You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
There’s an old English proverb—perhaps you’re familiar with it—that goes, “An old dog will learn no tricks.”
Based on my cursory research into its etymology, the phrase was first cited by English philologist and lexicographer Nathan Bailey in his 1721 book Divers Proverbs.
Apparently, even more than 300 years ago, ageism was alive and well and living “across the pond.” In fact, according to Bailey, the Romans and the Greeks had similar proverbs, too.
It’s stunning how a belief so undeniably wrong can be not only baked into the world’s lexicon for so long, but also into the human psyche.
Which is why today, on the second day of my 65th year on this earth, I am here to declare unequivocally, that AN OLD DOG CAN LEARN TRICKS—and that my new website AgingisLiving.org which is launching today—is living proof of it (pun intended).
That’s right, for the past three months, I have been working on creating an online resource dedicated to helping people feel better about aging, age better, and live longer. It’s got facts, figures, a host of resources like books, websites, podcasts and newsletters you can subscribe to, as well as a list of inspiring thought-leaders you can follow on social media. And, it’s even got MERCH so you can help spread the word that AGING IS LIVING!
I must confess it hasn’t been easy. I have weathered many challenges while trying to learn new skills—and overcome my ongoing fear of taking down the entire internet with the accidental stroke of the wrong button. But, I DID IT.
And so, today, I invite you to check out the site for yourself and let me know what you think. Got a resource you’d like me to add to the list—let me know via the Contact Us page. And, if you’re willing, please share the site with your friends and colleagues—early and often!
Finally, special thanks to my friends and colleagues Therese Ellery, Jan Golden, Jeanette Leardi, Erin Maruzzella, and Janine Vanderburg for all the feedback and support they gave me throughout this process. This would not and could not have happened without them.
I feel so fortunate to be a part of this community of people who work day in and day out to put an end to ageism and celebrate the upside of aging, be it through research, innovative design thinking, policy change, training, advocacy, and even age-friendly birthday cards!
And to the people who continue to believe that old English adage, there’s just one thing left to say:
YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS.