I’m so grateful for the beautiful lives and perspectives shared here. I know I shouldn’t feel alone in aging, as I belong to the biggest generation ever! But I do sometimes. And Stephanie even gave me a new generation to belong to. I am a Joneser! Who knew? Thanks for taking me through your life and providing a new perspective on my own.
Peter, when I learned about Gen Jones it felt like such an aha moment. I have three older Boomer siblings and their experience has been so different than mine, but I heard their music playing. My younger brother is GenX and HIS experience is so different than mine. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Totally enjoyed the relaxed candid honesty, thank you. May you and your husband enjoy that spontaneous combustion into space on your 50th anniversary… 🙏🏼😂💖
Loved this interview. I’m just about to turn 50, so I love hearing that your 50s were so wonderful, Stephanie. And I love that you went from book to five books. 😍 I also was just diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. So I relate to how trauma can speak in us and transform us. Thank you for this inspiring interview.
And thank you, Sari. It’s funny. I’ve been reading these interviews for three years now and sort of find myself answering the questions in my head as I read. It’s interesting how, in just three years, the answers are evolving.
Thank you for this thoughtful interview. At 75, I find that a lot of the anxiety and stress of my younger years is gone. I have rules around eating and working out. As long as I stick to my rules, I’m healthy and don’t have to think about what I’m going to eat or do each day. I’m not yearning to “get away” or “do something new”. Just like to have happy, safe, predictable days. I have perspective on why I’ve been the way I am throughout my life- not many friends, must have a book every day- and can accept myself the way I am.
I absolutely adore the interviews I've read here. I love the commonality of the aging process and the shared thoughts about the stages we all go through. While I am 87 yrs. old, reading the thoughts of those who are in their 70's gives me a bond and a link to remember how I felt at that age. I am grateful for each day!
Wow! Loved this one. I like that she emphasizes keeping up with tech, at least to a degree, as one ages: "Learned helplessness and refusing to keep up with technology. Both drive me batty, especially when there is some amazing age-supportive technology available and on the horizon that will help us all live independently. I hear my neighbors say they “don’t text” or they don’t know how to order groceries, and I want to scream." I saw my late father-in-law struggle mightily with tech in his 80s (despite our efforts to help him), and it was sad because he missed out on some of the extra photos/texts/interactions that could have happened with his grandchildren. On a different note, I love the promise Weaver and her husband made to each other--a 50th wedding anniversary "followed by a joint spontaneous combustion." Never heard that before!
Thank you for saying - writing and going public about so many things that impact us as we age. It's challenging to have 'conversations' about this topic, and I think people are guarded about what they feel and are willing to reveal. The photo with this post is my grandmother, Blanche Darby, - who was an inspiration for aging with purpose and goodwill. I wish I could have said 'thank you' to her properly - other than taking her last name as my own when I was able to do that and now Proud to be an Oldster!
Another great interview with a lot to relate to, although I’m almost 73. Living with a chronic condition but I wish I had her optimism, I still have a strong desire to travel but find this gets in my way a lot. And my husband is very healthy and finally retired and I don’t want to hold him back. And especially the difficulty of finding “age appropriate clothing” for what feels like a strange new body. Nothing that draws too much attention. But also why should it matter? I love that so many of these interviews talk about no longer caring what others think, and certainly being grateful for everything you can still do and enjoy.
I’m so grateful for the beautiful lives and perspectives shared here. I know I shouldn’t feel alone in aging, as I belong to the biggest generation ever! But I do sometimes. And Stephanie even gave me a new generation to belong to. I am a Joneser! Who knew? Thanks for taking me through your life and providing a new perspective on my own.
Peter, when I learned about Gen Jones it felt like such an aha moment. I have three older Boomer siblings and their experience has been so different than mine, but I heard their music playing. My younger brother is GenX and HIS experience is so different than mine. Thanks for reading and commenting.
