| I was both fascinated
and somewhat envious as I read a recent New York Times article
about people who view old age as a never-ending adventure.
Pictured balancing on the wings of a small, prop plane with
only a few wires to hold him in place, Tom Lackey, age 89,
is shown wing walking.
Tom took up this dare-devil activity to help relieve the
grief of losing his wife. He has wing walked across the
English Channel and hopes to soon be the first person of
any age to wing walk “across the pond,” both
ways. Also pictured was Ilse Telesmanich 84, riding a camel
in Australia, and I must admit, she looked a lot more secure
and comfortable than I did when I tried the same feat during
a trip to Morocco.
Elderhostel has now changed its name to Exploritas to reflect
the idea that the urge to explore, to see and experience
the unusual, the totally out of the ordinary, has no age
limitations.
John Weinstein of Adler Travel in Hamden informs me that
he now offers an even more extensive selection of trips
especially designed for senior travelers and the demand
for them increases each year. Incidentally, Telesmanich,
now 90, sprained her ankle on her last trip, but still plans
to hike in South Africa this summer.
Rescue experts feel older people may be safer in many activities
than their younger counterparts because seniors are more
prepared, know what their limits are and aren’t as
prone to show off or act foolishly. My feeling on the matter
is that I’m just as likely to take a fall here in
Branford as I am while sightseeing in Turkey, and if I should
fall while visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, at least
I will have that memory to savor during recuperation. Unfortunately,
the cost of trip cancellation and evacuation insurance (both
advisable) is much more expensive as we age.
Of course, “ageless explorers” aren’t
necessarily just those who love to travel. Men and women
who are life-long learners, always taking up challenges
such as learning to paint, to become an expert at bridge
or yoga, learning a new language or returning to school
— these folks are living their “bonus years”
to the fullest.
Your local school district offers many stimulating classes
through the adult education programs and for a wonderful
variety of short-term classes held during the day, be sure
to look into The Institute for Learning in Retirement. (Call
1-800-220-0458). The current AARP Bulletin features a long
list of free online sites where you can take classes or
listen to famous lecturers.
I tried the Web site Open Culture, www.openculture.com,
and found I could download lessons for 37 different languages,
250 free courses on anything from archaeology and art history
to the politics of food (is broccoli Democratic or Republican
fare?) Two other intriguing Web sites are Video Lectures
at www.videolectures.net and Wonder How To at www.wonderhowto.com.
Other seniors have found self-fulfillment through meaningful
volunteer work. For help in matching your skills to volunteer
opportunities go to www.volunteermatch.org.
The start of a new decade is a good time to re-assess what
you want from life and what makes you really happy. Do not
let others discourage you ... you know your own talents
and capabilities and what makes life exciting for you. Standing
still is more dangerous than daring to move ahead. Be open
to new possibilities ... take a risk ... try something new
... take the road less traveled.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
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