8: Alan Page’s Unretirement: From NFL to State Supreme Court Justice to Mentor

Unretirement – Infinite Guest Podcast Network

Alan Page is about as unretired as you can get. He’s retired twice.

Once from professional football in 1981 and in again in 2015 when he turned 70 and hit the mandatory retirement age for Minnesota Supreme Court Justices.

Justice Alan Page isn’t looking back on his career, living a life of nostalgia. No, he’s figuring out what he wants to do next. He knows he wants to be involved with kids and education, especially with young African-Americans. He talks with Chris Farrell about what it’s like to navigate his current unretirement. We learn about his maple syrup and sausage making hobbies; his opinions on golfing in retirement; and the importance of mentoring young people.

We also hear from Marc Freedman, the founder of Encore.Org. Chris and Marc talk about the important role that mentoring can have on both kids and adults lives.

In this episode, we’ll learn:

• How mentoring can change kids’ lives and affect older adults for the good.
• What makes a good mentor? Hint: It may involve fast food.
• How to find a good mentorship program.

Our listener question comes from our Facebook page.

Rosemarie asks Chris about pursuing her dream of starting a therapeutic horse riding center for kids with Autism.

Explore additional resources from this episode:

Alan and his Perfectly Pointy Impossibly Perpendicular Pinky by Alan Page and Kamie Page, with David Geister (illustrator).

All Rise: The Remarkable Journey of Alan Page by Bill McGrane

Alan Page’s enshrinement speech during the 1988 Hall of Fame ceremony. Willarene Beasley, principal of North Community High School, introduces Alan Page. His talk is truly inspiring.

“Alan Page on justice, his career and retirement,” a Minnesota Public Radio interview with host Tom Weber

The websites we’re highlighting are all helpful resources for anyone interested in becoming a mentor.

www.Encore.org offers a wealth of information for addressing social problems in the second half of life

Mentor.org for connections to successful mentoring programs

The Search Institute for research on mentorship.

America’s Promise is the organization started by former General and Secretary of State Colin Powell. America’s Promise promotes constructive support for young people.

Experience Corps places volunteers 50 and older in schools as reading tutors for children in grades K-3

Senior Corps connects 55-plus with the people and organizations that need mentors, coaches and companions

These articles offer insights into mentorship.

“How to Find a Mentor” by Kerry Hannon

“Make Your Retirement a Time to Give Back” by Chris Farrell

“How to Make the Most of Longer Lives” by Marc Freedman

“How Boomers Can Help Close the Mentoring Gap” by Liza Kaufman Hogan

“Generational Warfare Is a Media Myth: Seniors and Kids Need Each Other” by Michael Eisner and Marc Freedman

“The Rewards of Mentoring” by Larry Carlat

We liked this list from Liza Kaufman Hogan Next Avenue article on how boomers can help close the mentor gap. Seven questions to ask before signing up as a mentor:

1. What is the time commitment?
2. How flexible is the program if I work full-time or travel a lot?
3. How will I be matched with the person I am mentoring and what happens if it is not a good fit?
4. What type of training and support does the program offer?
5. Will I be working on my own or are there opportunities to work with, or meet, other mentors for support and social events?
6. Is the program a good match for my health?
7. What is the process for vetting mentors?

Ask Chris your unretirement question or share your story:

If you have an unretirement question or a story for Chris, get in touch. We are always looking for inspiring stories and try to answer as many listener questions as possible.

Join the conversation:

We love the conversations that our listeners are having about unretirement on Facebook.

This week we want to know:

What do you think makes a good mentor?

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