Had the incredible privilege of sitting down with award winning scientists at the University of Texas Barshop Age Institute. Here the Director Arlan Richardson explained the breakthrough leading work they are doing in Rapamycin. This compound has shown to extend the life of mammals by 1/3 more. Ok so Rapamycin comes from the bacteria found in the soil at Easter Island. Thus Rapa Nui. Wow.
These scientists that are creating stunning science with aging and it leads one to the question if we get to live longer what the hell will it mean for us. We don't want to be really dragging our bodies around and just barely conscious. At least let's have our last years still somewhat intact.
The point is we are on the frontier of making those last years more liveable. Our discoveries in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS have the urgency for a treatment. Yes a cure. And we have clumped the idea of these diseases and dementia into one small pile. The idea is that we will be able to isolate and start to pre-treat these problems. That is the big hope of the use of Rapamycin by the Barshop institute. I found the conversation interesting that it changed from living forever to ...let's make our last years liveable.
So let's rally into the war on that is ravaging people that we love with the horror of dimentia.
And win this thing.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Go ahead and shootem'
"Well that's what happens when you get our age". That one statement is such a failure of living when you consider someone in their 50's said it. This comment shows how powerful our popular TMZ culture defines age. Because we are still defining culture by youth and some twisted heroic archetypes like Kim K, and Lindsay. etc. But it is curious...
In the last couple of months I have been lucky to interview some folks in their 90's and they have the license to say that first statement but I have yet to hear them utter it. My quest in part is to continue to find a way to look at getting older like the way the group the ANIMALS sang "We've gotta get out of this place. If it's the last thing we ever do." Basically while the Animals would laugh at 50 years old and it was old then... I see treating the idea of older age in a friggin' rebellious manner.
Like I stated I am learning a lot from these elders. From me there's a new definition of age that is coming.
And for those that give up in their 50's and whine I say write em off. Always ever day. The best is yet to come "And baby it will be fine."
In the last couple of months I have been lucky to interview some folks in their 90's and they have the license to say that first statement but I have yet to hear them utter it. My quest in part is to continue to find a way to look at getting older like the way the group the ANIMALS sang "We've gotta get out of this place. If it's the last thing we ever do." Basically while the Animals would laugh at 50 years old and it was old then... I see treating the idea of older age in a friggin' rebellious manner.
Like I stated I am learning a lot from these elders. From me there's a new definition of age that is coming.
And for those that give up in their 50's and whine I say write em off. Always ever day. The best is yet to come "And baby it will be fine."
Monday, January 24, 2011
Truly a big deal or not ?
The quest out there is before us. Learning to love our life, learning to forgive ourselves. And moving forward to help others. Helping those people we know and best of all the people who are strangers. Therein lies the rewarding adventure for me. The other day a mother managing two children was trying to buy lunch at a counter in line ahead of me. She could not make up her mind. And the children...one in a carrying pouch and the other sitting in a grocery cart were like roving dancing ants. Round and round. This mom was trying to get food for her kids. Not hold anyone up and make a good decision. I just instinctively told her to take her time. She stepped back and said "That's ok" and opened the counter to me. I then made my order and looked back at her as she now knew what she wanted.
I told her to step up and break line as I had sort of held her place. People in line behind me.She made her order and profusely thanked me. And it was truly not a big deal. But for her it meant the world. I took my sandwich and walked out to the office. I felt so heroic for that moment. And it was truly not a big deal.I don't recount it for compliments. I write this to remind myself to slow down. And the benefits thereof.
Two days ago I was sitting with some friends and a lady recognized one of guys I was having coffee with. She looked as if she was in her late 60's if not 70. She and my friend reminisce about some old times. Then she said to him, "Did you know Don Turner?" He said Yes and then she told the story of how Don Turner went to prison after it was found 10-15 years later that he had molested a number of boys in his scout troop as he was a scout master. The woman's eyes quickly floated in tears, but tears did not drop. She then said, "Oh dear God I feel so bad, because one day when my son was a boy and he was sick. I let Don Tuner go up to his room and see him." You knew in that moment this woman was releasing some guilt from this terrifying story. My friend calmed her a bit. And she spoke a bit more. Then she caught her breath and they exchanged more discussion about the old neighborhood they shared. Later in the same store I saw her and she smiled at me and waved at me with a much more relieved face. Here was a woman that let go of a secret story and we helped her. God knows how long she carried it without telling anyone. A crystalized moment that afterwards I realized was a truly a big deal. Again it took a bit of time to listen but it helped me gain the understand of the power of helping through listening. The sum total of it all is that something that really isn't a big deal can mean a huge deal and life repairing moment for another fellow human being.
