Think people find you less interesting than you used to be? Rally Preston says that’s nonsense—you’ve just got to polish up that magnetism a bit. In this episode, discover why curiosity beats nostalgia, how listening makes YOU fascinating, and why your quirks are actually your secret weapon for staying connected across generations.
Episode Transcript
Hey there Beautiful People…welcome to the Silver Beast Podcast! I’m Rally Preston…Thanks for stopping by.
So this is where we try to up our game as older adults. Lots of helpful tips on motivating yourself to live your best life ever. It’s never too late for that, right? Of course not, that’s why you’re here!
So today, I have something for you I 100-percent guarantee you’ll find interesting…no question…that’s because this Silver Beast episode is all about how we – us older adults – can be more interesting.
Interested? Alright let’s do this….
So honestly, have you ever felt people don’t find you quite as interesting as you used to be?
Now if you’re a Robin Williams type person — uh nevermind, you already got this.
But if you’re like me, well probably most of us, you might think your natural magnetism, might be a little worn out by now. You’re not the shiny new 20-something you once were.
And look, before I get into all the ways you can work on being more interesting – my #1 suggestion is: don’t think you’re not interesting right now. Older does not mean duller. Don’t think that way. You’re interesting – but if you go around thinking you’re not, well that doesn’t help. You got to get that out of your head. You’re interesting already. Let’s start there.
Now… if you want to ratchet up your interesting factor, y’know, put a little more shine on it, that’s what the rest of this podcast is about.
Now to do that, to be more interesting, doesn’t take some massive personality overhaul here. We’re going to run through some simple things you can do that will make people light up when you’re around.
So first, let’s talk about what makes someone fascinating to us humans in the first place. And it’s probably not what you might think.…
OK, A lot of people — especially us older folks — we think being interesting means you have to done extraordinary things, right? Like uh, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Denzel Washington – sure, accomplished people.
But the most interesting people I know? They’re interesting because they’re interested in just about everything. In people. In new ideas. In what’s happening in the world.
They’re curious. They ask questions. They listen — and I mean intently — when you talk to them.
Now here’s some scientific research for you. People who become more charismatic as they age — they’re the ones who never stop learning. They read, take classes, explore new things. They’re not stuck in a rut…doing the same old things, thinking the same old way.
Look, you want to really dazzle the grandkids, nieces, nephews, or your younger friends. Maybe even get them to look up from their smartphones?
Well older adults who have the strongest relationships with the younger generations? They’re the ones who stay curious about what’s going on in those young people’s worlds.
Research shows that when we – and I mean us older adults – stay engaged and learn about what interests the younger generations — like their music, their tech, their passions — that’s an amazing relationship-builder.
Young people aren’t looking for a lecture that starts with: “Well back in my day…blah, blah blah.” What makes you fascinating to them is when you’re genuinely interested in their world. Y’know, you’re asking good questions about their lives — and, you actually care about the answers.
Alright, point made there…let’s move on…
Now, some of you might be wondering, How can I be more interesting when I’m not one of those outgoing, life-of-the-party types?
Well, news flash, you don’t have to be an extrovert to be charismatic. That’s what the research says. A lot of fascinating people are actually on the quiet side…and, this is the key here, they’re good listeners.
Think about it. When someone really listens to you — I mean really listens, not just waiting for their turn to blurt out something — doesn’t that make you like them more? Of course! That draws you right in, doesn’t it?
Now listening, well being a better listener, is something any of us can do, Of course, you’ve really got to focus. Ask good questions. Let them know you understand them; that they’re important to you. People love that. They light up. They want to talk to you more. And guess what, they find you fascinating. Better listening is such a stupidly simple thing – but it works every time.
And here’s something else about interesting people we admire. They don’t try to fit in too much… uh, they don’t always do what everyone else is doing. They’re not followers for the most part. They do their own thing…and that fascinates us.
Now, I’m not saying you need to go rebel against everything like you were standing on Haight and Ashbury in the 60s. But think about it — someone who just does exactly what everyone else is doing – well, kinda boring right?
Interesting people go after what excites them, not what they think they’re supposed to do.
So at our age, what does this look like? Maybe it’s pursuing a hobby that other people think is unusual. Maybe it’s having an opinion that’s different from the norm. Maybe it’s trying something that people your age aren’t supposed to do.
