Blog archive
April 2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Redefining Aging As An Adventure
By Blog MasterPosted: 12/03/2020
My friend Michael Patterson wrote an article about aging, comparing it to the adventure myth that every society seems to have. I found this a very interesting concept. When
embarking upon a new adventure, one never knows quite what to expect. It is an
experience filled with unexpected twists and turns of events, joys and challenges, and
sometimes even dangerous situations.
It seems an apt comparison, and a constructive way to view the aging process. As we
enter this stage of our lives, typically somewhere in our 60s, we are embarking upon a
new stage of life without knowing quite what to expect. There are those who have gone
before us, of course, but each person’s experience is new and different.
As I look at my own experience of aging, observing my fellow Villagers and other friends
and neighbors, I see many people in their 80s and beyond who are intellectually active,
still very much engaged in life, and making positive contributions to the world in which
they live. This is inspirational, and very uplifting. It is a wonderful thing to feel a part of.
We need to celebrate these moments.
It seems to me that we could divide our aging into stages. Perhaps in our 60s we
conclude a career path; our offspring have left home and hopefully established
themselves. Like children, we may embark on new plans and activities – travel, hobbies,
learning new skills. Our 70s could be compared to our teen years, casting about for
who we’re going to be when we “grow up.” We are entering a new phase, recognizing
that we have limitations, but I think that real old age begins at 80. That is somewhat like
reaching the age of maturity.
I take encouragement from this, because at 83, it means that I’m still young. I have only
recently entered the age of serious maturity. It gives me a lot to look forward to. I joined
the Pasadena Village to meet people, and I found a whole bunch of friends – many older than me – who are active and doing interesting things. The Village gives us opportunities to
participate, but more important it gives us opportunities to engage and contribute to the
greater good. I realized that I had something to offer, and that was very rewarding.
Meeting new challenges provides a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment. Being
part of the Village gave me insight and appreciation for what lies ahead.
Here's something that illustrates the concept of redefining aging in the personal experience of a Village member. This composition captures the essence of what redefining aging means.