It isn’t About Winding Down—It’s About Opening Up: How Age Transforms our Capacity for Growth.

Aging is about transitioning through life’s stages with the potential to transform. As external demands lessen in later life, we are presented with unique moments to pause, reflect, and realign our lives with our values. These transitions—whether retirement, becoming an empty nester, the loss of a loved one, changes in health or entering a new chapter of independence—are invitations to rediscover purpose and redefine ourselves. 

As we age, there is a natural refinement of what matters most: our values, priorities, and the relationships that bring meaning to our lives. This clarity becomes a compass, guiding us through life transitions. The wisdom gained through our experiences helps us move forward with intention, creating opportunities for alignment and fulfillment. 

A Shift from Production to Reflection 

The pioneering geriatric psychiatrist Gene Cohen (1944-2009) ushered in a new era regarding how we understand, define and understand aging. One of his most widely read and considered book, The Mature Mind (2000), posits and demonstrates a forceful argument that the second half of our life is a tremendously fertile, flexible and adaptable period of our human story. Early stages of adulthood often focus on external production—building careers, raising families, and meeting societal expectations. While these milestones are important, they can leave little room for self-reflection. Later life, in contrast, shifts the focus inward, offering time and space to examine our values and the legacy we want to create. This period of life aligns with our natural propensity for growth, something Dr. Cohen refers to as “inner pushes.” These inner drives surface in moments of transition, encouraging us to reconnect with what matters most and pursue meaningful, creative endeavors. 

Why Do Inner Pushes Emerge? 

As the brain matures, it often integrates experiences and emotions in new ways. This stage of life brings a greater ability to reflect on life’s meaning, foster emotional intelligence, and pursue deeper connections. Instead of feeling stuck in the past, many older adults are propelled forward by these inner motivations, which Cohen describes as natural psychological forces. 

For example, older adults may find themselves drawn to creative projects they never had time for, volunteer work that aligns with their values, or new hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. These pushes often come with a sense of liberation—a freedom from the rigid social expectations of youth and midlife, making room for exploration and self-discovery. 

The Power of Inner Pushes in Action 

Take the story of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, famously known as “Grandma Moses.” She began her painting career in her 70s after retiring from a life of farming. Her passion for art, long dormant, was reignited when her inner push led her to pick up a brush. By following her natural inclination toward creativity, she became a celebrated artist, proving that growth and achievement are possible at any stage of life. 

Dr. Cohen’s concept of inner pushes demonstrates that aging isn’t about winding down—it’s about opening up. When we listen to these intrinsic motivators, we gain clarity on what matters most and find the courage to pursue it. 

The Creative Potential of Later Life 

Dr. Cohen emphasizes that aging inherently fosters an inner drive for self-expression and reinvention. Yet, cultural narratives about aging often stifle this potential by framing later life as a time of decline. Society’s focus on limitation discourages older adults from exploring their creativity and growth. 

To fully embrace the transformative power of aging, we must challenge these limiting beliefs—not only on a societal level but on an individual one. By shifting our mindset and recognizing the extraordinary potential for growth in later years, we can engage with these inner pushes and redefine what it means to thrive. 

A Call to Embrace Transformation 

The later years of life are a time to break free from limiting narratives and embrace the potential for growth, reinvention, and creativity. By leaning into our natural inner pushes and the strengths of developmental intelligence, we can redefine aging as a period of immense possibility. 

Ask yourself: 

• What values guide your life? 

• Do you believe in your capacity for transformation and creativity at this stage of life? 

• What creative endeavors inspire you that you can take action toward in you life today? 

Aging is not an endpoint—it’s an opening. It’s a time to be bold, creative, and intentional, using the wisdom of our experiences to write an extraordinary next chapter.

If you want to explore more about these topics join me for a monthly, free, virtual presentation on the positive power of aging! Together we can embrace the positive psychology of aging and redefine the societal narrative.