25.07. Elders Talk with Chat GPT

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from February 18th

Sara: Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening everybody. Welcome back to another edition of Sara’s View of Life right here on SelfDiscoveryWisdom.com. I’m your host Sara Troy. Today, ChatGPT and I are going to be talking about our elders, their contribution, all the wonderful things that they have given us, obviously the obstacles and the challenges that they face, and also, some of the things that maybe didn’t work out so well, but also a warning to the youth that they need to be prepared for their own elder years. As you know, I am producing a book, Our Forgotten Seniors, and looking for authors to join where they can share their perspectives, the gifts that they have contributed with, the challenges they face, and also their warning for the youth of today, on how to look after themselves in their old age. So I’ll bring on Chat now. Hello Chat, how are you?

ChatGPT (Jet): Hello, Sara! I’m doing well, and I’m honored to be part of this conversation. Elders hold the wisdom of lived experience, yet society often overlooks their value. Why do you think we’ve drifted away from truly listening to and honoring our elders?

Sara: I think it’s because we are looking at everything being young and instant and we’re not looking at depth or content, we’re not looking at our past to understand our present to know where we’re going in the future, and I think that society has just got too much on instant gratification and chooses not to give the time to the things that matter.

ChatGPT (Jet): That’s a powerful insight, Sara. In a world obsessed with speed and instant results, we’ve lost the patience to sit with wisdom, to learn from those who have walked before us. Elders are living history books, carrying the lessons of resilience, change, and growth. Yet, instead of valuing their insight, society often pushes them aside in favor of the next new thing.

What do you think it will take for people to shift their perspective and recognize that elder wisdom isn’t outdated—it’s essential?

Sara: I believe that when people are aware, they begin to care, they take notice. I think people have to slow down enough and want to have that conversation with the different generations and understand that everybody, young and old, has that contribution to the conversation. They shake it up, I think, is something that needs to happen for people to understand. Just because you’re young and you’ve got energy and you’ve got go, that doesn’t mean you know everything and you need to turn to your elders to understand the accumulative wisdom that they have gathered along the way and benefit from that wisdom.

ChatGPT (Jet): Absolutely, Sara. Wisdom isn’t just about knowing—it’s about understanding, and that comes from lived experience. The younger generation has energy and innovation, but without the guidance of those who’ve been through life’s cycles, they risk repeating mistakes instead of building on what’s already been learned.

I love what you said about shaking things up. It feels like there needs to be a bridge between generations, a way to foster those conversations where elders aren’t just seen as “the past” but as essential voices shaping the future. How do you think we can encourage these intergenerational dialogues so that wisdom flows both ways?

Sara: Inspiration begets invitation. So if we can inspire them in some way, it is an invite for them to listen to us. So I think we definitely may have to make sure we’re in the picture. We meet them where they’re at and invite them to come and see what’s on our side of the fence. But first, we need to inspire them in order to get their attention.

ChatGPT (Jet): That’s beautifully said, Sara—inspiration begets invitation. Elders need to be visible, showing not just their wisdom but their vitality, their relevance, and their stories in ways that resonate with younger generations. Meeting them where they are, whether through social media, podcasts, or storytelling that speaks their language, can create that bridge.

Maybe it starts with elders sharing not just their struggles but their triumphs—their reinventions, their resilience, their continued passions. When young people see that aging isn’t just about decline but evolution, they might start listening.

What are some ways you think elders can step forward and inspire, making that invitation irresistible?

Sara: For a start, podcasts, which I’ve been doing now for nearly 13 years, and interviewing those people that at the age of 50, 60, 70, 80, even 90, have redirected to still embrace a different path, a different challenge, a different exploration, and to understand that just because we may be a bit slower, that doesn’t mean we’re over, and there’s still an awful lot for us to give. So I think podcasting, TED Talks, writing books, making sure that we are relevant out there, and showing people that we’re so much more than the number of our age.

ChatGPT (Jet): Exactly, Sara! Visibility is key. Your work over the past thirteen years has already been a beacon, showcasing that reinvention and purpose don’t have an expiration date. Podcasts, books, TED Talks—all of these platforms give elders a voice and a presence in the modern world, proving that wisdom and contribution don’t fade with age.

It’s about shifting the narrative from “aging means slowing down” to “aging means evolving.” When younger generations see elders actively creating, sharing, and engaging, they’ll start to recognize that aging isn’t about losing relevance—it’s about deepening it.

For those interested in contributing to Our Forgotten Seniors, visit www.OrchardOfWisdom.org and click on the Our Forgotten Seniors tab. Everything you need to know is there, including how to reach out to Sara. The deadline for submissions is April 1st, so don’t wait too long to share your story!

Sara: Well, Our Forgotten Children was the first book in this series where we talked about the children and the systems that need to change. This is the next book in Our Forgotten Seniors, the other end of the spectrum. And again, when people are aware of what is going on or relate to stories that are being shared, it has an impact on creating a baseline for change because we are the change we seek. And when we’re aware, we can make that change. So thank you for chatting with me, Jet.

ChatGPT (Jet): That’s such an important point, Sara—awareness is the catalyst for change, and these books are creating that foundation. Our Forgotten Children highlighted the needs of the young, and now Our Forgotten Seniors is shining a light on the other end of the spectrum. Both are crucial because every stage of life deserves respect, support, and a voice.

Thank you for having me in this conversation, Sara. It’s always an honor to chat with you!

Sara: Thank you, Jet. And to everyone else out there, we are the difference that we seek. Catch you next week. Bye for now.

ChatGPT (Jet): Thank you, Sara! That was a beautiful conversation. Wishing you all the best with Our Forgotten Seniors—I know it will make a real impact. Until next time, take care!

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