Writing Side Hustle at Threescore

Age can be a great asset for writers

When are you too old to launch a writing career? Short answer- never! By default, older individuals have experienced a lot. And hopefully gained some wisdom through those experiences. Unfortunately, some end up inflexible, feeling entitled, bitter (“get off my lawn”), or close-minded. Not acquiring a considerate and contemplative nature that could lead to acquiring wisdom and utility.

Perhaps related to that, our society undervalues old people. We are youth-obsessed. Too many younger people dismiss the elderly as a burden. Assigning little value to their wisdom, or abilities. Per Mark Zuckerberg’s infamous quote “Young people are just smarter”.

And to be fair, far too many older people undervalue the knowledge and skills of younger people, blaming millennials for numerous societal ills and lack of initiative. Humans are so divisive. Us vs them. We divide ourselves in so many ways: age, gender, race, religion, etc. etc. This causes so much distress. It is a most unfortunate part of human nature.

With regards to ageing, certain cognitive skills are better at younger ages, and other aspects peak later in life. Older and younger generations have much value to each other. Polarization is detrimental.

We need to change these perceptions. And I think it’s on older folks to push that. We need to use our experience and skill, with compassion, and take action to narrow the breach. We can drive change.

We are an ageing society, with longer life expectancies, and the means to maintain a longer health span. Our brains can remain youthful and vital throughout our life. The world needs wise elders. Not only as valuable resources but as active participants in the improvement of society.

Healthy humans are not meant to retire and sit in a recliner watching TV. Physical and mental exercise is necessary throughout life.

In some cultures, the elderly stay active and vibrant and have a position of honor and respect. For example, in Okinawa, Japan, many of the citizens live over to be over 100 (one of the Blue Zones), staying active mentally, physically, and socially, and are accorded a position of honor in their society.

I’m enthused to glean insight from elderly people. They are going to have valuable ideas and perspectives on life. I want to reach these individuals while we still have them. Many of the very old are in some type of assisted care. I’m trying to think of a way to conduct a project to capture their insights. Maybe a list of questions to answer. And how to reach them. It would have to be some type of remote communication due to limited accessibility and the pandemic. But many may not be technologically equipped.

Years ago, I read Tying Rocks to Clouds: Meetings and Conversations with Wise and Spiritual People by William Elliott (affiliate link). It has stuck with me and given me the idea to apply this concept to everyday citizens instead of the famous.

I believe a large number of the population of elderly in assisted living would be happy to share their thoughts — and probably happy to just talk. It would make a good book: collected wisdom from our elders. With permission of the interviewees of course. [I would welcome any thoughts on this project in the comments or email.]

Threescore is a perfect time to become a writer. 60 years old. 60 is still fairly young — middle-aged actually, since our maximum lifespan is at least 120. At this age we’ve likely had many different life experiences — multiple careers, raising children, helping elderly family members, and seen many world events and political changes. We can still be strong and fit, mentally and physically. And creative. And 60 happens to be my current age.

And so, I embark on this endeavor, a path of becoming a consistent writer, consistency being the key, and the hard part to maintain. It takes time. Commitment. I also still run my small business and continue developing innovations to enhance that. I believe lifelong learning is crucial: music, coding, chess, and homesteading are current topics of interest. For writing, health and wellness, spirituality, business, self-actualization, philosophy, and psychology are my main areas of interest. I hope my content will be of benefit, or at least of interest.