As we grow up and become adults, sometimes it’s hard to find someone else to look up to. After all, we’re the grown-ups now – we should know enough to get by. But there is always room for learning. But where do you go to find that special sort of advice that you know comes from someone who has lived a bit of life? I bet you’d never think of the Farmer’s Market.

That’s just the place to go, if you’re in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the midst of the hustle of a local Farmer’s Market you might find a booth, quite simply named, “Old Coots Giving Bad Advice.” And it just so happens to be staffed by a group of best friends who want to help you – even if the advice isn’t always perfect.

The idea started when the men were at a coffee shop, where they met frequently to talk, share stories and just have fun being together. But then, 69-year-old Tony Caputo noticed all the people walking through the market across the street. He told his friends, why not tell our stories to them, since we’ve heard them all before?

And from that, sprung the idea that, “It’s probably bad advice, but it’s free.”

The very next weekend they put up a sign: “Old Coots Giving Bad Advice”, “It’s probably bad advice, but it’s free”. And then waited. The only rules – no questions on politics or religion. 

A group of elderly men decided that their wise-old age made them the perfect group to give advice to anyone who needed it. Photo by Old Coots

The people came for answers. The men, made up of around 5 of them, got questions on school, work, love – even what internet plans someone should get. Despite the humor, the men said they really wanted to give those who needed advice real thought-out answers. Because while the idea started as a way to have a bit of fun and meet others, it became something more. People genuinely wanted advice.

“It started as a joke, but it’s become a phenomenon,” Caputo said. “Somebody told us the other day that we’re the most popular attraction at the market. We always listen carefully and don’t give gratuitous advice.” The group eventually even added in a few women to help out with questions that were a bit beyond the scope of the men. Their following grew, as people started joining their Facebook page, and eventually, they even got their own podcast.

Photo by Old Coots

Praised poured in for the ingenious idea:

• “They know everything, simple as that!”
• “These are the wisest old coots you’ve ever asked advice from.”
• “Fun listening and it even sparked a conversation in our home. Thanks Coots.”

“To be truthful, I’m not sure that any of us can claim to have much wisdom,” John Lesnan, another member of the ‘Old Coots’ said. “But it sure has been a lot of fun. Maybe all of us coots really do have more to offer than we thought.”

Sources: Shareably | Positive Outlook