39, Australia

When I hear the words Age Esteem I think of however old you are you’re valuing the contribution you are making.  I remember a particular phrase that we were using and that was shared with me.  “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.”  I liked it because I think it catches that idea about valuing who you are with your own uniqueness and your own difference. And I think one of the things we’re learning through the notion of inter-generational conversation is how wherever we are coming from whether it’s your age, your background, your culture or your education,  everyone is bringing a valued perspective to a conversation.

Susanne’s tips: I think for me it’s about taking every opportunity that comes and living without regrets, so not looking back and thinking, “Oh I wish I had”, or looking forward and thinking “I’m worried that I won’t have”, but rather  enjoying where you are and doing the best you can wherever you are.

Susanne Brennan is a barrister in Melbourne, Australia and president of the World YWCA.