From the time I was 10, I’ve been obsessed with what it means to grow older. I’m curious about what it means to others, of all ages, and so I invite them to take “The Oldster Magazine Questionnaire.” Here, poet, author, critic, editor, and teacher Diane Mehta
As someone navigating through the trenches of my 20s, confused as all hell, this read made me excited to become an older and wiser me. All in good time and spirits!
Same here! 25 and I love these interviews. I feel like our generation has such a negative attitude towards aging. This column is so refreshing and actually makes me look forward to being 50, 60, 70 and beyond!
At 55 it’s so interesting to read the experiences and attitudes of someone close in age. Though I’m male and married, your descriptions of life in this phase are spot-on for me. Thank you.
I loved the comment about having a 19 year old, and how exciting it is to watch that person grow and being part of a different kind of relationship. Such an underrated thrill of aging (with your kids) as a parent.
Wonderful attitude to life, Art and motherhood among other things. I love the idea of focusing on time well spent rather than age. A number is so one-dimensional.
Diane, I really like how you frame your life as "before X, but after Y." That always helps me to place myself in the historical context in which I grew up. I think that's so important to understand!
It's so interesting to read about the "emotional split " at a certain age. That's got me thinking about the arc of my own memoir. Thank you for this honest, beautiful piece.
clear optimistic sane and loving spirit both mother and son seem truly blessed....small footnote: from a male perspective the years from 50 to 60 i once heard described as "the Spectacular Decline"
from an older friend who warned me not to get too cocky scrambling up on roofs etc. I winced with wry acceptance each year of that decade when it came as the improbable became the mundane and treasure that memory.
Thank you Sari and Diane for this awesome interview! I loved the pictures. Diane your sense of life is infectious through your words which makes me eager to read your books. I appreciated your well thought out response about what each of your friends have added to your life. It's interesting how gaining that specific clarity might even shift your relationship with them just a little. They will think 'wow, this is so cool!'🙂
As someone navigating through the trenches of my 20s, confused as all hell, this read made me excited to become an older and wiser me. All in good time and spirits!
Yes! I love the intergenerational aspect of this comment. Thank you.
Same here! 25 and I love these interviews. I feel like our generation has such a negative attitude towards aging. This column is so refreshing and actually makes me look forward to being 50, 60, 70 and beyond!
This means so much to me!!! I've been trying to foster intergenerational conversation on here, and it's working!
I’m 25 too! Life looks a bit different once the frontal lobe has fully developed, doesn’t it?
Haha it most definitely does!!
Oh, I like her!!!
right?
At 55 it’s so interesting to read the experiences and attitudes of someone close in age. Though I’m male and married, your descriptions of life in this phase are spot-on for me. Thank you.
I like her way of thinking! Might have to pick up her book!
Thank you for that.
I loved the comment about having a 19 year old, and how exciting it is to watch that person grow and being part of a different kind of relationship. Such an underrated thrill of aging (with your kids) as a parent.
Yes, I loved that added perspective.
I love poets.
Me, too.
Was thinking this too. There is a way some poets speak that is so simple and direct
Wonderful attitude to life, Art and motherhood among other things. I love the idea of focusing on time well spent rather than age. A number is so one-dimensional.
Great interview!
Diane, I really like how you frame your life as "before X, but after Y." That always helps me to place myself in the historical context in which I grew up. I think that's so important to understand!
Thank you! That took some contemplation! It was fun and useful
It's so interesting to read about the "emotional split " at a certain age. That's got me thinking about the arc of my own memoir. Thank you for this honest, beautiful piece.
Thank you! Sometimes it is difficult to be honest and vulnerable...
What a delight! I will reread this one several times.
Great interview, Diane! (Pssst... the new poetry book is really good!)
THANK YOU LISA
clear optimistic sane and loving spirit both mother and son seem truly blessed....small footnote: from a male perspective the years from 50 to 60 i once heard described as "the Spectacular Decline"
from an older friend who warned me not to get too cocky scrambling up on roofs etc. I winced with wry acceptance each year of that decade when it came as the improbable became the mundane and treasure that memory.
Thank you Sari and Diane for this awesome interview! I loved the pictures. Diane your sense of life is infectious through your words which makes me eager to read your books. I appreciated your well thought out response about what each of your friends have added to your life. It's interesting how gaining that specific clarity might even shift your relationship with them just a little. They will think 'wow, this is so cool!'🙂
What a lovely response, thank you! I worked so carefully on it, and appreciate your note.
I used to go to Prune for my birthday, too! Which Italian place?
Al di la in Park Slope!
Yum!
Really lovely.