Grandma Moses started painting seriously at 78. Norman Maclean published his first novel, A River Runs Through It, at 74. Truly, it’s never too late to start painting, drawing, writing, making music, dancing—whatever inspires you. The creative payoffs can be huge. But it also presents challenges: you must be willing to learn and be a "beginner" again, take some risks, and be open to critique.
Canadian artist Janice Mason Steeves, herself a late bloomer, joins us to talk about her book, Bloom: On Becoming An Artist Later in Life. In it, she shares thoughts and observations from dozens of older artists who describe their creative journeys and explain how art has helped them find their voices, know themselves better, and become more enlightened.
Steeves also discusses the idea of “elderhood” – the idea that artists can use their enlightenment to make the world a stronger, kinder, more interconnected place. She manifests the concept of elderhood through her “Workshops in Wild Places” programs that allow her to take fellow artists to beautiful, remote locations around the world to connect to and be inspired by nature.
For more information on Janice Mason Steeves, her art, book, and workshops, visit www.janicemasonsteeves.com
At 61, Lyn Slater, a seasoned social welfare professional and social work academic at Fordham University, combined her passions for clothing and writing by launching an Instagram blog in 2014. The Accidental Icon was born.
Modeling Valentino eyewear thrust her into the spotlight of the fashion industry, global notoriety, and unexpected opportunities. The Accidental Icon transformed into a social influencer with a million followers and became a brand in its own right.
In 2020, Lyn pivoted her blog away from fashion blogging and sponsored posts to writing about aging and advocating for pro-aging public policy. Her Stubstack newsletter gave rise to her first non-academic book, How To Grow Old, published in 2024.
Lyn Slater holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from The Graduate Center, City University of New York.
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Join host Jan M Flynn in conversation with Kira Reginato as they explore the issue of where it makes the most sense to live as we or our loved ones age and our needs change.
As an elder care manager and consultant, Kira has served hundreds of older adults and their families in a variety of settings: hospitals, residential care and skilled nursing facilities, hospices, Alzheimer’s adult day care programs and Meals on Wheels.
Kira's three decades of expertise, as well as her warm personality and compassion were enjoyed in two weekly radio shows focused on aging: The Elder Care Show and Call Kira About Aging!
Kira is the author of the book Tips for Helping Your Aging Parents...Without Losing Your Mind – click the link to purchase a copy.
For more information about Kira, visit her website at www.Callkira.com and check out her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyO7atbCToRbKmnFI6EZGAg
Interested in finding a care manager for yourself or your family? Visit the national Aging Life Care organization at www.Aginglifecare.org
You can also book a phone or video consultation with Kira to discuss your needs and help connect you to a local care manager by clicking this link: "https://tinyurl.com/2p855cyx"
(Note: this information is provided as a potential resource but does not indicate an endorsement nor any other business relationship. Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age does not receive any financial consideration for providing this link).
Creating a vibrant, satisfying experience of aging sometimes means reinventing ourselves: taking on a new profession, pursuing a long-held dream, or remodeling our home, or ourselves, from the foundation on up. It can be really exciting – but also takes courage, and there isn’t a handy instruction guide for how to get started. So it’s inspiring and helpful to check in with people who have embarked on one or more reinventions and can attest to the risks and rewards.
Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Crow’s Feet writer and podcast team member Jean Feldeisen, who never stopped starting over throughout a productive and creative life. From pursuing a doctorate in philosophy to running a catering business, to a long career as a psychotherapist, and recently transforming herself into a published poet, Jean approaches reinvention like she plays piano — in a spirit of exploration, fascination, and challenge.
She’s not afraid to start over. And when necessary, to go slower.
Jean Feldeisen (jeanfeldeisen.com) is the author of:
Not All Are Weeping, a poetry chapbook available through Main Street Rag
https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/not-all-are-weeping-jean-anne-feldeisen/
Dear Milly: A Love Story ‘Til the End of Time, the story of Jean’s parents and their love that survived and flourished through the Great Depression, World War II, and all the tumultuous times that followed. Dear Milly: a love story 'til the end of time'
Catching Fireflies with Argy Nestor is a “picture book for adults:” poems and imagery riffing on the seasons in Maine.* Available for $25 plus a $5 fee for shipping & handling Contact Jean at [email protected] or Argy at [email protected]. Let them know if you want your copy autographed.
Follow me at jeanfeldeisen.com. Email me at [email protected]
Join the fun. To receive my bi-weekly email, click the link below.
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