My father passed away in January at 93 after a wonderful long life. He was born at home on the kitchen table during a snowstorm on the North Dakota prairie. He was the first person in his family to go to college and a natural, charismatic leader. After earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration, he moved to New York, Indiana, Germany, Washington, DC, Maryland, Florida and California. Moss never grew under his feet! He loved to travel and capture beautiful photographs all over the world. His last job was running a cancer detection for low-income Los Angeles residents. He worked there until the center lost funding; he was 80 years old.
A chip off my father’s block, I have lived in 7 states – Minnesota, Colorado, California, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and Florida. I plan to work and make a difference in my “third age” like my father. My elderhood will be spent living life on purpose.
My parents, living into their 90’s, never called themselves “seniors.” They seldom complained about aches and pains or being old. They were amazing role models for “the third age.”
The third age isn’t tied to a number. It comes from knowing there is still something big to accomplish, life is finite, and you now have the resources and drive to go for it.
Hitting age 60 and losing my father launched my third age. After a 16-year adventure living 1000 miles from home, living near family became my top priority. I moved home. After 35 years of working, I wanted to spend the rest of my career playing to my strengths in rewarding work where I could help people directly.
I am now a full-time student earning a Master’s degree in Social Work. I love it! With all the talk of loneliness and social health in our post-Covid world, I’ll dedicate the rest of my career to promoting the social health of individuals facing tough life challenges and living alone.
It is never too late to reboot your life. The third age is an exciting opportunity! You are uniquely gifted and there are so many people and causes in the world that need your talents. Take these words of encouragement from my father who lived life to the fullest, “You’re something, you are!”
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved father. The loss of a parent leaves a huge void.
Often when we talk about old age we mean that phase of life generally concomitant with retirement from work, but too often confused with a decline of the person!
Today, “old age” is a phase of life in which you can also have new experiences. In particular, it is scientifically proven that donating your time to the community can be beneficial at all ages, but especially during old age.
For those who have retired, volunteering can be a means through which to continue to feel part of society, also compensating for the lack of daily routine of working life. Feeling useful improves physical and psychological health. It is a precious opportunity during old age to maintain an active and significant role, both on a personal and collective level.