'It is the way of the world that things and people deteriorate over time, but a great many spirits and minds continue to grow':
, Lady Gaga was also called upon to shepherd a frail Liza Minelli onto the stage in a wheelchair, so that the aging entertainment icon could introduce the Academy Award for best picture. Lady Gaga was indeed gracious, but the bright lights and large audience seemed to overwhelm Minelli and she appeared confused.
How much better it would have been to show clips from awhen the famous star, who had once commanded the stage with her talent and energy, was more relaxed and in control. And how much more accurate would be our collective picture of older individuals if we did more to recognize the people who continue to follow their passions well into their later years, and who are often doing their best work. Instead, we see endless coverage about elders with dementia and Alzheimer’s while very little attention is paid to older people who continue to work at any number of crafts, arts, and other professions into their 90s and beyond. Some Asian countries call these individuals Human Living Treasures. But our culture often relegates them to the category of has-beens, especially in the literary arts, where debut authors are valued over older writers who have been silently advancing in their craft and with the kind of wisdom that can only come with age. Consider Kent Haruf's novel,"Our Souls at Night," one of his best, came out right after his death at 71. Margaret Atwood keeps publishing one book after another while in her mid-80s." where I share essays meant to inspire artists of all ilks to continue producing work in their later years. It also includes interviews with people who work in many genres well past what the world considers to be their use-by date. I want us to celebrate what many elders can do well, and not always focus on what they can't. Older people may have to make accommodations to an ailment, a decrease in stamina, and diminished output. And there is the chance that they won't be able to finish what they start. But the process itself gives meaning to their lives. What’s more, a number of people have created enduring masterpieces at advanced ages. Arthur Rubenstein presented one of his greatest performances at Carnegie Hall when he was 89. Grandma Moses began her long career when she was 76. Henry Berstein published his first book at 96. The painter, Guy Warren, continues to work and have exhibitions at 101., the illustrator and visual artist, has a retrospective at the New Museum in New York City right now, and is working on a series about aging. She’s 91. Are these people the exception? I don't think so; a number of elders work in private for the pure joy if it. It is the way of the world that things and people deteriorate over time, but a great many spirits and minds continue to grow. These need to be acknowledged and encouraged and presented as talismans to younger generations.
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