"I’m 67 years old and I just finished my first book. It’s a dream come true and it taught me so many things about my life, my talent, and my endurance. It seems an amazing gift to me."
Oh Sari, I wish, wish, wish you could have asked him to unpack this that he wrote in 2014: “Go to a party: There is simply no one as unclothed as a 42-year-old woman in a summer dress. For all her toughness, and humor, and smarts, you know exactly what she looks like, without the advantage of knowing who she is.” I was older than 42 when this was written and was so offended--I'm still offended given that I remember it more than 10 years later. It felt bad then and it feels worse now. I believe the mystery of a woman increases with age. Men on the other hand... Not to diminish all of his accomplishments, but this one passage ended it for Tom Junod and me.
I enjoyed this unfiltered Q&A much more than the NY Times piece about his father who, I’m sorry to say, is not an admirable figure. Tom did not shine in that piece, but comes off much better here.
“Also, I’ve lived long enough to see the world go against my wishes for it. The present political situation doesn’t just anger me. It breaks my heart, and calls into question all my optimistic American assumptions.”
Well said. The exact feelings that have been running around in my head but not articulated. Thank you!
Fascinating to read how someone feels about being 67 which seems so young to me…the prime of life! Might be because my daughters––vital, engaged, full of life––are in their early 60s. Great interview Sari!
@Sari the world keeps getting smaller, & find reassurance in that. I was at Tom's book launch last night (full house in the auditorium at the Jimmy Carter Library here in Atlanta, of course!) The book is fascinating, and Tom's a mensch.
The pride in stories people kept reading years later vs. immediate award recognition—that's the difference between being noticed and mattering. At 67, finishing the first book, he's not chasing the signal anymore. He's measuring by archival time: will this survive the moment. That's what comes after you've already won.
Tom Junod's reflections on aging are both insightful and inspiring. It's refreshing to see someone embrace their age while maintaining a youthful mindset and a commitment to creativity. His perspective on the societal pressures surrounding aging, particularly the expectation to manage and optimize every aspect of life, resonates deeply.
I appreciate how he emphasizes the importance of connection and the simple act of asking others how they're doing, which can lead to meaningful conversations. It's a reminder that aging doesn't have to be viewed solely through the lens of decline but can also be a time for growth, learning, and making a positive impact.
Junod's journey, from his early days in Atlanta to publishing his first book at nearly 68, showcases that life remains full of possibilities at any age. His commitment to self-care and resistance to being defined by age are empowering messages for all of us. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking piece!
I prefer to think of being older as being born earlier in time myself. It has a nicer ring.
This song just came up on my shuffled “pre–light emitting diode euphoric” playlist. The Bay Area in a very different era: Alan Watts holed up in Druid Heights, Owsley investing in a custom pill press to stamp a “quality guarantee” owl on his tabs of acid, Jerry Garcia the de facto mayor of the Haight, Fillmore West alive and jumping. Ah, what a moment. Anyone with 15 cents in their pocket could read about it and feel it in Rolling Stone, even if they lived in dull and drab Dubuque, Duluth, or Durango.
I belong to a group of senior poets. But as the youngest of our group, I am probably the only one who was actually in the target audience when I first watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Eventually I did hit the age when I thought the show was a little young for me so I quit watching it. But I was also a little sad to do so. When the movie came out, I was visiting with my dad one day (Mom was pretty much bedridden by then) and he asked what I wanted to watch. When I saw that that movie was one of my options, I immediately sprang into action. I think my dad said yes to indulge me, which he always enjoyed doing, but we both enjoyed the film a lot. And just watching the trailer you linked to made me cry. In a good way. Thank you for this post. I'm glad you got to interview him.
Oh Sari, I wish, wish, wish you could have asked him to unpack this that he wrote in 2014: “Go to a party: There is simply no one as unclothed as a 42-year-old woman in a summer dress. For all her toughness, and humor, and smarts, you know exactly what she looks like, without the advantage of knowing who she is.” I was older than 42 when this was written and was so offended--I'm still offended given that I remember it more than 10 years later. It felt bad then and it feels worse now. I believe the mystery of a woman increases with age. Men on the other hand... Not to diminish all of his accomplishments, but this one passage ended it for Tom Junod and me.
