Eldering Means Becoming and Contributing Not Disappearing

What if growing older isn't about disappearing from the world, but becoming even more of who you are?

My guest is Steve Goldberg, and at 75+, he is still creating, contributing, and becoming.

Steve spent the first 40 years of his career helping individuals and organizations navigate change, meaning, and transition. He expected retirement to be a time for pickleball, biking, swimming, family, and friends. Instead, his 70s have become some of the most creative and productive years of his life.

In his early 50s, Steve started learning piano. During Covid, he discovered a creative side of himself he didn't even know was there and began composing healing piano music. That eventually led to two original albums and a new identity as a composer. He even learned how to use technology and AI to help him record and produce his music.

Then came writing. Steve has written books about meaningful living and challenging times, and recently completed Renaissance 2040, a near-future novel exploring what it means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI. A screenplay adaptation is now in the hands of an LA producer.

But the part of Steve's story that really grabbed me is his idea of eldering.

For Steve, eldering isn't something that happens simply because we've accumulated years. It's an ongoing process of becoming. It's staying curious, asking questions, listening deeply, developing perspective, and using what we've learned to contribute to others.

We talk about discovering creativity later in life, finding meaning and purpose, imagining a more hopeful future, and why our later years can be some of our most productive and creative. Steve also shares a beautiful lesson he's learned along the way: sometimes the most meaningful contribution we can make isn't having the answer. It's simply being present.

Steve's story made me think about all the things that might still be percolating inside us. What might you still want to create, explore, learn, or become?

Because eldering means becoming and contributing, not disappearing.

Connect with Steve Goldberg

Sweet Dreams Lullaby — Healing Piano Music for a Noisy World, books and more can be found via his website here.

Steve's music is also available on major music platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Feel free to email Steve at upsiding@gmail.com.

Don't Be Caged By Your Age features people 65+ who are thriving, creating, contributing, connecting, and refusing to let age define what's possible.

Tune in for 65+ guests fueling passion, purpose, and pocketbook.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend:

🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable.

🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones.

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

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