Inside PBS Blog

I'm a first-time viewer but now have you on my Tivo so i don't miss any shows. Your show is so informative and thought-provoking for those of us entering this phase of life. Keep up the good work and humor. It helps....

I'm fascinated by how our perspective often shifts as we age; how, with the passage of time, things can matter a great deal more, or a great deal less... things like religious/political convictions, commitment to a long-term marriage/relationship, pursuing a particular career/hobby/ fitness regimen/volunteer commitment. I wonder if you've let go of a number of beliefs/activities
/ goals you used to think were really important, and if you now embrace ideas or practices you once scoffed at. How do you know when it's time to let go of something, or when it's wiser to stick with what you've got?

Hi Robert,

My parents are aging and I find myself assuming the role of parent much sooner than I expected (perhaps you never expect this). I wonder how you recommend emotionally preparing for life changes and the role reversals that tend to happen as age progresses?

I had the privilege of encountering the trials and tribulations of "aging" when I was 25. Due to a temporary illness, I found myself temporary (partially) blind, then unable to walk, then somewhat incapacitated, all while my young friends went on about being healthy and vigorous and clueless. I felt "90" for just long enough to get a real taste of my mortality!
Flash forward 30 years, and with an understanding of "what's to come" and with the knowledge that there's no avoiding it (except to perish, of course!) I embrace each new year despite the age spots and wrinkles. I will forego plastic surgery and silently give thanks that I had my youthful time, and more thanks to be around for each new "season." For those bitter, aging folks who rant against the violations of their bodies and their minds, I say "take it up with Old Man Time," cuz you won't ever win that fight!
Share your time and your wisdom with your children and your community, and be prepared to help EACH OTHER as we aged and aging people will soon outnumber those most capable of helping us in our final years.

Hello,

How do I make the remainder of my life as significant as the previous
years?

Dee

Good for you Robert, beating out those whipper snappers!

You have quite a cast of characters as your guests on the show. How did you pick which celebrities would be on?

I am curious about the subject of plastic surgery. It seems out of place with some of the other topics the show covers. Why is it a part of the show?

I enjoy your program. I helped to care for my great-grandmother until her death at 96. I also helped care for my grandmother and was with her at her death in the hospital. Driving home, I fell apart and was lucky a Methodist minister and his wife noticed something was wrong, pulled off the highway, and drove me home.

I cared for my husband's mother. She was the hardest because she wanted to die.

My father died quickly after a heart attack suffered while he was in the hospital

Next I cared for my husband through chronic illnesses that lasted many years. We simply managed and it worked.

Immediately, upon his death I cared for my mother. My son died of AIDS. My mother died of cancer and Parkinson's.

Now, I am caring for five grandbabies--aged 1,2,3,4, and 5. This is the hardest. Perhaps because there is no understanding there. Perhaps because they never stop doing dangerous or messy things. Perhaps because I am totally alone this time. One daughter helps, but she resents it and does not give me freedom to get away --say to a movie or just to watch a tv show without babies screaming.

Will you discuss the strains of caring for babies? I'm 69, yet I seem better able to cope than many of the young mothers I see.

Best,
Joye