Older vs. Elder: Redefining Aging, Wisdom, and Legacy with Dr. Marc B. Cooper
The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

Aging isn’t just about getting older—it’s about stepping into wisdom. 🌱 Dr. Marc B. Cooper challenges us to rethink aging: Are we merely growing old, or are we transforming into Elders?
👉 Learn the difference between preserving the past vs. creating the future.
👉 Discover the mindset shift that turns aging into a powerful legacy.
👉 Take control of your next chapter!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts FREE:  https://apple.co/3FAbebT

What if growing older wasn’t just about adding years but about stepping into wisdom, influence, and purpose? What if instead of fading into the background, we embraced a new role—a role of guidance, leadership, and transformation?

Today, we’re speaking with someone who has dedicated his life to redefining what it truly means to age. Dr. Marc B. Cooper is a coach, author, and thought leader who challenges the idea that aging is simply about preservation. Instead, he asks us to consider: Are we merely “Older,” or are we evolving into “Elder”? Because there is a difference. Older is resignation—Elder is possibility. Older is retreat—Elder is engagement. Older is a conclusion—Elder is a beginning.

Dr. Cooper’s work—including his book Older to Elder: The Thinking and Being of a Contemporary Elder—lays out a clear, compelling path for those 60 and beyond who refuse to be sidelined by outdated expectations. Instead, he encourages us to step forward as storytellers, mentors, and wisdom-keepers for the generations that follow.

In our conversation today, we’ll explore how to embrace this powerful transition. What does it take to move from simply aging to becoming a true Elder? How do we overcome ageism and societal doubts? And most importantly—how can we shape the legacy we leave behind?