Sharing their knowledge
Nova Scotia has one of the most active and vibrant group of senior citizens in the country
I do know a thing or two about people over the age of, let’s say 70. An extensive study in the U.S. (published in the 2018 New England Journal of Medicine) found that the most productive age in human life is between 60 and 70 years. And the second most productive stage of the human being is from 70 to 80 years of age.
When I was much younger, 70 seemed to be quite a long time to have lived. And then, suddenly, I was 70. As I looked back over my life and wondered if I was worth the oxygen, I finally decided that I hadn’t done too badly.
As far as careers go, I’ve actually had quite a few. That doesn’t happen to everyone.
I know quite a few over-70 people who are still going strong. They are those volunteers who make all kinds of buildings and events run. They can’t help themselves, it seems. They have to be in there making sure that the hall continues to operate, that turkey dinner gets served at Christmas, or that chowder at the church gets made and served on Lenten Fridays.
There are retired teachers who are asked to substitute teach.
There are retirees who run for municipal council, provincial and federal government positions – a sometimes thankless job if ever there was one.
This over-70 crowd also starts new businesses – sometimes out of a need for income, but also out of need to be “doing something.” I know of mining executives, clean energy people, artists and writers who are over 70 and got into a new business after retirement from a position they held for 40odd years.
Nova Scotia, apparently, has the highest proportion of 'seniors' and, I believe we could say we also have one of the most active and vibrant group of citizens in the country. Our older people know a thing or two and are willing to share their talents, the wisdom they have gained over the years, and their knowledge to anyone willing to listen.
I believe that the Annapolis Drama group comprises mostly over-70 people. And just look at what they have done over the years. The same is true for the plein air painter folks who regularly turn up at the Paint the Town event each summer in Annapolis Royal – I believe many of them are over 70.
As for authors, I have just read about a man who is now 87 and has published his 14th book on sports in the Annapolis Valley. Now that is remarkable.
There are those retired folks on the Eastern Shore who operate a community radio station. They had already put in many years in the radio/TV business.
I certainly count myself among this group. I am still learning, but I’m having a whale of a time these days, even though I am shut in and lucky enough to have friends who still answer their phone when they read who it is in that little window.
Onwards!
Anne Crossman is a former journalist and media manager. She now does volunteer work in her community of Centrelea, Annapolis County