Advice for the Younger Generation

From the Collective Wisdom of Franke Tobey Jones Residents

As we honor Older Americans Month, we wanted to share the collective wisdom of several Franke Tobey Jones residents.

They were born into a world without the internet… and some before television. They remember when letters were handwritten and long-distance calls were rare. They lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing, and the digital revolution. They have witnessed extraordinary medical advances, shifting cultural norms, and the transformation of how we live, work, communicate, and connect.

Today, the residents of Franke Tobey Jones—many in their mid-80s, 90s, and even beyond 100—carry with them nearly a century of lived experience. Their wisdom has been shaped not only by history, but by the quiet, everyday choices that define a life: how to love, how to work, how to endure, and how to grow.

While every generation must learn through its own triumphs and missteps, there is something deeply grounding about listening to those who have already traveled the road ahead.

Here, in their own words, is their collective advice to the younger generation.

Build a Life on Purpose—and Be Ready to Adapt

“Life is not a smooth concrete highway,” reflects Karen Fischer. “It’s a road with potholes, construction zones, and detours. Some you can plan for, and some will take you by surprise.”

This generation knows firsthand that life rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Careers shift. Relationships evolve. Unexpected opportunities—and challenges—appear without warning.

Beverly Smaby echoes this sentiment: “Don’t feel like you have to decide once and for all what you’ll do with your life. One thing can morph into another… even bad experiences can give you skills and insights that serve you later.”

The message is clear: pursue purpose, but hold it with flexibility. A well-lived life requires both direction and openness.

Be Wise with Money—and Time

“Learn how to budget your expenses to match your income,” advises Bob Garden. “Start investing early and understand the power of compounding.”

Financial discipline, they remind us, is not about restriction—it’s about freedom. The earlier you begin, the more choices you create for your future.

But time, they suggest, may be your most valuable resource of all.

“Practice time management and setting priorities,” Bob adds, a reminder that how you spend your days ultimately shapes your life.

Mary Damonte offers a powerful perspective on time: “Be aware of ‘opportunities that have no anniversaries.’… It is important each day to see life as a series of opportunities… Sometimes that which we see as least important is the very opportunity… the one we wish we had put first that day.”

Relationships Matter More Than You Think

“Don’t propose marriage to the first person you have a crush on,” Bob says with a smile—but beneath the humor is something deeper: take time to build trust.

“Build trusting relationships, especially with family members.”

Karen Fischer adds another layer of wisdom: “No matter how much you love someone… you can’t live their life for them. You can only live yours.”

Healthy relationships, they suggest, require both connection and boundaries—love paired with respect for individuality.

Eric Swenson shares a timeless reminder: “Love many, trust few, and paddle your own canoe.”

Choose Kindness—and Learn to Forgive

“Forgive others easily,” says Damian Gennette. “This is a real gift… because being human can be very difficult.”

Decades of life experience have taught these residents that resentment weighs heavily, while kindness creates lightness and connection.

“Don’t be a doormat,” Damian adds, “but also remember to be kind—you’ll never regret being kind.”

Claire G. captures it simply: “Act kindly.”

In a complex world, kindness remains a timeless guide.

Stay Curious. Keep Learning. Keep Growing.

“Make reading a ‘must’ activity,” Bob encourages. “Education doesn’t stop with graduation.”

Curiosity, they say, is one of the keys to a vibrant life. Whether through books, travel, or conversation, learning keeps the mind engaged and the spirit energized.

Cat McIntyre offers a broader perspective: “Learn another language… travel… honor differences. These will make you a full member of the human race, not just a citizen of the USA.”

Exposure to new ideas and cultures fosters empathy—and a deeper understanding of the world.

Embrace Creativity, Culture, and Joy

“Try to write some prose or poetry,” Bob suggests. “Enjoy the creative side of your personality.”

Support the arts. Attend concerts, visit museums, go to the theater. These experiences enrich life in ways that go beyond practicality.

And don’t forget joy.

“Find something you love—or even just like—to do,” says Damian. “Life goes by fast.”

Marietta Pane offers a beautiful and deeply reflective framework, inspired by Joseph Campbell: “‘Follow your bliss.’… If whatever you are doing causes you to lose track of time, you are experiencing bliss.”

She adds a thoughtful practice: “Stop and consider the message you are sending to yourself… what should I do next? Give bliss a chance to respond.”

In other words: pay attention to what brings you alive.

Accept That Work Is Both Practical and Meaningful

“Don’t feel bad if you can’t ‘follow your dream,’” says Carolyn Hunt. “We need people doing ordinary jobs too… Sometimes you just need a job.”

Not every season of life is about passion. Sometimes, it’s about stability, responsibility, and showing up.

But meaning can still be found in how you approach your work—with integrity, effort, and pride.

“Work joyfully,” as Claire G. puts it.

Care for Your Whole Self—Mind, Body, and Spirit

“When it comes to your well-being, be proactive as a member of your healthcare team,” Bob advises.

Health, they remind us, is not something to take for granted—it’s something to actively protect.

Equally important is emotional balance.

“Keep your emotional responses appropriate to solving challenging issues,” Bob adds. “A neutral voice is almost always more effective than a loud one.”

And for many, faith or a sense of something greater plays a guiding role.

“Believe in something greater than yourself,” shares Phyllis Gill. “Call it faith or strength or belief—but let it guide you. It is the foundation of all that you do.”

Live with Integrity—and Give Back

“Within your ability, give your talents and resources to your community,” Bob encourages.

A meaningful life, they suggest, extends beyond personal success. It includes contribution—sharing what you have, supporting others, and strengthening the communities around you.

Karen Fischer offers a guiding principle: “Don’t worry about doing things right, but try to do the right thing.”

Prepare for a Long Life—And a Full One

“Live each decade preparing for as much longevity as possible,” says Marietta Pane, who also shares a timeless line from Shakespeare: “Be not old, my Lord, before wise.”

Longevity is not just about years—it’s about how those years are lived.

Develop hobbies that will sustain you in retirement. Stay active. Stay engaged. Stay connected.

Because if there is one truth these residents know deeply, it is this: Life moves faster than you think.

A Final Word

From financial advice to philosophical reflection, from practical guidance to heartfelt reminders, the voices of Franke Tobey Jones residents come together in a powerful chorus:

• “Live with intention.”
• “Stay flexible.”
• “Be kind.”
• “Keep learning.”
• “Love deeply.”
• “And don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”

Because while every generation must find its own way, there is great wisdom in listening to those who have already lived a lifetime—and then some.

Happy Older Americans Month—and heartfelt thanks to the residents of Franke Tobey Jones for sharing wisdom that truly stands the test of time.