Portraits of Creative Aging
Welcome to my web site. I am delighted to announce the publication of my book, Portraits of Creative Aging. The centerpiece of the book is a collection of thirty-seven first person narratives, with accompanying black and white photographs, of men and women in their retirement years who are engaged in creative and productive endeavors. The book grew out of my personal search for positive role models of aging in response to the dated, but persisting, negative stereotypes of aging in our society.
The thirty-seven men and women ranged in age from sixty to ninety-five at the time they were interviewed. They are from different racial and ethnic groups as well as from six geographic areas. The participants‘ activities, which varied and required different skills, fell with just a few exceptions into two major categories — the arts and community or public service.
Examples from this inspiring group of people include the story of a retired draftsman, who at age seventy-six, achieved a life long dream and received a B.F.A. in photography. When interviewed at age eighty-nine, he was still learning and experimenting with new photographic techniques. His numerous exhibits have met with wide acclaim. Another illustrative story is of a seventy-four year old retired bank executive, who after receiving treatment for a life threatening cancer, decided he wanted to start “giving back.” He joined the Experience Corps and now devotes three days a week tutoring students at an inner-city elementary school. It has been a deeply gratifying experience for him.
Portraits of Creative Aging is aimed at people who are contemplating retirement, are due to retire or have recently retired. These are usually people in their late fifties, sixties and seventies. My intent has been to provide role models that give these readers a sense of possibilities and options.
The book is also intended for professionals, such as social workers, who work with an older population. The book‘s stories highlight the value of creative and productive endeavors in the lives of older people. Research corroborates that such undertakings enhance the quality of life, add to a sense of well being and promote wellness. An increased awareness and understanding of this can contribute to professionals playing more of a role in promoting and facilitating such activities.
Paperback Edition: $19.95.