Over a quarter of baby boomers will live to celebrate their 90th birthday. True to form, the Boomers are not blindly adopting the 65+ lifestyle of their parents. Most are asking, “What’s Next?” Many are looking for a healthier pace than they lived in their peak child rearing and professional years; but they remain eager to repurpose their skills in service of something that gives them a strong sense of meaning and purpose. This interactive presentation gave a brief overview of the Sage-ing International perspective, which emphasizes reaping the wisdom of our life experience as a source of service to our families and communities and as a legacy to future generations.
Charlene E. Depner, Ph.D. is a Sage-ing International Intern and proud alum of The American Society on Aging Leadership Institute. She has over 30 years of experience working on child and family issues in academe and government. Her longstanding focus has been on the social and demographic drivers shaping the American Family. She is passionate about optimizing the quality life in of the second half of adulthood, building intergenerational bridges, and working with people as they navigate this uncharted stage of the life course.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Here is the link to Derek Walcott’s poem, “Love After Love,” which began the evening. The link includes a recording of the poet reading his poem: https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/04/21/love-after-love-derek-walcott/
- The final poem, “Waiting to Go On” by David Whyte can be found at https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/01/18/advice-from-my-80-year-old-self-susan-omalley/
- And finally, a link learn more about the work and too-short life of Bay Area artist and writer, Susan O’Malley who wroteAdvice from my 80 Year Old Self: https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/01/18/advice-from-my-80-year-old-self-susan-omalley/
Thank you Charlie Depner for an inspired and intimate evening of reflection!