The art of proactive aging is crucial to a long, happy life.
Leave it to the late, great George Burns to capture the wonder and complexities of getting older.
“I was always taught to respect my elders,” observed the beloved, cigar-chomping comedian born Nathan Birnbaum, who lived to be a centenarian. “And I’ve now reached the age when I don’t have anybody to respect.”
Aging is not for wimps, we’re often told. With the passage of time comes plenty of aches and pains, as well as the heartbreaks of life in general. Cynicism and bitterness often seem like byproducts of aging.
But study after study reveals that aging gracefully often comes down to aging gratefully. Besides taking care of one’s physical and mental health, staying active and engaged is crucial to wellbeing and longevity, according to scientists who study the aging process. And among the many ways to accomplish that worthy endeavor is to pursue artistic and creative goals that one might not generally have time for during their working and family-raising years.
For our annual “Aging Gratefully” cover package, Jmore interviewed three members of the Edward A. Myerberg Center in Northwest Baltimore to learn about how participating in creative endeavors there has added meaning, nuance and purpose to their lives.
Brush It Off
“I just have that creative instinct in me,” says 74-year-old Pikesville resident Bess Shuster, who started taking art classes after retiring as a saleswoman at Radcliffe Jewelers seven years ago. [Read the full story.]
Coming Into Focus
Mark Pressman admits that patience is not one of his greatest virtues. But studying photography has taught him to slow down to savor moments. [Read the full story.]
Good Medicine
“Everyone needs a hobby, something to get out of bed for,” says Dr. Charles I. Weiner, who has created approximately 100 acrylic paintings since retiring in early 2020. “I just like it when people enjoy what I create and put them in their home.” [Read the full story.]
Israeli-Americans Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin talked about the pain of losing their 23-year-old son, who was kidnapped and later murdered in the Oct. 7th tragedy.
A committed philanthropist and community leader, Russel was president of R&H Motors.
The mother of four was a native of Winchester, Virginia, who spent most of her life in Northwest Baltimore.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.