Coming of Age October 2024

PSSWelcome to the October issue of the Coming of Age newsletter. In this issue, read about How Art Activism Combats Ageism, Limits to Longevity, how a Fashion Editor Embraces Aging, and more!

Art Against Ageism is a nonprofit organization that uses art as a powerful tool to challenge and combat ageism. Founded by Meg LaPorte and Jordan Evans, the organization aims to create a more inclusive and age-friendly society through artistic expression.

Inspired by historical examples like the AIDS quilt and art promoting the civil rights movement, Art Against Ageism uses interactive art installations and collaborative projects to raise awareness about ageism.

“The very first thing that we did, we decided we wanted to create an interactive art installation,” LaPorte said. “Yoko Ono, who is a well-known artist in her own right, created the Wish Tree, which collects messages for peace and can be found all over the world. Using her as an inspiration, we created the Aging Is Living Tree. 

“A nursing home in Baltimore put this tree in their lobby. We created tags. One side of the tag had questions about aging or age or ageism, and we provided pencils; on the other side, people wrote their responses and hung them on the tree." The idea caught on. Other organizations have set up Aging Is Living Trees as well." Read more.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

See the presentation and interview we hosted with Art Against Ageism's Co-Founder Meg LaPorte here, and you'll automatically become a member of our new, free PSS Life! University learning center. You must enroll or be signed into your Life! U account to see it!

A new study suggests that humanity has reached the upper limit of longevity. We enjoy a longer span of encore years than generations before us. Still, despite ongoing medical advances, the most long-lived countries have experienced a deceleration in the rate of improvement of average life expectancy over the past three decades.

This is because aging has so far eluded efforts to slow it down. The study's findings mirror some prior research and suggest that research should focus on extending people's "health span" rather than their overall lifespan.

KEY FINDINGS

• Deceleration in Life Expectancy: The study found that the rate of improvement in average life expectancy has slowed significantly in the world's longest-lived countries.
• Aging as a Barrier: Aging, a complex biological process, has proven difficult to slow down or reverse with current medical technologies.
• Disease Burden: As people live longer, they are more likely to develop age-related diseases like dementia, heart disease, and frailty, which contribute to mortality.
• Limited Potential for Radical Life Extension: The study suggests that it is highly unlikely that humans will significantly exceed an average lifespan of 85 years.
• Focus on Healthspan: Researchers argue that efforts should be directed towards extending people's "healthspan" - the number of healthy years they live - rather than their overall lifespan.

Read more.

Researchers interviewed in Fortune magazine believe that targeting the underlying processes of aging, may make it possible to achieve exceptional longevity. However, challenges and inequalities exist in accessing longevity interventions.

Considered the world's leading geneticist, Dr. Nir Barzilai (pictured above), director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, commented that the maximum human lifespan today is around 115 years.

"Aging drives age-related disease. Therefore, you want to stop aging, and so we want to spend our time treating our health, rather than spend our time treating a disease,” he said.

Barzilai added that following basic nutrition, exercise and stress management guidelines is essential for living past 100, while keeping an eye on longevity science—which he said combines precision medicine, AI interventions, and gerotherapeutics or drugs to target the underlying processes of aging, is the next frontier.

Dr. Evelyne Bischof, an internal medicine physician and oncologist, highlighted the importance of closing the healthspan-lifespan gap, ensuring that people live longer and healthier lives. Read More.

Kim France, 60, began her career in the fashion industry as a writer and editor for Sassy magazine. She later went on to co-found and edit Lucky magazine. Throughout her career, France has been known for her ability to connect with readers and her unique perspective on fashion and style.

Embracing aging, she said she has become more comfortable with her body and her sense of style.

France reflected that aging is a natural and beautiful process that should be embraced, not feared. She added that it is important to celebrate oneself at every stage of life and to embrace the changes that come with age. She is a strong advocate for body positivity and ageism, and she uses her platform to raise awareness about these critical issues.

