Michael has been part of the GreyMatter story almost from the beginning. One of our first supporters, he has long understood that getting older doesn’t mean the story stops. If anything, his own life is a good example of what can happen when you remain curious about what comes next.

At 59, Michael bought a house on 10 acres of land — despite having no idea how to look after a property of that size.

It was, perhaps, an unexpected chapter for someone approaching 60. But then, unexpected chapters are often where the interesting stories begin.

More recently, Michael has taken on another challenge: writing a proper book.

That has meant learning an entirely new process, from making the decision to engage a publisher to working with graphic designers, including photographs from photographers he knows and supporting people within his own community. He has also asked others to review his manuscript and has been open to incorporating their feedback.

It is a project that reflects something much bigger happening in Michael’s life.

For the past three years, he has been researching and learning, developing a framework and guidance designed to help people find greater inner peace. Now, he has reached a point where he feels comfortable with both the framework and the book that will share it.

For Michael, purpose has changed over the course of a lifetime.

“My six year old self has a very different purpose to my sixty year old self,” he says.

At 65, he describes his purpose as reviewing his life experiences alongside the knowledge he has acquired, then using those insights to help other people find purpose and meaning in everyday life.

And perhaps that is one of the gifts of getting older: having enough life behind you to look back with perspective, while still having plenty ahead of you to explore.

Michael’s advice to anyone worrying about getting older is beautifully simple.

“The past is gone so use fresh eyes every day to see and give gratitude for the beauty in the small things.”

He believes we can choose to see the world from that perspective — and remain open to bringing joy to other people.

A smile. Saying please before making a request. Saying thank you.

Small things, perhaps. But as Michael reminds us, small things can make a very big difference.

Still becoming. Still learning. Still finding new ways to make life — and the lives of others — a little more meaningful.

---

This is part of the GreyMatter International Day of Older Persons on 1 October campaign. Who are you becoming?

For International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, GreyMatter is asking people a simple question: Who are you becoming?

Becoming isn’t about adding more to ourselves, it can also be about letting go of the expectations. The should haves, and could ofs, or the versions of ourselves we thought we had to be, then discovering there is still so much life left to live!!

Still becoming.
#GreyMatterStudioLife

This campaign will run for the Day of Older Person and Active Ageing Week.


1. What is something new you’ve taken up, learned, or explored recently that would have surprised your younger self?
2. When you look at where you are today, what is a chapter of your life story that people might not expect just by looking at your age?
3. What is a project, passion, or goal you’re actively focused on right now, and what’s driving your excitement for it?
4. How has your definition of purpose or meaningful work shifted over time, and what keeps you feeling connected and useful today?
5. If you could share one piece of wisdom with someone worrying about getting older, what would you tell them about the value of the perspective you have now?