Forget Nonna-Maxxing. Ask Your Grandmother One Question Instead
Ask an older woman what she’s learned. Her answer could change your week.
Before turning to Google or artificial intelligence for life advice, consider reaching out to someone older for guidance. Karl Pillemer, a gerontologist and author, directs The Legacy Project at Cornell University, which has gathered practical life advice from nearly 1,500 older adults since 2004. Regardless of background or location, Pillemer says that certain themes consistently emerge: prioritize relationships over money, be open to opportunities, and appreciate everyday pleasures.
To benefit from their wisdom, start with one trusted older person rather than interviewing dozens. Instead of asking what habits they followed, ask what the most important lesson they learned is and how you could apply it this week. This approach fosters connection and ensures the advice is relevant to your current circumstances.
While the trend of nonna-maxxing—emulating Italian grandmothers' habits—appeals to a desire for simpler, more meaningful routines, it may not capture the underlying wisdom. Ask why the habit was important, when it provided the most benefit, and whether it remains relevant today. Lessons about worrying less or enjoying the present are valuable but can be difficult to apply in practice.
Instead, seek concrete actions like remembering to pause and breathe when feeling anxious or setting a daily intention for kindness. By asking older adults for their lessons and adapting them to your life, you can gain practical wisdom and strengthen connections with those who have lived longer.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