She offered this advice for older adults seeking a career change but are unsure about where to turn: "Always try to connect with what you truly want to do rather than what you think you should do." Read more.

Take advantage of our upcoming events. Topics include thriving after 50, alleviating stress, Explore Your Future, and a forest therapy walk in person in Central Park. Join us for these invaluable experiences.

Not OK With Gray? Thriving After 50

Tuesday, October 22, 11:00 AM - Noon

Meet author and coach Michael Taylor as he discusses his groundbreaking book, I’m Not OK With Gray. Taylor will share his personal journey, practical tips, and profound insights on topics such as:

• Midlife Crises and Personal Growth
• Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
• Healthy Relationships
• Self-Love
• Financial Abundance and Mindset
• Heart’s Desire and Passion
• Technological Advancements and Ethics

FREE on Zoom

Register Today! and become a member of the new, free PSS Life! University learning center.

A peaceful forest experience is closer than you think! Join us for a unique forest therapy walk in New York’s Central Park! Based on the Japanese concept of bathing in the essence of the forest, and led by certified guide Lori Klamner, this retreat will show you a haven for relaxation and self-discovery. Good weather is forecast.

On this guided walk, stress reduction, enhanced connection to nature, and knowledge of how forest therapy has the potential to improve mental and physical health await you. It will be a barrier-free walk, so wheelchairs, walkers, and canes are all welcome. $20 per person.

Register Today!

One-Minute Stress Relief: Rewire Your Brain

Tuesday, October 29, 6:00 - 7:30 PM EDT

Find easy and fast stress relief by learning easy one-minute self-help techniques. You'll relax rapidly and proactively prevent stress. Experience wonderfully soothing guided relaxation and calming imagery in this relaxing workshop. End the session feeling peaceful, comfortable and leave with a toolkit for rapid relief. With Scott Weiner, Ph.D., a licensed hypnotherapist.

FREE on Zoom

Register Today! and become a member of the new, free PSS Life! University learning center.

Each 90-minute session of this acclaimed online program helps you identify where you are in your life, and your talents, values, passions, strengths, and aspirations. In a small group with trained facilitators, you’ll explore where you want to go next and leave with practical planning tools to create a life of purpose.

Using Japanese Concepts to Achieve a Fulfilling 2nd Half of Life

Wednesday, November 6, 6:00 - 7:00 PM EST

Renee Lee Rosenberg, PositivityPro, Certified Career Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Emotional Intelligence Coach, lived in Japan in the 1980s. While there, she studied ancient Japanese philosophies for sustaining happiness and well-being, many of which she still uses in her practice today. Learn how these philosophies can help build and sustain a fulfilling and purposeful life.

FREE on Zoom

Register Today!

Don't forget! You can view all previously recorded webinars

on our YouTube channel here.

Share Your Expertise: Do you have something age-positive to speak about? Click here to submit a speaking proposal. Want to serve as an Explore Your Future facilitator? Lead a book club? Email us at info@comingofage.org.

Join Our Team: Interested in helping us find resources, write positive aging articles, learn about hosting Zoom events, or help spread the word about or plan our events?

If you're an older adult looking for something rewarding to do with your extra time, we're looking for you! Please email us at info@comingofage.org.

PSS also has volunteer opportunities in its Older Adult Centers in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. Each volunteer acts as a positive ambassador for PSS’s programs and services. Our volunteers help promote positive images of aging, caregiving, and more. Click here for details.

Many people find comfort knowing they've made financial plans to care for their loved ones AND support causes they care about.

Planned gifts can be as simple as adding a beneficiary to your bank, insurance or retirement account, or naming a treasured organization in your will.

These are especially good options if you’re short on cash now, but still want to make a difference in the future! A planned gift that includes PSS will give you peace of mind, while also ensuring PSS can continue serving older adults in the years ahead. Learn more about your options.

Make a difference in the lives of 1,000 New Yorkers every single day with a tax-deductible donation to PSS. Active for 62 years, we are proud that 90 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly to our vital programs and services.