THE THIRD ACT! READY?

 It’s happening! The day in which aging becomes a positive rather than a negative, applauded rather than feared. It’s here! Well, almost.

We’re living in an aging population where encountering a group of geriatric folks doesn’t mean you’ll hear, “Lock those old people in a closet, Lydia. They drool.”

Not anymore. Now we’re “cute” or “awesome.”

Of course, some cultures have always valued their elders but it’s new to us and it’s different. Our elders are giving new meaning to longevity. These amazing men and women are engaging in the Senior Olympics, the Iron Man marathon, they’re graduating from college on the Dean’s List. What’s the secret?

Does the progress in which we’re now aging speak of a new lifestyle?

What are they eating? Do I exercise enough? Is it true Marjorie Stoneman Douglas enjoyed a shot of whiskey every night before bed? Will doing the same lead me to longevity, a youthful appearance and a young-at- heart heart? Should I adopt the Blue Zones way of living? Or should I move to the Mediterranean? Is it all genetic? Do I need an aging coach?

So many questions.

As more men and women age beyond the life expectations of just a generation ago, there’s an avalanche of articles, books and essays being written and published on the subject of aging. We may not have had many role models ahead of us to show us the way but now we can discover the good, the bad, and the everything in-between as longevity increases.

I’m of the Silent Generation (1928-1945) and frankly, my role models are in short supply. (none) Frankly, I’m surprised to be here! Even to be writing this.

Dr. Louise Aronson’s 2021 book, Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimaging Life has become my guide as I traverse the Third Act. This unexpected bonus of life. I’m also studying in a course entitled Neuroscience of the Aging Brain.

Hopefully, I’ll learn strategies required for establishing and maintaining well-being, resiliency and happiness at all the remaining stages and ages of life. But especially the Third Act.

Much like the third act of a play…the Third Act of our life is the resolution. This is the time and place in our lives where we look for the meaning of our lives, the legacy we wish to leave, and prepare to live a meaningful and yes, joyful existence in the upcoming decades.

Becoming a Superager may require a whole new way of thinking. According to the latest research, our brains are sharpest at eighteen years old. (I’m pretty sure mine was not. I still believed leading with your heart was better than leading with your head.) By the time we reach 80 years of age, our frontal lobe decline is at twenty-four percent. We have limits now that have to be taken into account in order to reach Third Act satisfaction. (You notice I didn’t say bliss. My frontal lobe is in decline but I still have enough wits about me.)

I have started making a list (lists are what I do.) What can I not do anymore? What can I do? Realistically, I’m basing my cannot-do’s on the loss of brain power and engine power (our body). What remains will be a substantial foundation on which to build a significant and intentional Third Act. I hope.

Awesome Superagers, the curtain is rising!