I told her to step up and break line as I had sort of held her place. People in line behind me.She made her order and profusely thanked me. And it was truly not a big deal. But for her it meant the world. I took my sandwich and walked out to the office. I felt so heroic for that moment. And it was truly not a big deal.I don't recount it for compliments. I write this to remind myself to slow down. And the benefits thereof.
Two days ago I was sitting with some friends and a lady recognized one of guys I was having coffee with. She looked as if she was in her late 60's if not 70. She and my friend reminisce about some old times. Then she said to him, "Did you know Don Turner?" He said Yes and then she told the story of how Don Turner went to prison after it was found 10-15 years later that he had molested a number of boys in his scout troop as he was a scout master. The woman's eyes quickly floated in tears, but tears did not drop. She then said, "Oh dear God I feel so bad, because one day when my son was a boy and he was sick. I let Don Tuner go up to his room and see him." You knew in that moment this woman was releasing some guilt from this terrifying story. My friend calmed her a bit. And she spoke a bit more. Then she caught her breath and they exchanged more discussion about the old neighborhood they shared. Later in the same store I saw her and she smiled at me and waved at me with a much more relieved face. Here was a woman that let go of a secret story and we helped her. God knows how long she carried it without telling anyone. A crystalized moment that afterwards I realized was a truly a big deal. Again it took a bit of time to listen but it helped me gain the understand of the power of helping through listening. The sum total of it all is that something that really isn't a big deal can mean a huge deal and life repairing moment for another fellow human being.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Meet me in Outer Space
Out of the corner of my eye I saw him. He moved the angle of his body toward me. In front of me was a museum TV monitor repeatedly showing the U.S. Landing on the moon, with commentary by Walter Cronkite. It was the last day of a special exhibit on Walter Cronkite at the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas. Cronkite appeared retelling how he was caught speechless when they Neil Armstrong and crew touched down on the moon. There I finally gave way and asked the man
"Where were you?" With a broad face and large features, oversized aviator glasses, guessing him to be in his late 60's. "I was at NASA. I was there as part of the Lockheed Space Group". In that moment I had that Alien point of contact with another being.
The need for all of us to make contact and share something we believe is extraordinary with each other. This man was beaming and told me "It was the most proudest moment of my life". I could only respond with exclamations. Light just glowed from his face. He wanted to know where I was...I told him I was watching from a kitchen TV in the back of a restaurant in Monterrey, Mexico. The cook was yelling something like "El Hombre en la Luna".
The man nodded to connect that I had the experience too.
Here was a simple moment. A momentous one for us as humans. To experience the connection. Unplanned. Out of the blue. It is like stepping out into our own Outer Space. Connecting on the same ground with a total stranger.
Sharing something together. When you open your eyes you can see moments like this. It takes place more often than you think. Look around. If it happens savor it.
"Where were you?" With a broad face and large features, oversized aviator glasses, guessing him to be in his late 60's. "I was at NASA. I was there as part of the Lockheed Space Group". In that moment I had that Alien point of contact with another being.
The need for all of us to make contact and share something we believe is extraordinary with each other. This man was beaming and told me "It was the most proudest moment of my life". I could only respond with exclamations. Light just glowed from his face. He wanted to know where I was...I told him I was watching from a kitchen TV in the back of a restaurant in Monterrey, Mexico. The cook was yelling something like "El Hombre en la Luna".
The man nodded to connect that I had the experience too.
Here was a simple moment. A momentous one for us as humans. To experience the connection. Unplanned. Out of the blue. It is like stepping out into our own Outer Space. Connecting on the same ground with a total stranger.
Sharing something together. When you open your eyes you can see moments like this. It takes place more often than you think. Look around. If it happens savor it.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Don't rest until we rethink the idea of the "Rest Home".
I felt I had a brush today with death. I didn't almost get in accident or was robbed. Instead a friend a friend took me to look at speaking at an assisted living facility. Very beautiful surroundings. The interior was fashioned like a very upscale looking country club. I saw some active seniors getting ready to get on a bus. Others dressed up on their way to breakfast.
