Talking Oldster (and oldsters) with Lincoln Square's Susan J. Demas...A Yale study indicates it's possible to *improve* with age...My latest "comfort watches"...
I start with de-snarkifying, de-aging, and de-icing my attitudes. One “Ba! Humbug!” or hiding behind false binaries can do me in for the day. Peace, Dwight Lee Wolter
I do it simply by being who I am - all 66 years of me. (Which isn't old at all.) I don't know how to be anything else. I believe every bit of those years is valuable, not just to me but to my family, my clients, and the big ol' wider world. I worked briefly for a company that enjoyed and paid for my experience for two years, before they realized they could hire two newbies for the price of one. I don't fault them for looking at their bottom line, though I think it was short-sighted. I wished them well and went on my way. I didn't burn bridges there. My comment, 'Would that it were so simple..." is an inside joke to me. It takes work to believe in your worth against the tide of ageism and sexism, not to mention any ailments that conspire against you to make you think, 'Hey, ya know you really could slow down a little...' I don't want to slow down! Time's a wastin'! I got stuff to do!
Endeavor is good British mystery series. It’s a prequel to Inspector Morse. Not quite as cozy as Grantchester but good characters and amazing acting. Between the two shows, my husband and I always joke that Oxford and Cambridge are the most dangerous places due to all the murders!
Ooh British murder mysteries are my favorite! Murder Before Evensong if you’re still in a priest mystery mood (although there’s no replacement for James Norton). Shetland, Vera and Broadchurch are good for the tortured detective, gorgeous landscapes, and eternal rain. I love the lighter ones, too, like Shakespeare and Hathaway, Queens of Mystery, Agatha Raisin, Ludwig, the current seasons of Death in Paradise.
I’ve just put Becca Levy’s book on hold at the library. At 76, I’m more conscious than ever that most people are doing the best they can. In Sex Education, the series we’re now watching, a wide array of complicated characters—gay and straight, young and middle-aged, physically able and not—reveal their true, tender selves while looking for love. There’s a lot of graphic sex but the show is really about being human. I’d call it a comfort watch.
The British crime shows are so satisfying. Great scenery, tidy murders with little gore, emphasis on interesting characters instead of car chases, and far away enough from our lives to not be scary.
Last evening I was contemplating how much I am enjoying retirement. It has been 10 years this month. Lots of cultivating friends and a garden, lots of craft projects, a little traveling, always time to read, time with the grandchildren who are almost grown now. What a blessing this decade has been.
Watched a little of Call the Midwife. Liked it but some other show pulled me away from it. And All Creatures has been recommended to me mamy times. Seems like I should dive in…
Midsomer Murders will keep you going for a very long time! They are a bit long but very satisfying. Also Shetland and Vera and Poldark are absorbing if not exactly cozy but the characters become familiar and welcome at the end of the day. Also beautiful scenery.
We started Midsomer Murders, but I think it was a mistake to start all the way at the beginning, in 1998. Very long and slow. But maybe if I skip ahead a few seasons…
Midsomer was a bit twee early on, but we watched all twenty-odd seasons. Trying dipping in and out across time. And Vera, of course. More favorites are Foyle’s War, Morse, Lewis, and A Touch of Frost.
I started playing hockey at 59. Thats the number I wear. At 61 Im on two mostly male teams and my husband has joined the fun and obsession.
I got from hockey a few key things that combat aging: 1. physically Im doing great. 2. People call me a badass. I love that. 3. I have friends of all ages and types and am part of a large community of women.
Try some Australian murder mysteries: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, My Life is Murder and The Brokenwood Mysteries. On the lighter side and very good.
All time favorite show, and I watch too much tv. “Pernille” a Norwegian show on Netflix. Beautiful, delightful and soulful show about a multi-generational family. Totally binged all 5 seasons. Might have to watch it again!
I loved Riot Women, Vera, and Shetland series. All are on Britbox. These three have it all: great characters, good stories, and humor.A lot of the British crime series have excellent performances in beautiful settings, and, can be violent in ways that are too much for my sensitive soul. Anything by Sally Wainwright (writer, producer, director) is amazing--though often violent and intense.
Many years ago I ran into a former high school teacher of mine. In his seventies at the time, I’m guessing. I asked him how things were going. He said better and better every year. What a refreshing take that was! Now it’s clinically proven!
I love him! “Better and better”! Brilliant! Perfect answer and all anyone really wants to hear anyway. I shall adopt that. Thanks!
Maybe it’s the beauty of not working/commuting: but as I now have time to fully sleep, time to joyfully make gorgeous healthy food (30/7 works for me: 30 servings of vegetables and fruit a week got me to pay attention), time to just BE in fleeting moments of sublime nature, time to binge a great book, and recognize that there is still time for new things too.
Other than death, I guess the only other solution to age-related discrimination is to get younger. Anyone with me? Let’s go! - Dwight Lee Wolter.
Ha!!
I love it, Sari, that you say that quite a lot to my posts.
Ha! (Back at ya!)
"Would that it were so simple..."
I start with de-snarkifying, de-aging, and de-icing my attitudes. One “Ba! Humbug!” or hiding behind false binaries can do me in for the day. Peace, Dwight Lee Wolter
I do it simply by being who I am - all 66 years of me. (Which isn't old at all.) I don't know how to be anything else. I believe every bit of those years is valuable, not just to me but to my family, my clients, and the big ol' wider world. I worked briefly for a company that enjoyed and paid for my experience for two years, before they realized they could hire two newbies for the price of one. I don't fault them for looking at their bottom line, though I think it was short-sighted. I wished them well and went on my way. I didn't burn bridges there. My comment, 'Would that it were so simple..." is an inside joke to me. It takes work to believe in your worth against the tide of ageism and sexism, not to mention any ailments that conspire against you to make you think, 'Hey, ya know you really could slow down a little...' I don't want to slow down! Time's a wastin'! I got stuff to do!
