Isaac Newton once said,”If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

Think back to your youth. Were there people in your life that took an authentic interest in your future, or helped you see both sides of a situation that seemed overwhelming? Maybe a speech, or a family story that sparked a fire inside of you to make a difference in your community?

It is important to recognize that the relationships that pushed you beyond what you could have imaged for yourself are the shoulders of the giants that helped you see further than others. In turn, you now have the opportunity to be the shoulders for the younger generation.

Here are a few ways that you can empower the younger generation and give them the opportunity to see further than those before them.

Listen – While your ideas are valued, it is important to know that listening and truly hearing the ideas of the younger generation is so empowering. It gives them an actual space at the table to share their views and opinions.

Mentor – The vast majority of the younger generation desires to create change in their communities and around the world. They are in need of a supportive counselor who has the ability to push them beyond what they may have imagined they could accomplish. Thus, “passing the torch” and empowering the younger generation.

Be Humble – It is important to know that we cannot always think that our way is the right way. In order to empower the younger generation one must be humble and willing to admit when new ideas are better than our own.

Offer your shoulders to the youth and know that your AgeEsteem will spark empowerment in the youth of today.

What can the older generation do in order to support and encourage the younger generation?

Do you have a favorite recipe that you have perfected for many years? Maybe something that can only be taught in the kitchen, or with a pinch of this and a dash of that. This is a great opportunity to develop highly transferable skills, from hands-on math conversions to staying with a project from beginning to end. Remember, those messy young sous chefs will one day cook entire meals for their family and friends.

Do you carry with you a wealth of childhood stories? With your stories you can give the younger generation an insight into the lifestyle of your childhood. You can teach what books cannot! These stories pass on life lessons that allow the younger generation to become a part of something larger than themselves.

Have you encountered difficult people in your life? Think about how many different types of people you have had to interact with. You have a wealth of experience and know a lot about behavior and manners that the younger generation has not yet acquired. Use your experiences and examples to encourage and support the younger generation with problematic relationships. Teach them techniques to respond instead of react when interacting with impossible people.

Are you a great motivator? Can you move the younger generation from the couch and video games to a more active lifestyle? Be creative! Encourage outside activities such as splashing in muddy puddles, tossing a ball, gardening and the good old fashioned games of tag and hide-and-seek. Give the younger generation a better line of sight on how their actions make a measurable difference in their own happiness.

The energy of the younger generation mixed with the experience of the older generation can do wonders in a society!

I challenge you to take an interest in the younger generation by passing on your AgeEsteem and making a positive difference in the youth of today.