Get Social - and Mentor! - Senior Planet from AARP

Mentorship can transform lives on both sides of the relationship.Experts and mentors share stories, insights and practical tips on this fulfilling social activity.Over the years, Ive had probably a hundred mentors shape my pathand Ive been just as lucky to guide that many myself, says Dr.Lamell McMorris, author of The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits to Build Lifelong Resilience, and host of The Power to Persist podcast.

Morris credits much of his success to a remarkable network of mentors.For Dr.McMorris, mentorship isnt just an obligation; its a source of fulfillment and authentic connection.Networking vs.

MentorshipHes quick to distinguish meaningful networking from the superficial kind.Im not talking about the routine card exchanges at business mixers, he says.I mean real networkingwhere theres purpose behind every conversation and connection.

For seniors, this kind of networking is invaluable; its about sharing wisdom, life stories, and experiences that can truly help others grow.mentorship isnt just an obligation; its a source of fulfillment and authentic connection.Dr.McMorris (at left) serves on the PGA of America Reach Foundation, the charitable arm of the PGA of America that opens doors for youth through the game of golf.Were not just teaching kids how to playwere showing them the business side of golf, too, he says.Golf changed my life.

My very first set of clubs came from one of my mentors, the same mentor who sent me to college!Why Mentor?For Dr.McMorris, the most rewarding aspect of mentoring is the relationships that blossom along the way.When someone Ive mentored asks about my mom, I know our bond has gone far beyond business.

These ties outlast projects and jobsthey become lifelong connections, he says.Sure, it takes effort to keep those relationships strong, but its worth it.Hes deeply convinced that giving back is transformativeespecially for older adults.Mentoring fuels a positive attitude, he says.If seniors are feeling isolated, mentoring offers a lifeline.

By engaging with others and reflecting on their own journeys and gratitude, they not only help others but also strengthen their own resilience.And sometimes, the learning goes both ways.Mentoring gives seniors the freedom to share their struggles and regretsthe things they wish theyd done differently.Its liberating, and it can change lives on both sides of the conversation.Mentoring Through Sports: One Mentors StoryCharlie Butler, now 62, still remembers the moment his life took an unexpected turna tiny ad tucked away in The New York Times caught his eye when he was in his twenties.

RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities, now known as Dream) was searching for volunteer baseball coaches.Driven by a desire to make a difference, Charlie soon found himself on a decade-long adventure that changed not only the lives of local kids, but his own as well.I taught them a lot, but they taught me a lot as well.Over the next 10 years, Charlie did much more than teach the fundamentals of baseball.He inspired his players by launching a newsletter, giving them a platform to share stories about their experiences with RBI and giving them tours of the publishing offices where he worked, exposing players to Corporate America.I taught them a lot, but they taught me a lot as well.

I know some of those we mentored went on to do great things and later volunteered for the organization, as well.Even now, Charlie talks about the relationships he built through mentoring, keeping in touch with two of his former playersone of whom has since become a grandfather.Today, Charlie brings that same spirit to the classroom as a journalism and communications professor at Oregon University.The journalism profession is tough to navigate these days, so I try to help my students break into the job market, he says.

His story is a testament to how getting involved can spark lifelong connections and impact lives.Engineering MentorshipPhil Kruse, a realtor based in Orlando, brings energy and heart to mentoring engineering students at the University of Central Florida (UCF).Each school year, he shares his professional insights to students and notes that 25 percent of the volunteer mentors are retired from engineering, showing the powerful ripple effect of giving back across generations.Im passionate about encouraging others to become mentors too.I love sharing how rewarding it feelsnot only does mentoring bring a sense of joy, but it also opens doors to meaningful relationships.How to Mentor in your Own BackyardMcMorris suggests looking into to your place of worship or local school to see if there are any mentoring opportunities.

It can be as easy as reading to a kindergarten class, he says.Look into your alma mater, suggests Kruse, to see if they have any mentorship programs in your professionlike the mentors helping engineering students at UCF.National Mentoring OrganizationsMentoring.org is a national organization works to ensure all young people have access to mentoring relationships through advocacy, building local organizations, and driving public awareness.Big Brothers Big Sisters of America matches children aged 618 with a caring adult mentor to help them succeed in school, avoid risky behaviors, and improve their self-confidence.ACE Mentor Program:Provides career-focused programs for high school students interested in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries.The program has 70 chapters in 37 states.Are You Ready to Mentor?Mentoring may sound right to you but are you right for mentoring? Here are some things to consider before making the leap:Motives and Temperament.Do you sincerely want to help others grow, or are you expecting something in return recognition, control, or validation?Time Commitment.Can you consistently make time for someone else without resenting it or dropping the ball? Do you have time for preparation, follow-up, and sometimes helping your mentee during key moments?Showing up.

Is the mentoring opportunity/mentee located conveniently enough for you to commit? Would you need to drive at night, for instance?Communication Skills.Can you listen more than you talk? Can you read between the lines and hear what is unsaid, but important? Can you give constructive feedback without being overly critical or passive?Experience and Boundaries.Do you have enough relevant professional and life experience? Do you know your limits? A mentor isnt a therapist, life coach, or miracle worker.

Be clear on what you can and cant offer without becoming overly involved or dependent.YOUR TURNAttention mentors and former mentors! What did/do you do? How did you find your inspiration? Tell us about your mentoring journey in the comments.Jennifer Juergens Thomas has a lifelong interest in how people get together.As a former AP reporter she covered feature stories and later wrote about conventions from Anaheim to New Zealand as editor of Meetings and Conventions magazine.She was a public relations consultant for clients like the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives focusing on how and why people need to get together.

An Orlando resident, she continues to contribute to Meetings Today magazine among other ventures.Inset Photo by Lareina Shaw