photo from Tucson in January
Old age doesn't have to be all about crocheting doilies. It can be, of course, but the world is full of other kinds of options. Jim Roberts, a long time friend, illustrates one of those. He sent me the clipping on an interview with him which went into his life, the shifts he has made through the years and something new he began doing at an age many would say you can't do that. Yes, you can.
Old people can find a profession they wanted before but had to earn money; so couldn't. They can start a business or dive into charitable work. They can be photographers, writers, painters, actors, and any of the things they were told weren't practical when they were young. They can travel to new places, take tours, join clubs, or find alone time that their daily life didn't allow before.
As encouragement to that end, I wanted to share an interview with Jim that appeared in the Wahkiakum County Eagle. I scanned and then put it onto my Picasa and hope it will prove readable either by hitting the links or reading it below. I think it's an encouragement to look around and see what alternatives you have but hadn't considered. And if you aren't yet old, about what you might want to be thinking of adding to your life when you get there.
4 comments:
A Great Article.....I love how he found his 'second calling so to speak....One can always re-invent oneself---bringing along all the years of experience to the new work/play----It should be play or what's the point---I mean of course you can be serious about what you do, but if it isn't fun, too---well, you haven't really gained anything.........
For me....my obstacles now are all my Health Issues---they do get in the way of what I can and cannot do in a BIG way---But, I try to find things that I can do within these limited parameters....Not easy as my body is going to pot! But I do the best I can and staying interested in life and what's available to me is challenging, but on we go.....How I felt at 71 was a whole lot different than how I feel now, at 83. The body betrays you, I'm sorry to say.
Yes, that is the limitation, Naomi. Economics can be for some people but we can stay interested as you do and as you said, do what is possible. I think of Stephen Hawking and how he still stays mentally interested and works to communicate within his limitations. I think some who have the physical and economic means to do something new let emotional fear stop them. That can though happen at any age.
Baby boomers have mastered the art of re-invention. We are in denial and it seems to be working just fine.
I think it's less credit to being a baby boomer than it is the money and resources are there. The old have had better health care and often diet which can lead to longer lives. The old can take fancy tours that didn't exist before to safely look in on poverty stricken cultures and relish how well off they are ;). There are even the so-called adventure tours if someone isn't too far into the old. They can indulge in hobbies that are expensive. Whether future old will have these advantages is up for debate. Although having said that, I had one grandmother who did experiment in her elder years and another who lived the traditional 'grandma' life. So some has always been there but maybe more ease of opportunity today.
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