Leading with Curiosity As We Age
By Alissa Norton, CSA
Case Study: Jim’s New Chapter
At 78, Jim was a widower with family nearby and a few hobbies he enjoyed, especially gardening. When a few health issues popped up, he decided he’d sell his home and transition into independent living, but he wasn’t sure what life there might be like. He worried that he’d be expected to be more social than he wanted to, and he also thought that moving might mean “slowing down.”
When he joined his new community, he was happy to have a patio where he could grow flowers and a few vegetables, and he joined the garden club to help care for the plants around the community. He found that the “garden people” became his friends, and he was glad to find that many of them enjoyed their alone time as much as he did. He also signed up for a watercolor class—even though he hadn’t painted since high school—and joined a group that explored local history. Six months later, Jim has a new passion for art, a circle of friends who share his interests, and a renewed sense of purpose. “I thought I was giving things up,” he said. “Instead, I’ve discovered a lot of new things I like to do.”
Jim’s story is a reminder that curiosity is a powerful guide as we age. It opens doors, sparks new connections, and makes each stage of life an opportunity for growth.
Why Curiosity Matters in Later Life
Recent research confirms what many of us sense intuitively: leading with curiosity in older age has tangible benefits—for the brain, emotional health, resilience, and quality of life.
Memory enhancement: Older adults who are curious about learning new facts show better recall, not just for what they want to learn but for related details as well.
Mental health payoff: Staying curious through learning new skills reduces loneliness and depression, even in stressful times.
Longevity: Studies suggest that older adults with higher curiosity live longer, healthier lives.
Trait vs. State Curiosity
Trait curiosity is a personality characteristic—your overall tendency to ask questions and seek new experiences throughout life. Trait curiosity is linked with higher education, engagement in hobbies, and mental resilience—all factors that protect the brain as we age.
State curiosity is situational—the spark of interest that arises in the moment when something captures your attention.
In aging: Trait curiosity may decline slightly, but state curiosity often stays strong—and can even grow—when older adults have the opportunity to engage in meaningful, personally rewarding activities.
Curiosity in Senior Living
For those considering a senior living community, curiosity can transform the experience. Instead of asking, “What will I lose?” a curious mindset asks, “What might I discover?”
New friendships and social connections.
Access to lifelong learning, creative outlets, and wellness programs.
More free time for hobbies and exploration as daily chores are handled by others.
Try This: Simple Ways to Spark Curiosity Daily
Ask one new question a day. Let curiosity guide a conversation.
Explore something small but new. Taste a food you’ve never tried, or take a new walking route.
Join a class or group. Art, fitness, or discussion groups can ignite curiosity.
Keep a “wonder list.” Write down things you’ve always wanted to know—then explore one each week.
Engage your senses. Listen to new music, notice seasonal changes, or sketch what you see.
Instead of considering the outcome or practical value of the activity, try focusing on the act of discovery. Small sparks of curiosity can grow into meaningful moments of joy and connection.
Want to try something new now? Give this quick recipe a try.
Who We Recommend: Financial Planners
Judy Carlson Financial Group
Judy Carlson
9233 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 125
Lone Tree, CO 80124
720-445-1308
judycarlson.com
Focus on couples
Longwise Wealth Partners
Kristie Robles
825 Simms St.
Lakewood, CO 80401
Phone: 720-963-6889
longwisewealthpartners.nm.com
Lotus Financial Partners
Leslie Elson, MA
9175 E Kenyon Ave, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80237
303-756-2062
LotusFinancialPartners.com
Chrysalis Wealth Management
Tzarina Sherfey
16 Inverness Pl E Bldg B
Englewood, CO 80112
303-407-1275
ameripriseadvisors.com/tzarinasherfey/
Just for pun
What does a clock do when it’s hungry?
It goes back for seconds.
