In last week's column, I introduced my new book, "RIPE: Rich, Rewarding Work After 50," by talking about 73-year-old Jack Palance at the 1992 Oscars. Remember his one-armed push-ups?
In one wildly amusing scene, Jack Palance was doing much more than auditioning. He was sending a powerful message that's taken us two decades to decode.
Palance was telling us we can keep working -- long after the arbitrary age when we're supposed to stop. Yes, we change as the years go by, but we need not lose the things we treasure.
Mental decline, for instance, isn't inevitable. Scientists say there's no reason our brains have to degenerate as we age; they're "plastic" and can grow and develop just as they did when we were younger.
Physical decline isn't unavoidable, either (as Palance proves). The physical changes we associate with aging, such as loss of strength, speed and agility, are not caused as much by the passing years as by our sedentary lifestyle. Just as we need to continue to use our brains, we need to keep moving our bodies.
The truth is that as we age, we actually improve in many ways. Enjoyment of life and happiness rise steadily after 50. We become more emotionally stable. And new capabilities and qualities emerge. (I'll write more about this in a future column.)
Part two of what Palance was saying? We must keep working. There is growing awareness that retirement isn't good for us. All the longitudinal studies of lifespan show that remaining "active and engaged" is essential to successful aging. Studies also reveal that people who continue to work live longer -- and remain in better health -- than their retired peers.
We have a lifetime of experience under our belts and are at the height of our powers. Men and women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond have much to contribute.
What Palance knew 20 years ago is just beginning to resonate with the rest of us. In response, the world at large -- and the Baby Boom generation in particular -- has begun to change the way it thinks about aging, work and retirement.
Are you over 50 and ripe for change? Are you feeling at the top of your game? Are you finding that the world wants you to go away? Share your story with us below or feel free to email me via my website.
"RIPE" is here! This spring, I'm writing about "RIPE: Rich, Rewarding Work After 50," a 12-week course on discovering passion, purpose and possibility at midlife. Check out the video (a.k.a. book trailer!):
Be part of the "RIPE" community on HuffPost, Facebook and Twitter. Together, we are going to change this phase of life!
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Deepak Chopra: Your Future: Two Lifetimes in One
I"m 65. nearly 66, I spend a few weeks skiing in Canada every year and am still improving. We also spend four weeks every year cycle touring in Europe; I'm writing this while taking a break from learning French. I have many other projects on the go. After a life of working for the man I finally have time to be myself; I don't need to compete or compare myself with other people. I drive an old car and when I am at home usually wear scruffy overalls.
I think one of the secrets is to live for experiences. Spend your money on what you enjoy and what interests you, including good food. Don't buy things for fashion, status or to impress the neighbors.
It sounds like you've created a wonderful life for yourself, and so very glad you're able to enjoy it. I totally, totally agree that a shift in attitude makes a huge difference.
Thanks for sharing -- do stay in touch!
Author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping Into Sovereignty in Midlife www.thequeenofmyself.com
In RIPE - and in this column this spring - I'm focusing on work. It's central to our lives and no-one is addressing how important it will remain as we age. Lots more in the months to come...
And, yes, I totally agree that 50 has become the new 90 -- wild, isn't it? Used to be that your fifties were prime time. When did it become over the hill? I blame all the organizations and stories that lump us together with 'seniors' (a word I hope to banish or reclaim in a positive way!).
Thanks for this, detalumis. Stay with me. Maybe I'll win you over!
Cheers to you for forwarding this conversation!
Kathleen
www.QuintessentialYouDesign.com/Blog/
Some people have learned or been conditioned to fear this process, and so look upon what is meant to be a glorious evolution as a "deterioration." And as we know, what you believe is what creates your reality. So, for many, what can be an experience of greater vibrancy, potency, wisdom and creativity over time instead becomes a depressing time of loss. It's not meant to be that way.
Peter Loffredo, LCSW
http://fullpermissionliving.blogspot.com/
1. The more money you spend, the more important you are. Corollary: saving money is not a path to success.
2. Work done to facilitate design reuse is wasted. Corollary: the brass is always greener on the other side.
3. Your bosses decisions always make perfect sense. Corollary: their goals and incentives are different than those stated for the project.
PS, I enjoyed your article immensely because it did not have a liberal slant that almost all the stories in the Huffington Post usual have???