Mentoring a younger person can be a magical experience for a senior. As mentor and mentee share quality time and exchange ideas, they challenge each other's perspectives and gain a better understanding and respect for each other. Though the senior is essentially the teacher, it is a rewarding learning process that goes both ways.
Benefits of Mentoring
For seniors the benefits of mentoring cannot be overstated. Besides giving retirees purpose and focus, it fosters social interaction and helps keep the mind sharp. Sharing the knowledge accumulated over the course of a career can also help keep seniors connected to the professional part of themselves. Mentoring boosts senior self-esteem, and studies claim, can even promote happiness.
How to be a Great Mentor
Engage
It’s important to show interest in your mentee. Engage them in conversation and ask about their goals and expectations.
Be Flexible
Try to be available for your mentees when it is convenient for them. Also, listen carefully and try to tailor your sessions to achieve his or her goals. Communicate honestly and continuously to make sure your sessions are on target.
Be a Good Listener
You are the one with the information, but your listening skills are a huge part of understanding the needs and aspirations of your mentee.
Study Up
It may be a while since you have plied your trade. It might not hurt to brush up on information and skills to make sure you are well versed on the intricacies of your game.
Make it Personal
You’ve lived a long, rich life. Your personal experiences, and the life lessons you’ve accrued along your path, may be helpful in connecting with your mentee and creating a more meaningful interaction for both of you..
How Can You Help?
There are lots of ways to mentor the next generation.
Share Your Professional Expertise
Mentoring a young person who is beginning their journey in your field is probably the most obvious definition of the concept. In that capacity, you can volunteer for mentorship programs to provide one on one career guidance or make yourself available for industry networking events.
Coach in Life Skills
Life skills like time, money and household management are essential tools for getting through life outside the office. Older adults are seasoned in these areas and can be valuable assets to younger people starting their journeys.
Supporting Entrepreneurs
No matter what business you created or managed, your insight can help aspiring young entrepreneurs learn innovation and resilience in the face of business challenges.
Supporting Personal Growth
Mentoring can enhance personal as well as professional growth and development. Older adults who have endured the gamut of life’s ups and downs can lend insight into navigating difficult transitions, and relationships.
Lead Your Community
Become a leader in your community and be a resource for younger people to look up to. Teaching others the importance of community responsibility empowers individuals and strengthens the community.
Once you rightsize into the Overture senior apartment community of your choice, why not invite a few friends over to your comfy, upscale apartment and check out potential mentorship programs like Senior Adults for Greater Education, part of the National Mentoring Resource Center. Book a tour today.
Overture and mentorship. A winning combination that will make a huge difference in your life - and the lives of others.