What if the key to your next chapter isn't something new you need to learn, but something you were born with and simply forgot to use?

In this episode, Amy sits down with Betsy Wills, co-founder of YouScience and author of Your Hidden Genius, to explore the science of aptitudes: the innate, hardwired abilities that shape how you think, solve problems, connect with others, and find joy. Unlike skills or interests, aptitudes don't change after age 17, which means they're just as relevant at 30 as they are at 60, 70, and beyond.

Betsy breaks down what aptitudes actually are, how they're measured, and why understanding yours can unlock new hobbies, deepen relationships, and give you a fresh sense of purpose in this stage of life.

WHAT WE COVER

- What aptitudes are and how they differ from personality tests like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder

- Why aptitudes are set by age 17 and never change, even as skills and interests do

- The difference between "generalists" and "specialists," and what that means for your relationships and career

- Why so many people mistakenly believe they're "not a numbers person" or "not creative"

- How understanding your aptitudes can point you toward new hobbies in retirement

- Real stories: a bond trader turned volunteer EMT, and a graphic designer turned quilter

- New tools that connect your aptitude results to local classes, clubs, and travel opportunities

- How sharing your results with a spouse, partner, or adult children can build empathy and understanding

- The story of Betsy's daughter, and the danger of pigeonholing kids based on early interests

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to aptitudes and why they matter for aging well

02:32 - What aptitudes are (and how they differ from self-reported personality tests)

03:56 - There are 52+ aptitudes, from spatial ability to hue discrimination

08:54 - Generalists vs. specialists: what your score means for work and relationships

11:42 - Numerical reasoning and letting go of "I'm not a math person"

13:37 - Spatial ability, space planning, and matching hobbies to your wiring

14:49 - How Betsy started YouScience and why she wrote Your Hidden Genius

17:22 - Purpose, cognitive health, and why aptitudes matter more as we age

18:12 - Story: a bond trader's forced retirement leads to a new life as a volunteer EMT

20:10 - Story: a graphic designer rediscovers her tactile aptitude through quilting

23:08 - New tools connecting your results to local hobbies, clubs, and travel

25:41 - Using your results to understand your spouse, partner, or adult children

28:23 - Betsy's daughter, the "future orthodontist" who became a linguist at Amazon

31:00 - Final thoughts and how to get started

RESOURCES MENTIONED

- Your Hidden Genius by Betsy Wills: https://www.yourhiddengenius.com

- YouScience aptitude assessment: https://www.youscience.com

- Your Hidden Genius book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Hidden-Genius-Science-Backed-Uncovering/dp/0063289873

THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY

Naborforce, connecting older adults with compassionate neighbors for rides, errands, companionship, and everyday support.

Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com

CONNECT WITH AMY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

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