By Lakshmi
In the book, The Creative Age, Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life, Dr. Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. says:
“Research underscores the adventurous nature of adults in this liberated phase of development, . . .Studies show that older adults. . . are just as venturesome as their younger counterparts. This greater freedom and courage that many older adults exhibit help explain why throughout history so many older adults about or beyond age seventy have assumed the role of shapers or shakers of society”.
Throughout the book he notes many instances of these people in art as well as culture. For example, he quotes Cicero:
“It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgement; in these qualities old age is usually not only not poorer, but it is even richer”.
This inspires me to reflect on my own life. How do I want to live this stage of my life?
There are many things I can do now that I couldn’t due earlier due to time and responsibilities – hobbies, reading, traveling, volunteering – things I’ve always wanted to do. I need a balance between accepting myself as I am now with some limitations and taking action to do something differently. No “shoulds”, “ifs”, and “buts”, no preconceived ideas of aging holding me back.
I can accept the realities of aging in my body, my finances, the ambiguity of my future. But these are challenges that I can use as opportunities to do things differently.
Encouragement comes again from Dr. Cohen:
“Jump-start your creative energy by thinking about your interests and desires, and recognize that you have untapped additional inner resources– different kinds of creative energy– that will support your efforts. By doing this, you begin to position yourself in a take-charge role that enhances the way you feel about yourself and energizes you for exploring new directions”.
I look forward to discussing some of these things in a workshop on Saturday, March 18, 1:30-3:30 with other elders/seniors/aged creators.