Numbers Game
Andy Levinsky’s “We’ve Outlived Our Attitudes About Age” (Perspective, February 19) was very helpful to me — an active almost 73-year-old. With all the programming and stereotypes, it’s hard not to be affected by the number. Each time I read or hear something that counters the old messages about being 80 or 90 or older, I get the opportunity to reprogram my inner dialogue. I remind myself that I potentially have 30 more years; the voice that says I could live to 100 encourages me. So, at 60 I started riding a tandem bike. At 68, my husband and I started coming to Tucson so we could ride our bicycle built for two in the winter. At 69, I started a Ukeladies group (I’d never touched a ukulele). At 70, I started mentoring. At 72, I coauthored a memoir. And, of course, I started playing pickleball!!
Szifra Birke Lowell
We’re too prone to disregard people based on age, as if that is an automatic disqualifier. Why are [commercial airline] pilots prohibited from flying when they reach 65 (up from 60) when they just may be at the top of their skills — and we have a pilot shortage? I’m 77 and have had four commercially published books released over the past year and traveled to four countries on business. There’s a profound difference between “age” and “aging.”
Alan Weiss East Greenwich, Rhode Island
After reading Levinsky’s cogent and interesting article, my wife and I thought about all the active friends and colleagues we have who are 90 and over, and even a few over 100.
It is indeed true that “age ain’t nothing but a number.” Many of us may live on and can become — thanks to good, positive attitudes and/ or good genes — creative wonders at an advanced age. [Look at] Grandma Moses, who started painting well into her late 70s, and passed away at 101.
Mel B. Yoken
New Bedford
In my seasonal sales gig at the Mashpee Commons L.L. Bean, I helped an older gentleman, shopping alone, buy jeans. He said, “You lose weight when you get old.” I said, “How old are you?” He said, “103.” I said, “And here I am feeling old at 77.” He said, “I’ve got a son who’s 77.”
Bruce J Jones Barnstable
I am only 73 this year but have not been healthier in a decade thanks to orthopedic surgeons.
Thomas Howard Holden
I believe 70-80 is the new middle age. My husband and parents all lived into their late 80s to mid-90s. His uncle and my grandmother lived to be 100 and 102, respectively. However, it is my mother-in-law whom I think of most. We had traveled together for a girls shopping weekend for years — well into her 90s. A true fashionista, she was known for dressing for dinner at her assisted living facility. She made two out of three meals every day in her unique, for assisted living, full kitchen and cared for her husband there. She “made parties” for friends, neighbors, and residents in the activity room, as well as hosted family. We had the privilege of having her live with us at the very end of her life when she was 95. We all cared for her until the end with much love and appreciation for what she brought to our lives.
Francine Ravelson
Milton
So much is in one’s attitude! At 75, I have a new personal motto: I am in the fourth quarter and going for overtime!
Victoria Hardy Worcester
sweet face, was a pleasure to read with my Sunday morning coffee. More Wilbur stories please!
Mary Schlaff
Bethesda, Maryland
I am reminded of my own black Lab who was also named Wilbur. I love the food truck guy and his thoughtful stop at the author’s home. In my own life, these “acquaintance friendships” have kept me alive. They are usually timelimited — yet crucial.
JM the JP posted on bostonglobe.com