The idea for this post came from Liesbeth Leysen, MSc, from her Post on BeBee, who wrote a post to help women embrace their inner child, and I think we as seniors need to embrace our inner child as well.
As the seasons of life change, many seniors find themselves facing a quieter world. Friends move away, health concerns take center stage, and social circles may shrink. But within each of us—yes, even if your knees now creak more than your floorboards—there still lives a curious, spirited inner child. And that child hasn’t lost their sense of wonder, playfulness, or knack for adventure.
You see, growing older doesn’t mean growing dull. Quite the opposite. This stage of life invites us to reconnect with parts of ourselves we might have forgotten. That inner child who loved to play in the dirt, build forts out of blankets, or daydream under the clouds, still has valuable lessons to teach us about joy, creativity, and resilience.
Many of us grew up when we were expected to be tough, practical, and responsible, sometimes to a fault. We became experts at pushing through challenges, but weren’t always taught how to care for our emotional well-being or chase joy simply for joy’s sake. Over time, we may have started believing we had to do everything right and do it alone. But now, with a little more wisdom in our pockets and a lot less pressure to be “perfect,” we have a beautiful opportunity: to let go of old expectations and reconnect with the playful, imaginative, adventurous parts of ourselves.
So what might that look like? It could be something as simple as putting pen to paper and writing a letter to your younger self, or doodling in the margins while you do it. It might be trying something you've never done before, like joining a community art class, picking up the ukulele, or learning how to dance (even if your version of dancing is more of a gentle sway and toe tap). Nature, too, is an old and patient friend that can help you feel grounded and curious again—take a walk, touch a tree, watch the birds and wonder what they’re gossiping about.
And while the hive may have thinned over the years, it’s not empty. There are others—yes, including you, who still long for meaningful connection. Reaching out to someone new, sharing a story or a laugh, or even volunteering your time can help you build a new circle. You're never too old to form new bonds, and you might just inspire others to reconnect with their own inner spark in the process.
The truth is, the inner child isn’t some distant memory; it’s a vital part of who we are. Nurturing that part of ourselves isn’t silly—it’s smart. It makes us more adaptable, more open to change, and more joyful. So give yourself permission to be a little messy, a little playful, and a little braver. Life still has many pages to write, and your inner child might just have the pen.
Take good care of yourself—and if you happen to splash in a puddle or paint outside the lines, consider it a win.
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