Lots of thoughts on that men-over-70-returning-to-the-workforce article. Mainly because it repeats some cliches that drive me bananas: "they are bored sitting around at home," "Twenty-five or 30 years is a long time to play golf and watch ... cable TV ...," "end up going back to work again at age 70 because we are bored out of our minds." This notion that only our day jobs are fulfilling and keeping us occupied, that without paid work we sit around staring at the walls in boredom, is ridiculous. It persists despite the fact that I don't know a single retiree who lives this way. We are all incredibly busy and occupied! Interestingly, the comments on that article also don't seem to buy into the "bored retiree" theory: they all assume that a return to paid employment is driven by the need or want for money, not the need for more to do.
Absolutely, that was the main story, and an interesting one. I just have this pet peeve about the "bored retiree" cliche that, once one notices it, crops up everywhere ...
If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT on HBO/Max (even though I hate those bastards for dropping the Sesame Street ball...too many swear words for that). Trailer link below. Also, the new season of Queer Eye...it's all about Jeremiah. It took me a moment to figure out who he reminded me of. He's a blonde Daniel Day-Lewis. Seriously. When he smiles, he's deep in DDL vibes...and I know the DDL smile is a rare thing. xo
What a wonderful list! The Nikki Giovanni quote is one I hadn't seen before and I think it might have to be tacked on my wall! And how amazingly cool that Kim Deal is going solo at age 63. All the inspiration I need to get back to my own music! I also loved Man on the Inside, just the right tone for right now. Thanks for sharing all this, as always.
How do you have time to write while exploring all these interesting places? Just months after moving home from assisted living, I'm enjoying A Man on the Inside, too.
I sent the old man exercise to my husband, who looks a lot like Mitch.
And the Marginalian! I go back to Brain Pickings. There is so much texture in her postings that I often can't bear to read them.
Interesting. I'm getting most of my reading material these days from Oldster. I bought Nick Flynn's Stay - fabulous and difficult. And Laura Lippman's My Life as a Villainess. More conventionally told, but courage and freedom are inspiring. Thanks, Sari, for your far-ranging picks!
I'm laughing because you have Forever Fit with Mitch in there. He showed up in my feeds maybe three months ago and I find myself stopping to do his routines when I'm doomscrolling. You know what? It works. I added a few more fitness for olds Instagrammers in my feed and now the rule is if I'm doomscrolling, I gotta stop and do five minutes of creaky calisthenics. I'm 100% sure I'm stronger for it
Lots of thoughts on that men-over-70-returning-to-the-workforce article. Mainly because it repeats some cliches that drive me bananas: "they are bored sitting around at home," "Twenty-five or 30 years is a long time to play golf and watch ... cable TV ...," "end up going back to work again at age 70 because we are bored out of our minds." This notion that only our day jobs are fulfilling and keeping us occupied, that without paid work we sit around staring at the walls in boredom, is ridiculous. It persists despite the fact that I don't know a single retiree who lives this way. We are all incredibly busy and occupied! Interestingly, the comments on that article also don't seem to buy into the "bored retiree" theory: they all assume that a return to paid employment is driven by the need or want for money, not the need for more to do.
Oh…I had just thought it was a nice counter to the current understanding that older men are considered ineligible for work.
Absolutely, that was the main story, and an interesting one. I just have this pet peeve about the "bored retiree" cliche that, once one notices it, crops up everywhere ...
If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT on HBO/Max (even though I hate those bastards for dropping the Sesame Street ball...too many swear words for that). Trailer link below. Also, the new season of Queer Eye...it's all about Jeremiah. It took me a moment to figure out who he reminded me of. He's a blonde Daniel Day-Lewis. Seriously. When he smiles, he's deep in DDL vibes...and I know the DDL smile is a rare thing. xo
https://www.hbo.com/movies/going-to-mars-the-nikki-giovanni-project
Oh, I’ll check out Going to Mars! Thanks.
Thanks, as always.
💝
What a wonderful list! The Nikki Giovanni quote is one I hadn't seen before and I think it might have to be tacked on my wall! And how amazingly cool that Kim Deal is going solo at age 63. All the inspiration I need to get back to my own music! I also loved Man on the Inside, just the right tone for right now. Thanks for sharing all this, as always.
How do you have time to write while exploring all these interesting places? Just months after moving home from assisted living, I'm enjoying A Man on the Inside, too.
I sent the old man exercise to my husband, who looks a lot like Mitch.
And the Marginalian! I go back to Brain Pickings. There is so much texture in her postings that I often can't bear to read them.
It’s my job! lol.
Interesting. I'm getting most of my reading material these days from Oldster. I bought Nick Flynn's Stay - fabulous and difficult. And Laura Lippman's My Life as a Villainess. More conventionally told, but courage and freedom are inspiring. Thanks, Sari, for your far-ranging picks!
Amazing. So great to hear!
It seems clear that we have to create our own communities now. You have made a great one!
Thank you! I think you’re right.
I'm laughing because you have Forever Fit with Mitch in there. He showed up in my feeds maybe three months ago and I find myself stopping to do his routines when I'm doomscrolling. You know what? It works. I added a few more fitness for olds Instagrammers in my feed and now the rule is if I'm doomscrolling, I gotta stop and do five minutes of creaky calisthenics. I'm 100% sure I'm stronger for it
I love it! Yes, the algorithm showed him to me, and I thought he’d be a fun addition. Glad to hear his suggestions are legit!
Thank you. Excellent piece. Great suggestions
Glad to hear.
We loved A Man on the Inside, too. And that Tales game! Wish I'd have sat with my dad and gone over even 20 minutes of those questions ...
Tales looks great. I'm going to get it...
Sally Struthers! Of course! It's been killing me, and I wouldn't let myself IMDB it!
It took me half an episode to figure it out!
I got it pretty much right away. My husband was impressed. She is, after all, from Portland originally.
Thanks so much for including me!