Oh, that is bad. If I’d known, I’ve had asked him! I’m hoping his perspective has evolved! Because that is some very limited thinking.
A question I wish you would ask: What can’t you get enough of?
Your life is inspiring, and now I am eager to see Beautiful Day. I especially like your notion of dreams.
Here's another take on old age you may like:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/age-gen-x-baby-boomer-unexpected-behavior_n_69879453e4b04dcdbed5c1e7
Aren't writers lucky? We never have to retire!
I enjoyed this unfiltered Q&A much more than the NY Times piece about his father who, I’m sorry to say, is not an admirable figure. Tom did not shine in that piece, but comes off much better here.
Asking how someone is doing -- YES! Loved this interview
“Also, I’ve lived long enough to see the world go against my wishes for it. The present political situation doesn’t just anger me. It breaks my heart, and calls into question all my optimistic American assumptions.”
Well said. The exact feelings that have been running around in my head but not articulated. Thank you!
Fascinating to read how someone feels about being 67 which seems so young to me…the prime of life! Might be because my daughters––vital, engaged, full of life––are in their early 60s. Great interview Sari!
@Sari the world keeps getting smaller, & find reassurance in that. I was at Tom's book launch last night (full house in the auditorium at the Jimmy Carter Library here in Atlanta, of course!) The book is fascinating, and Tom's a mensch.
Oh, wow! He really is a mensch. And I can’t wait to dig into his book!
Sari, you always find the best subjects. Tom is no exception. I look forward to reading his memoir!
Thanks, Alberta!
The pride in stories people kept reading years later vs. immediate award recognition—that's the difference between being noticed and mattering. At 67, finishing the first book, he's not chasing the signal anymore. He's measuring by archival time: will this survive the moment. That's what comes after you've already won.
Tom Junod's reflections on aging are both insightful and inspiring. It's refreshing to see someone embrace their age while maintaining a youthful mindset and a commitment to creativity. His perspective on the societal pressures surrounding aging, particularly the expectation to manage and optimize every aspect of life, resonates deeply.
I appreciate how he emphasizes the importance of connection and the simple act of asking others how they're doing, which can lead to meaningful conversations. It's a reminder that aging doesn't have to be viewed solely through the lens of decline but can also be a time for growth, learning, and making a positive impact.
Junod's journey, from his early days in Atlanta to publishing his first book at nearly 68, showcases that life remains full of possibilities at any age. His commitment to self-care and resistance to being defined by age are empowering messages for all of us. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking piece!
I prefer to think of being older as being born earlier in time myself. It has a nicer ring.
This song just came up on my shuffled “pre–light emitting diode euphoric” playlist. The Bay Area in a very different era: Alan Watts holed up in Druid Heights, Owsley investing in a custom pill press to stamp a “quality guarantee” owl on his tabs of acid, Jerry Garcia the de facto mayor of the Haight, Fillmore West alive and jumping. Ah, what a moment. Anyone with 15 cents in their pocket could read about it and feel it in Rolling Stone, even if they lived in dull and drab Dubuque, Duluth, or Durango.
San Franciscan Nights
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QeAhG-dee2c
I belong to a group of senior poets. But as the youngest of our group, I am probably the only one who was actually in the target audience when I first watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Eventually I did hit the age when I thought the show was a little young for me so I quit watching it. But I was also a little sad to do so. When the movie came out, I was visiting with my dad one day (Mom was pretty much bedridden by then) and he asked what I wanted to watch. When I saw that that movie was one of my options, I immediately sprang into action. I think my dad said yes to indulge me, which he always enjoyed doing, but we both enjoyed the film a lot. And just watching the trailer you linked to made me cry. In a good way. Thank you for this post. I'm glad you got to interview him.
<3
Great interview -- and I so love the Mr. Rogers movie!
It's so important to feel good about yourself at any age. Cool read
I can't fathom why anybody wouldn't answer the question "What is your favorite age?" as Now
I guess it depends on your circumstances.