27 Comments

What a wonderful interview! I have to chuckle because, at 75, I caught myself saying, "I wish I could go back to how I looked & felt at 65"! ...

Then I thought about the absurdity of that & had a good laugh at myself. 😄😆🤣😭

Its all relative, I suppose.

My favorite nugget is "Aging is about wisdom and time. Aging is all about accumulating one in exchange for the other."

Carry on living the good life, Marlon. Namasté

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Aug 9, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Hopefully living near the beach and fresh air will also help age you in reverse. Sounds wonderful!! Enjoy the precious time with your family!

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Hi Marlon. I really enjoyed reading your story and imagine that just answering Sari's questions took you to a new place of reflection about the meaning of life and passage of time. Writing does that, especially when you take these questions to heart and go for honesty and self-disclosure. We need people to push us that way--an editor, a writing coach. That's when we discover what we're made of and how grateful we are for life's gifts. I loved being on that journey with you. Your themes are truly universal.

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Thanks, Peggy. You’re absolutely right! I really needed to spend some time considering my responses. It took me a few weeks to get through it.

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Aug 9, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

I loved his comment about wearing sneakers. My 80 yo sister and were talking about the orthopedic shoes our grandmother wore; we’re wearing flips cute wedges. Not even close.

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Before this questionnaire, I’d never really thought about how sedentary my parents were. It’s really amazing how much being in your 60s has changed in the last few decades.

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I'm so glad engaging with the questionnaire made you really reflect, Marlon. That's what I've aimed to elicit with these questions!

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Sari, as Ive said before, I love the responses these questions elicit. brilliant. this one particularly resonates. lovely.

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"I don’t have a problem with aging, but I refuse to ever become old." Love this part! And the Ocraoke representing :) One of my favorite places on this earth.

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"I don’t have a problem with aging, but I refuse to ever become old." This. Exactly. Love it, Marlon. xo

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Aug 9, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Love this interview but at 69 I certainly know about the Last of Us 😀

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😂

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Loved reading this, Marlon- interesting commentary, as always and lovely photos of your family! Plus, I just turned 65, too, and you’ve given me an idea... re: Oldster!

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It’s fantastic that your turned your life around after a health scare. Sometimes beauty grows from something potentially destructive-- if we choose the former. Your family is lovely. Thx for sharing. 🙏

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Really enjoyed your perspective especially on the conundrum of ageism and racism (or in my case, sexism). Being made to feel invisible or having people make assumptions about your ability to do certain things seems to happen way to often. On the other hand, I agree, we’re much more free or willing to be ourselves as we age (but don’t get old).

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Too often (comments and commenter need an editor).

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Aug 9, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Perfect - I am 66 and I don't feel it - until I try to run or ride my bike at a decent pace (for me now, it's decent...ha!).

The experience you had with trying to find work - same here - after 50 only people who knew me were interested - my latest job through a former employee of mine from my Frankfurt days now in Singapore... But I am sure that your race added barriers that I haven't had to face, except my place of birth (Kano, Nigeria) did slow down my Trump era green card renewal! My wife and I are watching our twins becoming adults (19 next week) and we wonder about how much we'll be agle to see.... Keep up with the articles - I love them all.

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Hey young guy😎 Seems to me you have a solid handle on what’s important. It was a pleasure reading your answers. Happy trails❤️

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Andy, I'll be running your questionnaire in a few weeks, too...

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Wisely stated 😊

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Aug 9, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

I really loved this interview; gave me some new perspectives

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That was a great interview. Mr. Weems has a great perspective on what aging means, or doesn't. Thanks, "Oldster"!

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Aug 23, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Great interview! Marlon's a great person to talk to on just about anything. He's super wise, and humble, generous with his knowledge. And just an all around cool dude.

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