“Wisdom Meets Curiosity What Elders Can Learn from Kids  Growth Mindset at Any Age” - video Dailymotion

“Wisdom Meets Curiosity What Elders Can Learn from Kids  Growth Mindset at Any Age”

Transcript

00:00I've lived through you so much, but have you ever built a spaceship out of cereal boxes?

00:05Wisdom and curiosity aren't opposites. They're a perfect pair. We often imagine that age brings

00:12all the answers that elders teach and children simply learn. But the truth is, the most emotionally

00:18intelligent elders know a powerful secret. Curiosity keeps us young. And when it comes

00:25to curiosity, kids are the experts. They see the world as a place of endless questions

00:31and infinite possibilities. Psychologists call this the growth mindset, the belief that

00:36no matter our age, we can keep learning, growing, and reinventing ourselves. Watch a child at

00:42play, and you'll see it in action. Children ask, why? Ushit, not to challenge, but to understand.

00:50They explore, not because they're reckless, but because they want to know what's possible.

00:56They stumble, fail, and try again, not seeing failure as a setback, but as a step towards

01:02something new. This isn't just child's play. It's mental flexibility, a kind of thinking

01:09that can fade as we get older, but doesn't have to. Why should elders care about childlike

01:14curiosity? Neuroscience gives us some compelling answers. Staying curious doesn't just make

01:20life more interesting. It's good for us. Studies show that curiosity keeps our memory sharp,

01:27helps us regulate our emotions, and may even add years to our lives. When elders remain open

01:32to new experiences and ideas, they become less reactive, more adaptable, and more connected

01:38to younger generations. Rather than seeing the world through a lens of, been there, done

01:43that, they discover new perspectives and unexpected joys. Children can be our guides in this. They

01:50invite us to see familiar things with fresh eyes, if we're willing to accept the invitation.

01:55The next time a child shares a wild idea, resist the urge to say, that's not how it works. Instead,

02:02ask, how did you think of that? You might just find that a child's imagination sparks an elder's

02:08inspiration. In these moments, the lines between teacher and student blur. Wisdom and curiosity

02:14dance together, each making the other stronger. So, how can elders grow through the gift of childlike

02:21curiosity? Here are three simple but powerful ways. First, learn something with a child, not just teach

02:28them. Try asking, can you show me how this game works? Boys? Mice? Or, what do you love about this

02:37story? This flips the usual power dynamic, letting elders step into the shoes of a learner. It builds

02:44connection and trust, and often leads to discoveries on both sides. Second, say why not? More often than

02:51no. In play, in conversation, in everyday life, why not? Opens doors to experimentation, laughter, and bonding.

03:00It tells children and ourselves that it's okay to try, to explore, and to dream. Third, keep a wonder

03:08journal. Each day, write down one thing that surprised you, something you saw, heard, or felt that made you

03:15pause and think. It could be as simple as the way sunlight hits the kitchen table, or as profound as a

03:21story a child shares. Over time, this habit keeps the mind agile and the heart open. Wisdom isn't about

03:29having all the answers. It's about having the humility to keep asking questions, to remain open,

03:35and to see the world, even for a moment, through the eyes of a child. What's something unexpected a

03:40child has taught you? Let your curiosity guide you, and see where it leads.