The Art of Ageing
- Adam Duncan
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 6
WHAT DO YOU WANT AS YOU GROW OLDER?
Great artists - whether painters, musicians or writers have a commitment to some inner vision. Tolstoy, Beethoven and Van Gogh faced many challenges but they were not daunted or discouraged. They were driven forward through adversity by a clarity of purpose. Without the suffering, Beethoven could not have written “Ode to Joy”. It took commitment, courage and consistent effort to produce his magnificent Ninth Symphony. Ageing is not for the feint-hearted and turning age into art requires courage, wisdom and commitment. Our work may not hang in the museums of the world, but it can live in the minds and memories of those around us.
As we grow older, we may be tempted to say I’ve done my bit and to stop developing. We may become just an observer clinging on to dreams of youth and our past identity - a fossil of our former self. We may retire and seek out whatever bits of comfort and security we can find as our lives gradually diminish into nothingness. We may crave more life simply because we are terrified of death. This is a tragedy worthy of the world's greatest writer. In King Lear, Shakespeare shows what a terrible future lies in store for those that cling to the past.
Or we can go on a voyage of self-discovery - a Life-Transition from faux Middle-Age to Mature Adult. We can explore beyond the status quo. We can find a depth of connection to life and death that can inspire younger generations. We can embody the scientific truth that all life is inter-dependent. We can deepen our connection to Nature and Humanity.
So what is our commitment to ourselves? What is it we really want? What joy can we create? What healing can we do? What beauty can we leave behind for others. What revolution could we start? If our inner artist is up for a journey of self-discovery, why don’t we start to explore together. In the Life-Stage monthly workshops, we learn how to be as Elders from each other.
