This 80-Year-Old Dancer Has Got Talent!

Ok, I hate to admit it, but, I have a soft spot for shows like The X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. There’s something so uplifting about watching people pursue their passions. I’m always especially pleased when someone joins the show who shatters aging stereotypes. If there’s one thing that baby boomers, and our parents, need – it’s positive role models that show us that age is just a number.

Well, if shattering aging stereotypes is the game, then 80-year-old Paddy Jones is a champion! In this heartwarming, entertaining, occasionally terrifying video, Paddy shows that fitness and class don’t have an expiration date.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video. Then, let’s come back to the question of whether people like Paddy can teach baby boomers anything, even though we are decades younger.

If you’re in your 60s, you probably don’t feel “old.” I hope you never do! At the same time, there are plenty of reasons that Paddy’s story is relevant for baby boomers. For starters, if Paddy can dance like that at 80, what can we do in our 60s?

If you are in your 60s today, you probably have 20 or more years left on this amazing planet. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that you can’t accomplish.

Always wanted to play the piano? Go for it! Want to go back to university or switch careers? What’s stopping you? Want to get in the best shape of your life? It’s possible! Don’t let aging stereotypes enter your mind. Stop them before they start.

The second reason that Paddy’s story is important has to do with our parents. While most of us are in our 60s, many of us have parents that are reaching Paddy’s age. Paddy’s story reminds us to let go of our own perceptions about “normal” behavior for older adults. Maybe it’s time to encourage our own parents to take up tai chi or salsa dancing. Maybe it’s time to expect more from ourselves and our parents.

What did you think of Paddy’s video? Do you agree that baby boomers sometimes have unfair expectations for our parents? What new skill would you learn if you knew that you couldn’t fail? Please join the conversation.