Leroy's Art Blog

Two nights ago I attended a Community Event, sponsored by the local public radio station, WHYY. It was a distinguished panel discussion aimed at baby boomers, on the topic of Bringing Creativity Into Aging. Despite the august credentials of the speakers, I was rather underwhelmed by their comments and conclusions. Basically, their advice was to stay active and be creative in your activities, not bound by society’s expectations of your role as a “senior.” Well, bully.

However, an offhand comment made an impact on me. One of the panelists in an offhand comment asked the group “How old do you FEEL.” Most people seemed to take that as a reasonable question for consideration. For me, the answer was immediate: I feel as old as the people I am looking at and associating with. I remember that so clearly, from my time in Tanzania where I was working with colleagues and volunteers roughly in the late-20 to mid-40 range. Catching a glimpse of my reflection in a mirror or a window was always a shock, to recognize that this older guy with white hair (and surprisingly white skin, but that is a separate cultural matter) was in fact, me. That was at such conflict with the way I felt, acted, and was accepted.

Now, here in Philadelphia, I seem to be looking at and associating with people in the age range of 50-60 in my sketching classes and church, or 70-85 in the Temple University programs for retired people. And I think it really does make a difference. Except I think I am learning that the mental attitude of the people I’m with is as important as their physical characteristics. Some of these 70-85 retirees are still very agile and sharp, regardless of their wrinkles and aching knees.

So, as I bounce off of the walls of my life here in Philadelphia and define my roles, I want to be sure to stay active with people younger than their, or my, chronological age. People who are alert, active, and adventurous – open to new experiences and ideas. That, I think, is the way to bring Creativity Into Aging.