More Feedback from Blog Followers (Aug 31, 2019)

Richard, in response to the post, “Agile Aging: An Introduction & an Invitation”
In my getting-older world, caretaking aside, I enjoy immensely watching my continuing family.

David, on the post, “Retirement as Our Admission Ticket to Satisfying Seniority”
The elephant in the room, of course, is the notion of mortality. It seems to accompany retirement in a major way and occupies many of our thoughts, even if we are loath to share them. Yes, there are those who, for religious, spiritual or other reasons, are little bothered by the upcoming end of life. One friend is counselled by a woman in Colorado who has written extensively on the afterlife which she is convinced is available, not from religious teachings, but because of the study she has made of persons who have reported out-of-body experiences where their “soul” has floated above their bodies in an operating room before being brought back to life. I have one relative who cheerfully announced, when his father fell ill, “We all stroke out in our seventies in my family.” Another has noted that she doesn’t really want to live much beyond eighty as, by that time, “I will have had the whole enchilada” and sees no reason to keep on trucking.

Perhaps the mortality issue is especially difficult for those with children and grandchildren who often become the center of the retired person’s life. The idea that one would not be able to observe the next steps in their lives, or be there to help them get through a rough patch, is upsetting when one has evolved into finding them central to one’s happiness. If for no other reason than the termination or reduction of one’s pension after death, which serves to support a dependent spouse or other loved one, many ponder how they can keep their atria and ventrica humming as long as possible.

John, on “Our Inaugural Excursion”
Loved it, thanks. My favorite line: “We found ourselves celebrating leisure rather than activity.”

My wife and I just engaged in a similar experience last weekend. Daunted by the promise of a hectic family vacation with my brother’s family (including a pack of teenagers), we booked a little cabin for the two of us just down the road. For two glorious nights we lounged decadently, dined leisurely and slept soundly. We were fully recharged when we finally transitioned to the family phase of the trip, and as a result had a blast with two vacations instead of one.

Thanks also for teaching me about Riverside. I lived there briefly in my youth but remember little. Perhaps we’ll book a few nights at the Mission Inn for a relaxing getaway.

Kare, on that same post
Having a trusted long-time partner is indeed a major advantage, both for satisfying senior travel and for agile aging in general. Being alone can also be fulfilling. But having a pal to share the pleasures and weather the pains is a huge boost.

Nicole, on “Peer Profile: John Phillips & Rancho Cielo”
Such an inspirational story. Would love to visit Rancho Cielo!

The takeaways were interesting for me since my organization is supporting several initiatives similar to Rancho Cielo in other countries. They have not been able to grow, given limited philanthropy in these countries, so we are helping them to develop sustainable business models. I have never run a place like this myself and have often thought that it would be really an interesting challenge. Definitely, working with youth is a total inspiration. Maybe something to do when I retire? So much to look forward to. But I’d prefer not to have to fundraise since that’s what I’ve been doing for 40 years! Another John Phillips takeaway…do something different.

How do we want to spend our retirement time…fighting or not? I have certainly fought for decades but have not been able to always say the truth. Donors wouldn’t welcome that. Is my role as an agile senior to be honest and disruptive, or to continue working within the system to open doors?

Dick, on that same post
The story about John Phillips is really eye-opening – and heartwarming.

Bob, on “Communing with Ents: Hendy Woods State Park”
Ah, yes, even we atheists can have spiritual experiences among the redwoods!

Nancy, on that same post
We recently returned from a rendezvous in California with our gang that was located, in part, in Mendocino. So, we had to follow your path to Hendy Woods! It was lovely and the 2-mile upper loop was a perfect-length walk for a “just-turned-4-that-day” grandson. Wanted you to know that your words resulted in a delightful day for us.

Dick, on “The Lure of Trains”
Great read. Vivid discussions; Very informative. Triggered some speculation about picking up on this mode. After a disastrous couple of recent encounters with the airlines, rail seems most appealing!

RMB, reminiscing on the same post
Who at our age and travel experience isn’t a train buff? Remember the Jakarta-Surabaya line, with pigeon eggs at breakfast?

And finally Bob on The California Zephyr
We too have been on the Zephyr to Chicago and back, haunted the Fred Harvey bars and restaurants in Winslow, Kansas City, L.A.’s Union Station, have taken our g-daughters to Emeryville for a day in San Francisco, will take our g-sons to Glacier Park next summer. We love trains.