What are you passionate about that’s a little out there? How about soap carving? Ghost hunting? Bee Keeping? I don’t know – if you’re into something different — lean into it. Talk about it with enthusiasm. That kind of energy really draws people in.
Now this next one is exciting. This is what really separates dynamic older adults from the typical senior, uh, stereotypes. Interesting people keep trying new things.
Look, charismatic people – they see life as an adventure – and that takes learning new things. They’re not afraid to be a beginner at something.
So take this little tip and try something that interests you — might make you a little nervous, sure, but do it. Take a painting class. Learn to play an instrument. Hey, start a podcast.
Doesn’t really matter what it is. What counts is that you’re always growing. Evolving. Becoming someone with fresh perspectives and new experiences. That always gives you something interesting to talk about.
Alright, so here’s another quality of captivating people — they’ve got an optimistic energy about them.
Now look, I’m not saying you have to be annoyingly cheerful all the time like SpongeBob SquarePants – uh, you can ask your grandkids about that one.
But interesting people focus on solutions – they don’t dwell on problems. Challenges are just… opportunities to grow more.
Think about the people you most enjoy being around. Chances are, they’re the ones who, uh, despite whatever they’re dealing with, still find the joy in life. Still get excited about things. They have hope, plenty of enthusiasm.
That attitude? It’s like a powerful magnet. People can’t resist it.
And when you focus on being more positive, it changes you — you become more creative and more engaging in conversations. Happens pretty much on autopilot. And that lifts people up – and that makes you much more interesting.
Okay, this next one here…might be a challenging one for some of us, but this will definitely make you more interesting….
If you want to stay connected and engaged with your family – and especially the younger family members — embracing at least some technology can really help.
Now by that I mean technology like video calls. That’s one of the best ways to connect to the younger generations. And here’s the cool part — younger people actually enjoy teaching you this stuff. It makes them feel smart and needed.
So instead of saying “I’m too old for this tech stuff.” Try asking a younger family member to teach you how to use, uhm, FaceTime or whatever.
Not only will you learn something, you’re building a connection…especially to the young ones. And that makes you interesting and approachable. The cool grandparent, right?
Okay, and this next tip may be the most important thing. And this comes straight from research on charismatic people.
Charismatic people make others feel valued by remembering someone’s name, asking about their lives, just being interested in them, their well-being.
So when you’re chatting it up with someone — your neighbor, your grandkid, the grocery store cashier, whoever — be genuinely curious about them. Ask follow-up questions. Try to remember what they tell you.
And don’t fake this one. People can tell when you’re actually interested instead of just being polite. And when they feel like you really care? That’s when they find you interesting.
Alright that’s my bag of tricks to put a little polish on your personality that’ll make you more interesting.
And the key takeaway from all these has to be this: It’s not about being the most fascinating person in the room. It’s about being fascinated by the people in the room.That’s a good way to look at it.
Alright Silver Beasties, let’s get practical. Here are some easy action steps to become a more interesting person…
First, pick at least one new thing to learn this month. Could be anything — try a new recipe, a new card game, Instagram something, go skydiving – just seeing if you were listening.
Second, the next time you’re with family or friends, practice really listening. Pocket your smartphone and make eye contact. Ask questions. Really pay attention to what people are saying instead of planning what you’re going to say next.
Third, reach out to a younger family member — and ask them to teach you something they’re into. Could be a video game, a social media app, whatever. Let them be the expert. You’ll learn something, and they’ll feel important. Give them that feeling – it’ll pay you back.
Fourth, embrace your quirkiness. C’mon, there must be something. That weird hobby or interest you’ve been downplaying because you think people won’t care? Start talking about it with passion. I think you’re going to be surprised how people respond.
And finally, be positive. When you talk to people, be upbeat. Debbie and Donnie Downers are not interesting – they’re common, a dime a dozen. Now this doesn’t mean ignoring problems or being fake. It just means when you catch yourself complaining, pivot to something good. To a solution. To hope. Now that’s interesting.
Alright Silver Beasties. Hope you got something out of this one. Just remember, to be even more interesting than you already are… just stay curious, stay engaged, stay open to new experiences, and people. Make others feel heard and valued. Simple stuff. But that’s what will really make you interesting – and, that’s what makes life more interesting too.
Hey, I’ll catch you next time right here on the Silver Beast Podcast. Take care!