70Candles.com

Ann Fox, Age 70

Hello Jane & Ellen,

First let me say I hope you’re both doing fine wherever you may be hunkered down.  I’m in central Ohio and am doing fine . . . this is just a long time to go without spending much time with real people . . . 

On to my curiosity.  I read ’70 Candles’ a couple of years ago now as preparation for becoming 70 last fall.  I was very intrigued by the last section of the book, the story of Nina and her life in the future.  I’m wondering just how far into the future your vision of Nina’s life takes us.  (I haven’t read Michio’s book yet.)  I can’t help but think if we were moving ahead faster with the robot/android technology, the load for front line workers during this virus pandemic might have been lessoned.  

I’m really looking forward to what changes in life will stick with us after we’ve been distanced for so long and will likely be distanced from strangers for a while longer.   Now that we’ve learned to “like” the way we look on camera courtesy of Zoom and Skype and now even Facebook has a new conferencing capability, will we not feel the urge to go out as much?  Will we get dressed even less often – i.e. want to be able to stay at home in our comfy pants rather than even put on jeans to go out?  Will we bring the restaurant to our house and have friends over for take-out nights?   Here in Ohio the restaurants can deliver mixed drinks with your order.  

Anyway, I was just wondering if in your mind the story of Nina was a 2030 vision or a 2040 vision?

Make it a great day!

Ann Fox

Longevity Coach, Explorer & Guide

[email protected]

Aging is Living

What a strange development. All of us are at home….could be for weeks and weeks. Some will be ill, and some lives will be in danger. We send our thoughts and very best wishes to all, for your health.

Many hunkering down at home, while concerned about this pandemic and the people we love, will remain well. Oddly, this a great leveler for 70Candles women, as that which seems to differentiate us in ordinary times has to do with health status, mobility, and involvement in the world beyond our nests. What to do while we’re at home and not sick, to make the most of this new ocean of time?

Easy choices to start the day are the ever present meal prep, dishes and laundry routines. But what to follow? I thought I’d become restless, but lo and behold, a world of online options is opening daily. Beyond the TV movies I’ve always meant to see, are the newly emerging public streaming programs I can access on my iPad.

The Metropolitan Opera is streaming great performances nightly at Metopera.org. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is offering an outstanding concert each day at MyDSO.com. At Playbill.com Broadway shows can appear on my screen, My painting class, usually at a local Senior Center is converting to Skype, so we can work with our talented instructor from home, and my favorite exercise guru is setting up a private FaceBook group for a variety of video classes she’s creating. (I’m encouraging her to offer a set for women like us, so let me know if you’d be interested.)

The political activities I’ve been involved with during this important election year, can be advanced from home.

I promised myself I’d take a long walk each day, thinking that out in the fresh air is surely the safest place to be. And I speak on the phone to someone I like everyday.

It’s strange to be the old lady who needs help, but I do appreciate the neighbors and friends who have offered to shop for us when we need food. I’ve finally acknowledged that yes, I am in the vulnerable group of seniors who should stay out of stores.

How are you doing? Let us all know how you feel about this historical moment. How are you spending your time, and what are you thinking?

Maybe we can exchange ideas and offer some comfort to each other as we all travel through this almost unthinkable, world-wise disaster.
Jane

What have I learned about living well in old age? We all know about the importance of diet and exercise and good sleep habits, but this is my list:

(1) Name ageism when you see or hear it. Be aware of your own inner biases toward old people.

(2) It’s never too soon or too late to reach out to others and gather together. 

(3) Everyone wants to be an important part of something important. “Important” is a relative term. For one person it might be walking to the mailbox every morning, for someone else it might be writing one poem a day, or face-timing with a grandchild or great great-grandchild once a week, or becoming a political activist, or continuing in one’s job or career.  My recently retired husband says, at least for the moment, his purpose is designing his second childhood.

(4) Express Gratitude. Everyone benefits. Keep a gratitude journal, count your blessings every night as you fall asleep. 

(5) Find something to smile or laugh about every single day for the rest of your life.

(6) Cultivate optimism. When something bad happens, as it will, find hope. 

(7) Identify and celebrate your strengths. Use one of your top strengths in a new way every day. Or just notice when you’re using them.

Let us know what you think.