The Art of Aging
Published by Bob Foster
In our youth-oriented society, aging is something to be avoided at all costs—or so we think. Yet, as Sam Cooke’s famous song says: “Change is Gonna Come”…and there is nothing any of us can do to stop, or slow it.
So, how are we going to handle this inevitable change in our lives? To answer that question, I thought we might take a look at Richard and Alice Matzkin—two highly acclaimed artists who recently wrote a book about getting older, titled “The Art of Aging.”
Here is a short video of Richard and Alice discussing their book and their experiences with the process of aging that were the inspiration for the book.
(email subscribers, view on my blog)
Richard and Alice have embraced the inevitable, and handled their fears by expressing them through their art. They have determined that old age is a time for living, rather than a time of fear and despair. Each of us also needs to face our fears of growing old. We need to embrace those fears, so we can diminish them through our own endeavors. Growing older is a time for celebrating life—the life we are living and have yet to live.
There is something each of us can do with the time we have left, whether it is producing great art, joining the Peace Corp, or doing anything in-between. Older people “know things”…they have wisdom…and it is a shame if society does not appreciate and take advantage of that.
One hundred Baby Boomers turn 60 every 18 minutes—how are they going to approach this phase of their lives? My suggestion is to begin with Richard and Alice’s book “The Art of Aging.”
Alice Matzkin has two paintings hanging in the permanent gallery at the Smithsonian Institution, and during the Clinton Administration, her portrait of Chelsea Clinton hung in the White House. She has achieved national recognition by the media, and has appeared on Oprah.
Richard has achieved national acclaim through numerous one-man shows. His work is also sought after for many collections throughout the United States
Comments
4 Responses to “The Art of Aging”
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Lovely post, Bob. Thank you. Discovery at any age is so wonderful. But with each period the beauty of discovery increases. I’m not clinging or holding on to anything, but actually seeking to release and open for a fuller experience. I have never been one that desires to stop natural processes, not that we could even if we wanted to. I have always sought to live my life fully and honestly every day. By the way, I LOVE Sam Cooke! Thanks again.
Judith Ellis´s last blog ..Being Goldman Sachs XI
Judith – Thank you for your comment—which in itself is certainly inspirational. There is so much to be experienced in our short lives here, and it is sad to see so many people missing out by not being open to new experiences, new cultures, new people, or new discoveries as we go through the phases of our lives. Thank you for sharing your personal views on these issues.
I have always loved Sam Cooke and his music. Of all the people who have performed “A Change is Gonna Come,” I think Clarence Bekker from the “Playing for Change” movement does it best. He may not have the best voice, but he sings it with such emotion a listener cannot help but be moved. Thanks again Judith.
Bob Foster´s last blog ..The Art of Aging
Hi Bob – This is my first visit. I just clicked over from the Being Brand. I love this video you have posted. It’s so rare to see people actually confront age, to allow themselves to go to the dark, scary parts of it, which in turn has so clearly brought them into a place of living in the moment. I’m 55 and I find them very inspiring. I want to get the book and share it with clients who are hung up on their age. Thank you!
Patty @ Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..The House of Belonging
Hi Patty – Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the post–the Matzkins are very inspirational to me. It is not easy, in our youth obsessed society, to embrace the fact that we are ALL getting older, and that we display that fact publicly whether we like it or not. It is encouraging to see people who are moving ahead into new phases of their life even as they “age.”
I also enjoyed your blog and website, and shall visit again.
Bob Foster´s last blog ..The Art of Aging