Embracing Aging in the Interpreting Profession: A Journey of Growth, Change, and Wisdom

Aging—both in life and in the interpreting profession—can sometimes feel like an intimidating journey. We are often conditioned to view age as a point of decline or limitation, especially in a field like interpreting, where speed, precision, and cognitive flexibility are highly valued. But what if we shifted this perspective? What if aging—both personally and professionally—could be seen not as something to fear but as an opportunity to embrace, evolve, and become a more profound version of ourselves, enriched by a wealth of experience?

Reflecting on my own journey as an interpreter, I’ve come to realize that age is not just a number—it's a collection of lessons, growth, and opportunities to give back. With each passing year, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how our work transcends the technical aspects of language and evolves into authentic connections, emotional intelligence, and cultural empathy. What we bring to the profession is shaped by our experiences, and we all have something to offer. As interpreters, we know that no two people are the same, and the same goes for our brains. Neuroscience shows us that each of us is uniquely wired, shaped by our generation, the experiences we've had, and how we've developed. It’s through embracing our differences, understanding our emotions, and acknowledging the challenges we face that we truly connect—not just with the people we interpret for, but with each other as a community.

The Wisdom and Skills That Come with Age

One of the greatest gifts of aging is the wealth of experience and knowledge accumulated over the years. For interpreters, this doesn't just mean a deeper understanding of language—it also means gaining insight into the subtleties of human interaction, cultural nuances, and the emotional dynamics that influence communication. The years spent interpreting in various settings—whether it’s in VRS, educational environments, medical situations, or community meetings—teach us far more than just vocabulary and grammar.

When I first started interpreting, I was focused on getting everything right—the right signs, the right interpretation. This foundation and emphasis on accuracy are crucial to what we do, as we strive to represent people the way they wish to be represented. However, as I gained more experience, I began to notice something deeper in the communication taking place: the way people’s emotions and emotional cues shape our conversations. I began to realize that emotional intelligence (EI) plays a massive role in interpreting—not just in the quality of the interpretation but in the connections we form with those involved in the conversation.

Embracing your age means recognizing the value of this accumulated wisdom. Your years of experience give you a unique ability to mentor younger interpreters, sharing not just techniques but insights into the emotional and cultural layers of interpreting. These insights are invaluable, especially as we move into a more technologically-driven world, where human connection is sometimes lost behind screens.

Letting Go of Fears and Confronting Change

There’s a natural fear that often accompanies aging in any profession: the fear of obsolescence. It’s easy to believe that as new technologies emerge and younger, faster interpreters enter the field, our place might be in jeopardy. But here’s the truth: Aging in the interpreting profession doesn’t mean we become irrelevant. It means finding new ways to share your knowledge and allowing the next generation to thrive alongside you. It also means learning new skills and challenging yourself to stretch past your comfort zone.

The experience gained over years of interpreting provides a unique perspective and skillset that can’t be replicated by younger, less seasoned interpreters. We know how to connect emotionally, how to calm anxious clients, and how to navigate complex cultural dynamics that come into play in any interpreting situation. These are skills that can’t be learned in a classroom—they come from years of practice or lived expereinces. These skills aren’t exclusive to those with more experience; they can be learned at any age, but often emerge more naturally through intentional learning and lived experience.

This is where the power of mentorship comes in. As we age in the profession, we have the chance to step into roles of leadership, guiding younger interpreters through the learning curve, sharing our wisdom, and ensuring that the profession continues to evolve in a way that honors both tradition and innovation.

Learning and Growing Across Generations

In our profession, there’s a beautiful diversity in how we show up, influenced by our individual backgrounds, cultures we are from, the generations we belong to, and the tools available to us. This diversity is one of the strengths that makes our community stronger. We all bring something unique to the table, shaped by where we’ve been, but also by where we’re going.

While each generation may have its unique strengths, shaped by the tools and resources we had access to, it’s important to recognize that no group has a monopoly on skill or emotional intelligence. The older generation may bring years of experience in navigating complex human interactions and managing emotions, but the younger generation may be more attuned to new technologies, digital tools, and innovative thinking. What’s key is that we recognize this diversity in the field, not as a divide, but as an opportunity for mutual learning and growth. This exchange is not only vital for our development as interpreters, but it’s crucial for strengthening our community as a whole.

We are shaped by the times we’ve lived through, but we also have the ability to learn from one another. By embracing this exchange of knowledge—whether it’s through mentorship, shared experiences, or open dialogue—we create a space where growth is continuous. Recognizing and understanding our own emotions, as well as accepting and embracing the emotions of others, is essential for building stronger connections within the interpreting field.

A Shared Journey: Growing Together

The future of our profession lies in our ability to grow and learn from each other across generations. It's about accepting that every one of us—whether young or old—brings invaluable experiences and perspectives to the table. We must acknowledge our own emotional blocks, learn to navigate them, and embrace the fact that growth often comes with challenges. We also need to create space for others to do the same. When we accept our human nature and engage authentically with one another, we not only elevate ourselves, but we elevate the community as a whole.

The true strength of the interpreting profession lies in our diversity—in age, experience, and perspective. By embracing that diversity and fostering intergenerational learning, we can continue to evolve as a profession. By doing so, we honor both the rich history of our work and the exciting future that lies ahead. Let’s continue to learn from one another, grow together, and make our community stronger, one conversation at a time.

What About You?

I’d love for you to share your stories—whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, how has aging shaped your journey in interpreting? What have you learned along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue this conversation on embracing change, deepening our emotional intelligence skills, learning from one another, and growing in our work—because when we do this, we not only improve ourselves, but also enhance the experiences of those who work with interpreters.