Recognize Your Senior Colleagues

I was in a hotel room on business the other night when I heard a report that age 60 is the new 40. Dr. Michael Roizen, chief medical wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic, said your chronological age isn't your biological or real age. New research argues, according to Erika Edwards at NBC News, that as life expectancy continues to rise, age 60 should not be considered old. This age should be considered middle age, because these days many people, for a variety of reasons, embark on second or third careers that could include philanthropy. The experts say exercise daily, managing stress, sticking to a healthy diet and not smoking is important. I also believe having a confident attitude and outlook is important. My mother always said the key to good health and a happy life is "having something to look forward to."

Let's now think about colleagues in the senior stage of their careers in the development field. Many of these individuals have worked for at least five to seven not-for-profits and have been leaders in the community. They have been the ones that provide lectures on various topics, at times write on nonprofit trends and served as executives of professional fundraising groups. Many have mentored young professionals and helped countless others get jobs in and out of the profession. They have made a career helping generate tremendous amounts of time, talent and treasure for their organizations plus others in a volunteer capacity. They have been in the top of their profession. These role models now find themselves in their 60s. While they may just be entering middle age according to research, they have decided after all of these years to leave the profession. Does anyone care or has anyone made any effort to recognize them for a job well done?