Today's blog post will not be about the visual arts, but about social art. Aging in such a culturally cool place like California is a precarious proposition. How to age gracefully?
We Boomers came of age when a lot of strict cultural constraints were happily being left behind. We thought that we were so smart and so creative, and that we had all the answers. I think every generation feels that way. There always needs to be that sense of hope.
Fifty years have passed, and our icons are looking like old men and old women. How can that be? If they look like that, it must mean that we look like that too! Really? Yes, really.
Well, do we just let the next generation grab the reins? Not so fast. As long as we are here on this Earth we still have every right to influence our culture. But as we see the next generation leaping forward in values and technology, we should ever so gently step to the side and admire their surge.
Do we turn grumpy because we are no longer the stars of the show? No. We should have the satisfaction of all we've learned and done over the years. Although we no longer have our youth, we are happy for those who are currently in full bloom.
Do we have to dress like old fogies? No. Is it ok to dress like those in their twenties? No! Unless you've visited the plastic surgeon - time, sun, gravity, and our lifestyles have all taken their toll. Although that's nothing to be ashamed of, you don't really want to show that off, do you? Have mercy! Women: no wrinkly cleavage! Men: no bizarre comb overs! Women: styling your hair to look like Jennifer Aniston's just doesn't fit. Men: we know what is under that hat you always wear, and it is bothering you a lot more than it bothers us. Both of you: are you sure that you want to wear those shorts?
Can we still put ourselves out there? Yes, of course. But be careful not to make a spectacle of yourself.
Can we still have physical goals? Yes, but be real about it.
Rest assured, our generation has made its mark.
We share what we have learned with those who are coming up, and we watch them take it in then go do their own thing with it. That is as it should be.
How lucky are we to have lived our lives in this fantastic part of the planet?
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