This is @Sari Botton ‘s world. We’re just fortunate enough to live in it.
🤩
Stephanie Weaver is awesome. Her inner strength and her ability to tackle her personal demons is impressive. I loved reading her interview.
Thank you Francine.
Totally enjoyed the relaxed candid honesty, thank you. May you and your husband enjoy that spontaneous combustion into space on your 50th anniversary… 🙏🏼😂💖
🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻💜😆
What a lovely and tender sentence: I would go back to that age only so I could meet my husband and experience falling in love with him again.
💗
I love starting the day with these essays!
What a full life Stephanie has lived.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Deena.
Loved this interview. I’m just about to turn 50, so I love hearing that your 50s were so wonderful, Stephanie. And I love that you went from book to five books. 😍 I also was just diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. So I relate to how trauma can speak in us and transform us. Thank you for this inspiring interview.
And thank you, Sari. It’s funny. I’ve been reading these interviews for three years now and sort of find myself answering the questions in my head as I read. It’s interesting how, in just three years, the answers are evolving.
Holly, thanks so much for your perspective.
Thank you for this thoughtful interview. At 75, I find that a lot of the anxiety and stress of my younger years is gone. I have rules around eating and working out. As long as I stick to my rules, I’m healthy and don’t have to think about what I’m going to eat or do each day. I’m not yearning to “get away” or “do something new”. Just like to have happy, safe, predictable days. I have perspective on why I’ve been the way I am throughout my life- not many friends, must have a book every day- and can accept myself the way I am.
Lovely
I absolutely adore the interviews I've read here. I love the commonality of the aging process and the shared thoughts about the stages we all go through. While I am 87 yrs. old, reading the thoughts of those who are in their 70's gives me a bond and a link to remember how I felt at that age. I am grateful for each day!
Thanks Vi. Sari is the best!
<3 <3 <3
I'm joining the fan club for a "joint spontaneous combustion!"
It really is the best option.
yes to the tailored bohemian..no clothes are only for the rich, thin, and young!
Thanks Ellen.
Such a great interview! Love getting to know Stephanie better. And that photo with the panda rocks! Such an interesting life you have lead so far!
Right back at you, Lisa.
Wow! Loved this one. I like that she emphasizes keeping up with tech, at least to a degree, as one ages: "Learned helplessness and refusing to keep up with technology. Both drive me batty, especially when there is some amazing age-supportive technology available and on the horizon that will help us all live independently. I hear my neighbors say they “don’t text” or they don’t know how to order groceries, and I want to scream." I saw my late father-in-law struggle mightily with tech in his 80s (despite our efforts to help him), and it was sad because he missed out on some of the extra photos/texts/interactions that could have happened with his grandchildren. On a different note, I love the promise Weaver and her husband made to each other--a 50th wedding anniversary "followed by a joint spontaneous combustion." Never heard that before!
Thanks Vincent.
Thank you for saying - writing and going public about so many things that impact us as we age. It's challenging to have 'conversations' about this topic, and I think people are guarded about what they feel and are willing to reveal. The photo with this post is my grandmother, Blanche Darby, - who was an inspiration for aging with purpose and goodwill. I wish I could have said 'thank you' to her properly - other than taking her last name as my own when I was able to do that and now Proud to be an Oldster!
Thank you Darby.
Another great interview with a lot to relate to, although I’m almost 73. Living with a chronic condition but I wish I had her optimism, I still have a strong desire to travel but find this gets in my way a lot. And my husband is very healthy and finally retired and I don’t want to hold him back. And especially the difficulty of finding “age appropriate clothing” for what feels like a strange new body. Nothing that draws too much attention. But also why should it matter? I love that so many of these interviews talk about no longer caring what others think, and certainly being grateful for everything you can still do and enjoy.
This was so good and gave me much to think about (and look forward to) as I creep toward my 50s!
Absolutely loved this interview. Stephanie is an amazing and inspiring person and a supportive friend as well.