“I think this is one of the finest explanations of the options contained in the latter years of life I have ever read, Jon. Perspective and perseverance are equally represented; you’ve outlined the ways to make choices, not simply live by the age-related default of our society.
Thank you as always for your insights.”
– Faye”
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Yesterday, I wrote a piece about aging that Faye is so graciously referring to. I’m posting her message for several reasons. I was reluctant to write about this subject – I’m 78 now – because I wasn’t sure how people would react to it.
Aging and death are not popular subjects in Corporate media these days; they are taboo. How many 70-year-old anchors do you see on television? And people prefer not to think or talk about people like me.
I am beginning to understand why the average Fox News viewer is 69, and why they are there at all.
That tells me a lot about the country. They seem to hate any suggestion of change or thought. Fox News does give the old “nothing to worry about.” Don’t change. Just hate everybody. Even all the blond and smalling anchors are grumpy and nasty.
I expected the trolls and yentas of the Internet would be drooling over my taking on the subject. Older people are easy targets for every comedian and smart-ass tech on earth.
I was wrong in my anxiety. I’ve written a series of columns on aging, and almost every one of them was similar to Faye’s: interested, encouraging, and kind. I am writing about aging often now, and I do love getting letters like this. It’s good for my ego, but mostly for encouragement.
I see it is an important subject, and more people than I realized are thinking about and reading about it. My writing is about many things, not just aging, but the subject has touched me in the heart, in part because people who are growing older are desperate for new ways to think about beyond Grandpa and his car keys.
This gives me yet another purpose as I get older myself. I will keep writing about the farm, the local food Pantry, Maria, our relationship, the dogs, the donkeys, Zip, and my flowers. I don’t want a one-dimensional blog. But I do want an honest and meaningful one. The lovely response has convinced me this is a good path; I welcome yet another one.
I got this message from Lisa this morning also:
“Hi Jon, I am a woman in my early 50s, and I love to hear you write about aging well. I’m doing great physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and I do hope to continue along that path as the years continue. Your writing on aging is inspiring, and I appreciate your perspective. Be well, and thank you for sharing!”
Lisa, messages like that keep me well, and thank you for taking the time to write; it means a lot to me, and I loved the thoughtfulness in your message. It will do you well.
I am honored to receive messages like this and just wanted my readers to know that they are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
This morning I had a follow-up appointment with a specialist. The person who was entering my visit info into the computer asked if I’d brought my medication bottles. I said ‘no, everything is in the computer and nothing has changed.’ She then ‘morphed’ into the ‘I’m talking to an old person voice’ and said ‘if you can remember we’ll go over them.’ I said, ‘I may look old but yes I can remember them.’ By the way, the physicians assistant and doctor were much more polite!