Hi! Welcome!
Remarkable artist, Ted Stanley, started to draw at age 75, after his wife died and he was faced with staying stuck or adapting to change. Remarkable art. Click figure for link.
I decided to write my latest newsletter on caring for parents and grandparents by encouraging them to stay in shape, though the best time to start is when the kids are grown, somewhere in your 40s (if not before).
In response to this August 2013 Newsletter, I received two interesting links, each demonstrating starkly different, but highly effective, approaches to getting on with your life as you age. I have featured them here, in addition to a short inspiring story of my own.
Story #1: Ted Stanley – Inspiring artist (I received this link from my elder brother, Brian, thanks):
“If You Don’t Try, You’re a Loser” August 08 , 2013
by Jeremy Rowland
“When Ted Stanley’s wife passed away in March of 2011, he was faced with a dilemma.
Click image for link to his website.
Others, like Ted Stanley, recognize that there are things in this life that are beyond our control. Things are going to happen whether we will them or not, and if one is going to exist in this world of “what ifs” and unknowns, one must roll with the punches and take control of what can be controlled.
That’s exactly what Ted did.”
Story #2: Senior Games – The video, linked to the image below, says it all (I received this information from a trusty follower, Anita, much appreciated):
Click image for link to video.
Story #3: Octogenarian Triathlete. FitOldDog was dropped twice by Bob Scott at the Eagleman Half Ironman when Bob was aged 81 and 82, 14 years older than FitOldDog:
Here’s a guy who inspires me, Bob Scott, who dropped me at the Eagleman Half Ironman when he was 81 and when he was 82. Hope I get a chance to fix this next year.
I’m no great athlete, but in my defense I did qualify for the 2009 Boston Marathon (age 66) and recently for the World 70.3 (Half Ironman) Championships, 2013 (age 70). But I don’t seem to be able to beat Bob Scott at the Eagleman Half. He is about 14 years older than I, so surely I should be able to catch him as he goes by me on the run each time. He’s just a better athlete, especially under hot conditions. But I’ve been working on heat training and I intend to try again in 2014, so I hope he’s there.
There is inspiration all around us, so get out there and do stuff before it’s too late.
-k @FitOldDog
Yes. One of the most amazing things I did a few years ago was attend an art show at my Aunt’s retirement home. I’m ashamed to say how amazed I was at the talent these still active octogenarians displayed.
In the US we are subconsciously indoctrinated to think/believe that old is washed up, over, nothing to contribute, and youth is all that matters, which is clearly misdirected, but it affects us all. It is a foolishness to which we are all susceptible. Have you read The Elegance of the Hedgehog? Cheers, Kevin
I’ll add that book to my huge Goodreads ‘to read’ list! A big issue is that often WE have that inner belief, that because our physical bodies have changed our lives are over. We can’t do what we used to so, therefore, we can’t do anything anymore, which isn’t true of course. I’m reading/working my way through The Artist’s Way, very good. In fact, time for my morning pages.
“The Artist’s Way” is one of my favourite books.
A truly wonderful book, which takes time to work through. It sure improved my drawing and observing skills.
I’ve just ordered a copy of it from England. I left all my books in California, though since being here I have accumulated an awful lot more – but not that one.