Qualities to help you succeed after the age of 50
We are in the unretirement era. According to this SMH article, the Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that 177,500 Australians aged 45 years and over who had previously retired in 2019, decided to return to work for various reasons. They needed a new interest, they were bored, they needed the money, or they wanted a regular cashflow to enjoy a quality lifestyle.
Since 1970, the life expectancy of Australians has increased from 71 years to 84 years today. We’re living longer, so it makes sense to remain productive and engaged in your community. Whatever the reason to return to work, Australians over the age of 50 are bringing decades of experience and knowledge to the business or community they join.
If you’re concerned that you might be too old, it’s too late or you aren’t up to date enough with new trends, you’re not alone. People as young as 45 are experiencing ageist attitudes in the workplace in Australia. However it’s not a good enough reason to stop pursuing this next phase of your life and many Australians over 50 are discovering.
Live the life you want to live – inspiring older Australians
What are the essential qualities you need to succeed after 50?
There is a growing number of great role models of people over the age of 50 who are redefining themselves in business and the arts. According to this article by Bloomberg, The Psychological Formula for Success After Age 50 qualities such as grit, perseverance, passion and a growth mindset are all essential to succeeding in your goals.
There may be some qualities that our younger colleagues have that we cannot compete with and wouldn’t want to anyway. But one essential quality for success that people over 50 have in abundance is stamina which develops with maturity and wisdom. Their goals are also different. Working is no longer about doing work just to make a living. It’s about doing work that has purpose and meaning.
Passion, a growth mindset and your well-earned grit will help propel you forward.
Passion and a love of the work you do
You have to love what you do every day. When you enjoy the work you’ll find the fuel and energy to do it with more personal satisfaction. When the work is more deeply aligned with your skills, qualities and personal values, you’ll maintain your enthusiasm over the long term and the quality of your work will be higher.
A growth mindset
Science is now showing that the brain never stops growing and developing pathways to accommodate new knowledge well into our older years. Adopting a growth mindset will help you develop the skills you need to succeed.
In her book Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential, Dr Carol Dweck, widely regarded as one of the world's leading researchers in the fields of developmental psychology, describes a growth versus fixed mindset for people at any age.
“In a fixed mindset, students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don't necessarily think everyone's the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it.” Carol Dweck, Stanford University
Grit and fortitude
After the age of 50, you’ve had a few experiences and learned a few life lessons - you’ve earned your fortitude and grit. Grit is a combination of passion, perseverance and stamina – qualities that you can continue to grow and harness after the age of 50.
“…grit—a combination of perseverance and determination—rises through middle age and peaks in your 70s, as do a number of other helpful intellectual traits.”
Are you over 50 and looking for work which is more rewarding? Talk to us about caring for people at home
Have you thought about home care as an occupation? Home care in the community can be very rewarding and satisfying work. You’d be helping people live more fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own home as they get older. Your relationship with these people lasts for many years and covers activities such as helping them with the shopping and groceries, taking them to doctors appointments or social activities in their community.
Working as a home carer provides work-life balance and places in a role in the community where people need your help.
Call us on 08 83320950 to discuss the various home care roles that we have in Adelaide and Victor Harbor.
Our home care supports our clients to remain independent, active and productive
Home care services help you live the life you want at home. Many of our clients continue their life’s work with some help from St Louis Home Care.
To find out more about the help you can have at home, please all St Louis Home Care in Adelaide on 8332 0950, or St Louis Home Care in Victor Harbor on 8552 1481.
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