Daphne Mallory (born in Liberia) is an aspiring television producer, founder of the Daphne Mallory Foundation, media personality and columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine, The Huffington Post and Times News Magic Valley. She has been featured on ABC, NBC, Fox News, CBS, Billboard Magazine, Essence and more. She hosts "Family Business with Daphne Mallory" on 103.9 FM KDKI. She is an advocate for senior citizens and organized the first ever Senior Advisory Commission in Twin Falls, Idaho.
The quest for discovering who you are is often left to those who need to make decisions about marriage, family or career. The assumption is that once you overcome an “inevitable” mid-life crisis, you find yourself. I’m not quite sure what the cut off age is in most people’s minds. Do you magically know who you are at age 50? Does the search for “self” stop once you start collecting social security benefits or retire?
In his book, “30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans,” Dr. Karl Pillemer compiled advice from more than 1,500 senior citizens on work and relationships. With all the recent graduations, this might be a good time to discuss life lessons with your loved ones. Whether the young people in your life are starting a new job, moving abroad, launching a business or going to college, the following lessons from Dr. Pillemer’s book are worth reviewing.
Marginalizing senior citizens seems to be the norm, but it’s the antithesis of the way I grew up. In Liberia, communities are often led by elders. Many immigrants and Americans whose parents and grandparents grew up in different countries share a similar experience. Around the world, becoming an elder elevates your status in community, not the other way around. It’s great to see the various socioeconomic models in this country that are trying to give senior adults opportunities to become positive solutions for pressing social problems. An intergenerational community is one of them.
One of the most beautiful memories I carry is watching an older white male “adopt” some of my high school classmates. I attended high school in a low income neighborhood, and most of the students were African-American or Latino. I don’t remember his name, but I remember his good works. He lived a few houses down from the school. He would sit on his doorsteps and talk to students when school was out. He did this every single day when the weather was warm enough. The teachers knew and loved him.
Did you know that some major corporations, including McDonald’s, were founded by adults over age 50? Individuals age 50 and older are developing new business ideas to supplement their income, explore their passions or to transfer wealth to the next generation. Your idea may be the next great success story.
If you were to ask me to describe myself using one word, it would be” entrepreneur.”
Who is an entrepreneur? According to Entrepreneur Magazine, “Entrepreneurs are focused on building and growing an enterprise, whether it’s a brand-new business or transforming an existing company through innovation and making the most of opportunities hidden to others.”
Is your town or city experiencing growth? Economic development can be a great gift to residents. The creation of new jobs and the amenities that local government officials offer to attract corporations can increase property values and improve the quality of life for residents. Some officials offer major corporations tax breaks as an incentive to move all or portions of their operations to the area. These tax breaks and other incentives can total millions of dollars for one corporation, while some senior adults in those same communities suffer because they do not have consistent access to food or transportation.
As I engage with many older adults around our community, it’s clear many are raising the next generation. Some of you have taken on parental responsibilities, through foster care or adoption. Others are finding all possible points of entry into the lives of your grandchildren to influence them. Don’t grow weary in doing a good work. Some tips may be just what you need to re-energize you as you pursue a rewarding but sometimes difficult role.
Share the gift of routine. Perhaps there was wisdom in dedicating certain days of the week to complete farm and house chores. For example, Mondays were wash days. Many young adults today struggle with routine in a world where there are so many options. We sometimes enjoy the interruptions and tangents that technology and our busy lives provide. Maybe you can show us a better way. Don’t be afraid to establish routines that would help your grandchildren thrive. If your role is more of influence, share your ideas with your adult children to use with your grandchildren.
Dr. Whitlock's Book: http://amzn.to/1LBtVoJ) More @ Rotary:(http://www.rotary5400.org/)
(Women Also Serve - Dr. Whitlock's Book: http://amzn.to/1LBtVoJ)
More @ Rotary:(http://www.rotary5400.org/)
The Rotary Club of Duarte, California, was chartered in District 530 in 1952. But just before its twenty-fifth birthday in 1976, the Duarte club violated Rotary's bylaws by inviting women to join, ultimately causing its charter to be unceremoniously revoked by Rotary International. Undeterred, the club renamed itself the Ex-Rotary Club of Duarte and its members continued on their quest not to be outcasts of one of the greatest humanitarian organizations in the world.
Sylvia Whitlock, who was present as the club enlisted help from the American Civil Liberties Union and took the case through the California court system until a landmark decision in May 1987, details the circumstances of the case as women struggled to attain equal rights, her role in the process, conversations with participants and onlookers, and the benefits she has gained personally through her own membership.
Women Also Serve by Dr. Whitlock, shares a compelling history of the Duarte Rotary Club and its lofty undertaking to recruit women into its chapter through the perspective of one who was there.Filled with facts and personal anecdotes, the first woman president in Rotary International shares a fascinating glimpse into the journey of the Duarte club.
The City of Twin Falls, Idaho, where I live is on the verge of an explosive growth of baby boomer and older adults. Retirees are relocating to the area to enjoy an improved quality of life. As you can imagine, current and future senior citizens have needs that can be more challenging to solve in those golden years, such as affordable housing and transportation. I didn't realize all of these challenges when I first proposed the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission. I'm originally from Liberia, and I understand and appreciate that any community that wants to thrive must honor its elderly population. It was that mindset and upbringing that inspired me to propose the City's first ever Commission that was passed unanimously by our City Council. I believe it's one of the best vehicles to empower senior adults. I'm convinced that every community needs one.
Advice Not Services
The Commission does not exist to provide services.
I am PRO citizens committees and I believe they are vital to Real Community development. However, you must avoid these two pitfalls if you want to achieve success and true representation. I tackle this head on at our council meeting where the City of Twin Falls Citizens Committee (which I was a part of) presented its recommendations and findings.
