I do not remember where I heard this pearl.  I know it was at least twenty years ago.  From The Oprah Winfrey Show?  Maybe.  From the wise Deepak Chopra?  Possibly.  From the Holy Bible?  I do not think so, but I am pretty sure Jesus would agree.  Someone once told me:

MAKE FRIENDS FROM ALL AGE GROUPS!

It does not matter where I learned this because they sure were right! For different reasons I have found my friendships with the older and the younger very rewarding.  Let me share what I have experienced.

The Younger

Let’s face it.  Younger people are fun!  They love to laugh!  Everything is funny and they do not take things too seriously.  They say things in a way that I do not fully understand but I wish I did.  Today’s youth are so savvy with technology and their worlds are big. They have not been jaded by heavy responsibilities, serious loss, or too many hard knocks.  Their hearts are light, their fun is a priority, and their outlook is positive.

Yes, hanging out with your juniors will put you in a great mood.  One caution.  Do not listen too intently.  They will make some pretty far-out comments, and you may want to jump in and correct their flawed logic.  Do not.  You are not their parent.  Offer your insight only when asked, or only with extreme discretion.  You do not want to become the “old wet rag” friend.  You may find yourself ousted and that defeats the whole purpose.  And very often, your younger friends will teach you a thing or two.

The Older

Without a doubt, our elders are wise. When I want sage advice, I turn to one of my older friends.  If they did not have the same problem, someone they know did.  They provide valuable insight with real life experience.  The older generation will also teach you not to worry too much.  They will show you that they have experienced heavy responsibilities, serious loss, and many hard knocks, and they have made it through.  They are living testaments that life goes on.

Yes, hanging out with your seniors will make you wiser.  But guess what?  Older people are fun, too!  They love to laugh and they have re-learned to not take things so seriously.  They may not be technologically savvy, but they have solved problems with great creativity.  They are not shy, they are straight-shooters, and they tell wonderful love stories.  One caution.  Do not make too many far-out comments in their company.  You do not want to become the “silly whippersnapper” friend.  You may get ousted and that defeats the whole purpose.  For sure, your older friends will teach you a thing or two.

I am currently a representative of someone in the middle group.  We have the most to learn from the young and old.  I find us “middlers” worrying too much, being too serious, and losing our zest for fun and laughter.  It is ironic that the young and the old know how to live best.  Somehow us “middlers” lose our way, but then we find it again.  Having many friends of all ages will help you keep your sparkle.

Who would not want that pearl?