New Old Age

New Old Age The years after child bearing, child raising and full time work are what most demographers call'aging'.

In the industrialized world there is this myth about aging - that it is a time of little purpose, a time of physical and mental decline and that most of the aged are rather useless people, consuming resources...waiting for death. I am not sure that this 'myth of aging' ever fit reality . But it is clearly out of step with what is happening in communities around the world.

Most societies that were unaffected by the Industrial Revolution never lost their respect or need for Elders. And the increase in the number of the old, plus a shift to electronics and robots for much of manufacturing as well as a rise in service economies, has offered the New Old Age a chance to take root and flourish.

Today adults in much of the developed world can look forward to at least 20-40 active years after they turn 50. The number of centenarians is increasing. (Walter Bortz II, who is a leading expert in the field of Aging believes that 100 is becoming the new 'normal lifespan'.) And studies show that most centenarians live involved and fruitful lives.

Advances in health care and technology are making it easier to remain active and engaged. So the New Old Age is already 'out there'. The key for us is to develop a personal vision and put it into practice so we can live our own 'elder years' with zest and meaning.

Of course it helps if we have good health and enough money. But although these would be helpful, they are not necessary. Stephen Hawking, Fellow of The Royal Society and Member of the US National Academy of Sciences demonstrates that attitude of mind is far more important than the condition of our body. And attitude of mind is what made it possible for some people to weather even the Great Depression or the scarcities in Europe during and after WWII. Few of us will be reduced to the hardest of circumstances. But in any case, we are not there now.

So what do we need to be doing to live with zest and meaning into our elder years?

Ideas to consider

• Joie de vivre Sue Ellen Cooper started the Red Hat Society - women seeking "fun and friendship after fifty". You will recognize these women by their jaunty red hats (and purple outfits). Their dress and attitude are inspired by Jenny Joseph's now famous poem that begins:

  "When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
  With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me...."

  Red Hat Societies are springing up all around the world - in big cities and small towns. Clearly they are part of the New Old Age movement. If you want to learn more try reading Red Hat Society

• Education. Many men and women expand their horizons via education. For some that means fulfilling a deep desire to earna college or university degree. Of course money is an issue but here are two resources:
  1. In the USA many states care so much about education for elders that they offer FREE Tuition to those over 65. (There are residency requirements but if you are planning to move after retirement, a free college education is a good incentive when choosing a place). Click for College scholarships and free tuition for those over age 65
  2. If you are a woman, there are also educational grants set aside just for you. Go to Grants for older women
  3. Of course not everyone wants a degree. Many pursuing the New Old Age simply want to learn and now many institutions make their educational material available on line. You will finda good sample of these programs at the Online Education Database

There are so many possiblities

Then just do it Start. You will be amazed at how unexpected doors open, how you will find a path into your future.

There ARE role models for this next new stage of life. The role of Elder is integral in human development in those parts of the world that were not part of the Industrial Revolution. Although a few industrialized nations such as Japan always had a place for elders in the work force. (In 1987 about 36% of men and 15% of women over age 65 were in the labor force.) [Wikepedia] Perhaps that is the reason why elders neverlost respect in Japan.

But it was not just Japan that had a place for elders. Elderhood is a central concept in many cultures. If you read The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner you will find Elderhood prominent in all those cultures where people live the longest.

Now lengthening lifespans coupled with an electronic world is bringing the concept of Elderhood to the fore in most industrialized countries. All of us thinking about the New Old Age, need to understand something about it. Few modern psychologists talk about Elderhood. (Although Erikson did. He offers some reflections about an 8th stage of human development.)

But Elderhod is an idea whose time has come - even in industrialized societies. You may find it useful to read about the New Old Age and Elderhood - the 'Crown' of human development.

There are a number of other pages on this web site, that should be of useful as you figure out how to . live out your later years with zest and meaning I encourage you to bookmark this site ...or to subscribe to the RSS feed so you will get notice ofnew pages as they are added.

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