From Older to Elder: Dr. Marc Cooper on Wisdom, Legacy & Facing Death Fully

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Dr. Marc Cooper is the founder of The Contemporary Elder Institute and author of the book  Older to Elder: The Thinking and Being of a Contemporary Elder

In this episode, he shares how embracing growing older can lead to wisdom, freedom, and profound healing. In this powerful conversation, he explains the difference between simply aging and stepping into elderhood, a role that brings meaning, spiritual growth, and legacy.

At nearly 80 years old, Dr. Cooper calls himself an “Elder for Our Times.” He believes that talking openly about death helps people live more fully. From his viewpoint as an elder, he sees a growing shift in awareness about dying, grief, and end-of-life planning. Instead of fearing aging or death, he encourages others to use these natural processes to deepen their understanding of life.

He reflects on how growing older gives people the chance to let go of the past, make new choices, and develop a new sense of purpose. Unlike being “older,” which society often sees as useless or in decline, being an “elder” means offering wisdom, holding space for others, and guiding with compassion. Elders, he says, have earned the right to speak freely, think deeply, and live authentically, without worrying what others think.

In cultures that honor their elders, aging is viewed as a valuable asset. But in today’s society, aging is often hidden or feared. Dr. Cooper explains that this fear comes from a culture focused on staying young and making money. He challenges that mindset, teaching that death is not the enemy, it’s a powerful teacher. When we face death, we become more alive. We learn to let go, love more deeply, and focus on what really matters.

He ends with a reflection on legacy. He invites others to imagine what they would write on their tombstone and live today with that in mind. Dr. Cooper now teaches others how to become elders, helping them use death and aging as tools for conscious living and healing.

Engage with Marc on Substack: https://drmarcbcooper.substack.com/

Learn more about Older to Elder: https://www.requestingwisdom.com/

Learn more about Marc, the Author: https://www.drmarcbcooper.com/

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