What do you do at your current age that might surprise people who assume it's for someone older or younger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
I’ve had someone tell me I’m childish for my age. I’ve also had someone say I have an old soul. Both times, it was meant to be an insult. And I took it that way.
Now, though, comments like those don’t faze me. Why? Well, sometimes I do things some consider “too young” for my age. Other times, I do stuff they would say is way too mature. As an older millennial, I’m fine not fitting into a neat little box of expectations based on the generation I was born into.
I’ve learned that’s what’s known as a “Perennial” mindset.
Wait, what’s a perennial?
Gina Pell, a fashion and tech entrepreneur and founder of The What, coined the term in 2015 to describe folks who refuse to be defined by age or generational stereotypes.
Here’s how Pell describes perennials: “We are ever-blooming, curious people of ALL ages who know what’s happening in the world, stay current with technology, and have friends of all ages … Perennials have always understood that age is not a limiting factor. From childhood and beyond, Perennials get involved, stay curious, mentor others, and are passionate, compassionate, creative, confident, collaborative, global-minded, risk-takers who continue to push up against our growing edge and know how to hustle.”
To be clear, perennial is a mindset, not an age group. Millennials can be perennials, as can Gen X, Boomers, Gen Z, or anyone else.
According to Pell, “It’s time we chose our own category based on shared values and passions and break out of the faux constructs behind an age-based system of classification.”
I agree. Being part of the ageless generation, not stuck in the past and not afraid to embrace what’s new, is a good thing.
Regenerative vs. generational. How the perennial mindset helps you thrive
Just like perennial plants, perennial people keep growing.
Curiosity keeps you sharp. Perennials love learning new things, asking questions, and trying something different. Challenging your mind helps keep your brain healthy. And according to the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, curiosity makes us happier and more attractive to others, which can strengthen social connections and relationships.
Staying in the loop makes life more colorful. Pop culture, politics, world events, technology, the latest slang? Perennials are in the know. And if we don’t know, we find out.
I’ve found that staying informed about what’s new and happening keeps me mentally stimulated and makes conversations more interesting. Every now and then, I drop a perfectly timed reference or a little knowledge about something someone probably didn’t expect me to know, just to see their reaction. It’s fun showing folks they shouldn’t judge a book by its cover (or, in this case, a plant by its leaves).
Social diversity feeds the soul. A perennial’s social circle isn’t limited to people their age. They tend to have a mix of connections — family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, mentors, mentees, hobby buddies — from different age groups and backgrounds.
Being socially connected can reduce stress, boost your mood, lower your risk of some chronic diseases, and even help you live longer. The more variety in your social circle, the better.
Moving how you want levels up your body. Perennials don’t feel too old (or young) for specific physical activities. I hula hoop, do step aerobics (not your mama’s step aerobics!) and lift heavy. Maybe your thing is viral TikTok dances or the 75 Hard (or Soft) Challenge.
The goal is to move your body in ways you enjoy. Regular physical activity reduces stress, keeps muscles and bones strong, reduces health risks, and increases your likelihood of living longer.
Your playlist (and brain) stays fresh. You know how some people get stuck in the “music was better in the 70s, 80s, 90s” mindset and refuse to listen to anything different? Not perennials. My musical interests range from The Temptations to TLC, Doechii to Rod Wave. Even my son has said, “Wait, what? You’re listening to…?”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, tuning in to the newer stuff challenges your brain, helping keep it young.
Doing things your own way feels damn good. Being a perennial isn’t about chasing youth. It’s knowing you don’t have to dress, act, or live a certain way because you’ve got however many years under your belt.
For me, that means showing up for myself, prioritizing my happiness, and being comfortable with myself as I am right now. As Pell puts it: “Midlife doesn’t have to be a crisis.”
Like me, you’ve probably noticed people love to put others in a box. Having a perennial mindset means breaking free from outdated labels and age-based expectations. We don’t fade. We don’t wither. Just like perennial plants, we flourish season after season. Bloom, sis, bloom!
What do you do at your current age that might surprise people who assume it's for someone older or younger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