Love it. Go, Patty.
Go for it, Patty. I’m 75 and still working as a full time pastor and author. “Ah, youth, why is it wasted on the young?” - George Bernard Shaw.
Endeavor is good British mystery series. It’s a prequel to Inspector Morse. Not quite as cozy as Grantchester but good characters and amazing acting. Between the two shows, my husband and I always joke that Oxford and Cambridge are the most dangerous places due to all the murders!
We started to wonder about the population of Grantchester, given how many were murdered, and how many turned out to be murderers!
Lewis is great too. Start with Inspector Morse, then Lewis and then Endeavor. All awesome!
Comfort watch: Fisk on Netflix. It is whimsical.
I second Fisk.
I have to give it another try! It didn’t grab me the first time, but I only watched one ep.
It doesn’t really take off until about episode three.
Ooh British murder mysteries are my favorite! Murder Before Evensong if you’re still in a priest mystery mood (although there’s no replacement for James Norton). Shetland, Vera and Broadchurch are good for the tortured detective, gorgeous landscapes, and eternal rain. I love the lighter ones, too, like Shakespeare and Hathaway, Queens of Mystery, Agatha Raisin, Ludwig, the current seasons of Death in Paradise.
Thanks for all these recs, Fawnia!
Enjoy!!
I’ve just put Becca Levy’s book on hold at the library. At 76, I’m more conscious than ever that most people are doing the best they can. In Sex Education, the series we’re now watching, a wide array of complicated characters—gay and straight, young and middle-aged, physically able and not—reveal their true, tender selves while looking for love. There’s a lot of graphic sex but the show is really about being human. I’d call it a comfort watch.
Oh, yes. That has been recommended to me before. Maybe it’s time to try it.
Your “true and tender self” is so lovely and loving. I am sure it emanates from your person. 💐
The British crime shows are so satisfying. Great scenery, tidy murders with little gore, emphasis on interesting characters instead of car chases, and far away enough from our lives to not be scary.
Last evening I was contemplating how much I am enjoying retirement. It has been 10 years this month. Lots of cultivating friends and a garden, lots of craft projects, a little traveling, always time to read, time with the grandchildren who are almost grown now. What a blessing this decade has been.
This is inspiring to hear!
Have you heard of Call the Midwife and All Creatures Great and Small on PBS? The ultimate comfort shows, so GOOD
Watched a little of Call the Midwife. Liked it but some other show pulled me away from it. And All Creatures has been recommended to me mamy times. Seems like I should dive in…
Midsomer Murders will keep you going for a very long time! They are a bit long but very satisfying. Also Shetland and Vera and Poldark are absorbing if not exactly cozy but the characters become familiar and welcome at the end of the day. Also beautiful scenery.
We started Midsomer Murders, but I think it was a mistake to start all the way at the beginning, in 1998. Very long and slow. But maybe if I skip ahead a few seasons…
Midsomer was a bit twee early on, but we watched all twenty-odd seasons. Trying dipping in and out across time. And Vera, of course. More favorites are Foyle’s War, Morse, Lewis, and A Touch of Frost.
Might give Midsomer another try that way. And the others. Thanks!
A Place To Call Home..Acorn TV Free with Prime
Already watched it! (Twice!)
I started playing hockey at 59. Thats the number I wear. At 61 Im on two mostly male teams and my husband has joined the fun and obsession.
I got from hockey a few key things that combat aging: 1. physically Im doing great. 2. People call me a badass. I love that. 3. I have friends of all ages and types and am part of a large community of women.
Other than a better shot, what more do I need?
I love this, Deena. Thanks for sharing!
Try some Australian murder mysteries: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, My Life is Murder and The Brokenwood Mysteries. On the lighter side and very good.
All time favorite show, and I watch too much tv. “Pernille” a Norwegian show on Netflix. Beautiful, delightful and soulful show about a multi-generational family. Totally binged all 5 seasons. Might have to watch it again!
People keep recommending that show to me! I need to finally try it!
I love Downton Abbey. I am currently watching it again for the 3rd time. I like saying MiLord and MiLady.
I loved Riot Women, Vera, and Shetland series. All are on Britbox. These three have it all: great characters, good stories, and humor.A lot of the British crime series have excellent performances in beautiful settings, and, can be violent in ways that are too much for my sensitive soul. Anything by Sally Wainwright (writer, producer, director) is amazing--though often violent and intense.
Thank you!
Many years ago I ran into a former high school teacher of mine. In his seventies at the time, I’m guessing. I asked him how things were going. He said better and better every year. What a refreshing take that was! Now it’s clinically proven!
Inspiring!
I love him! “Better and better”! Brilliant! Perfect answer and all anyone really wants to hear anyway. I shall adopt that. Thanks!
Maybe it’s the beauty of not working/commuting: but as I now have time to fully sleep, time to joyfully make gorgeous healthy food (30/7 works for me: 30 servings of vegetables and fruit a week got me to pay attention), time to just BE in fleeting moments of sublime nature, time to binge a great book, and recognize that there is still time for new things too.
Appreciation is a learned skill.
for your next watch - North of North
Thank you.