who Are Inclined Elders?

We are the women and men who have made a conscious choice to ignore society’s negative mindset of “decline” and “over-the-hill” as we age. Instead, we embrace a positive mindset of continuing to “incline” and “climb the hill.”

Why, you may ask? Because we intend to live a life of achievement, meaning, and purpose and not allow more birthdays to get in the way.

The metaphor of a hill is an apt one because hills are easier and more enjoyable to climb than steep, lofty mountains, while still allowing for inspiring discoveries and adventures. Some pathways may have twists and turns, and there may be the odd bump, but we continue the ascent. Why? Because the vistas on the trek upward are increasingly breathtaking and exhilarating.

Inclined Elders know that there’s no need to rush; it’s not a race. We take one step at a time so that we can pause to smile at the waving wildflowers along the road.

Your attitude determines the potential for your altitude, so a shift in mindset is required, regardless of age. As you awaken to each new day as an Inclined Elder, the sunrise will greet you with a symphony of color to applaud your choice to “incline” and “climb the hill.” You will continue to broaden your experience and deepen your joy of life.

Serving as vibrant role models, the Inclined Elders I know are leaving their own unique legacies of wisdom and inspiration for future generations. There needs to be more of us to effect real social change, so why not “incline” too? There’s an amazing view from up here; come with me and see for yourself.

Excerpt from INCLINED ELDERS: How to rebrand aging for self and society by Ramona Oliver 

MY JOURNEY OF CONTINUOUS INCLINE

From an early age, I’ve had a curious nature and always have been receptive to new adventures and learning. After graduating from high school, I traveled throughout Europe and lived in London, England for a time. Returning home, I began my professional career. I reinvented myself several times over exploring various opportunities, while always seeking challenge and advancement. I soon realized I wanted to apply my inherent desire for continuous personal and professional growth, or “incline,” in service to others. Thus, my passion for helping people with their personal growth became a common thread throughout my life – as a human resource manager/director, career coach, and Director of Outreach for a local university where I promoted adult undergraduate and graduate programs.

Along the way, I returned to school in my fifties and earned my undergraduate degree. I enjoyed the journey so much I stayed on and earned my master’s. My curious and adventurous nature continued into my sixties and my passion for continuous incline persists. At the age of seventy, I took on the challenge of writing a book. It’s now my intention to continue to climb the hill and incline as I proceed into my eighties, nineties, and beyond still exploring many new adventures.

Mine is just one way in which a life of incline can manifest because “lifelong learning” has been such a personal passion. But as you will discover throughout my book, INCLINED ELDERS: How to rebrand aging for self and society, every single person I spoke with has adapted the desire to incline in their own, unique way.