There was something in the air. I felt these folks resigned to a state they were going to leave the planet. I knew the place was not the right place to speak but my friend urged me to see it. He told me that the children of these folks would come to my talk. However I knew younger folks would not show up at this place. A number of research studies have shown that a majority of seniors like to be around folks of different ages and ethnicities. To be honest it felt like a " living funeral home. "
In three conversations the same comment came up " Well you should be prepared?" Meaning have all your ducks in a row for end of life.
Something about this place seemed like purgatory. The most important point I learned was not be paralyzed by your thoughts of dread. I take solace in the thought that so called retiring in a home is a place sorely waiting for new ideas. Those new ideas need to be and will be kinder, smarter and help older folks feel more productive. There can be no rest at the rest home.
Until the rest of us start thinking about what kind of setting would stimulate and help seniors make every moment of their life count.
There was something in the air. I felt these folks resigned to a state they were going to leave the planet. I knew the place was not the right place to speak but my friend urged me to see it. He told me that the children of these folks would come to my talk. However I knew younger folks would not show up at this place. A number of research studies have shown that a majority of seniors like to be around folks of different ages and ethnicities. To be honest it felt like a " living funeral home. "
In three conversations the same comment came up " Well you should be prepared?" Meaning have all your ducks in a row for end of life.
Something about this place seemed like purgatory. The most important point I learned was not be paralyzed by your thoughts of dread. I take solace in the thought that so called retiring in a home is a place sorely waiting for new ideas. Those new ideas need to be and will be kinder, smarter and help older folks feel more productive. There can be no rest at the rest home.
Until the rest of us start thinking about what kind of setting would stimulate and help seniors make every moment of their life count.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
You might live longer.....so what ?
New scientific breakthroughs in living longer are rushing to the headlines. And ??
More importantly what are you expecting by living longer ?
We certainly don't want to be dragging our leaden carcass around with aches and pains. EEccchhh.
Baby Bloomer. Age Astronauts. Rarefied Rad Dads. New definitions, new terms describing age barrier breaking are coming. What do you want to call yourself ?
You're in your 50's, 60's and the whole social machinery declares that you should be thinking about retirement. With a lot of us living longer? As well as in this economy ? Hmmm. What about the passion and hope to still continue to create. To explore. How about just totally ripping apart that handbook that is shoved at us about getting older.
At Barton Springs in Austin,Texas, an amazing spring fed, public swimming pool, with an average temp of 68 degrees you'll find these men in their 70's and 8o's diving in around 7:30 in the morning. I walked up to one of these guys in glorious physical shape.
He told me he was 77. I told him "I want to be you when I grow up." He said "I never grew up.", as he walked off to his motorcycle. We're not talking about Peter Pan characters here, we're talking about a rugged guys that choose to look at life as vital and as adventure.
What will you do now that your age could exceed your ancestors ?
Could you finally create that art work. Or learn how to cook that recipe.
Or be determined to find like minds to solve dilemma's that bring injustice in the world ?
Are we still young enough to do that ?
The average age of the team members that just won the new XPrize of 5 million for Edison 2 car that got over 102 miles per gallon. How about 55 years of age.
We can be inspired by the chance to live a little longer... But what do you do with it ?
Maybe take care of some mistakes and pieces of communication we never resolved? Those with old friends, family and our children. Taking time to share your life to help others?
I have heard you always keep learning to love. It's not life without it.
The lesson for me is that life is short. The greatest death defying act ? It's for you and I to look deeply into our hearts and souls and say "Enough is enough. When am I going to do that thing I always wanted to do ?" Then act on it. That's the real definition of living.
You don't want a bit of regret when you take your last breath. Do you ? So dive in with me. I'd love the company. Do it. Don't hold your breath. Let's take a deep one together and leap.
More importantly what are you expecting by living longer ?
We certainly don't want to be dragging our leaden carcass around with aches and pains. EEccchhh.
Baby Bloomer. Age Astronauts. Rarefied Rad Dads. New definitions, new terms describing age barrier breaking are coming. What do you want to call yourself ?
You're in your 50's, 60's and the whole social machinery declares that you should be thinking about retirement. With a lot of us living longer? As well as in this economy ? Hmmm. What about the passion and hope to still continue to create. To explore. How about just totally ripping apart that handbook that is shoved at us about getting older.
At Barton Springs in Austin,Texas, an amazing spring fed, public swimming pool, with an average temp of 68 degrees you'll find these men in their 70's and 8o's diving in around 7:30 in the morning. I walked up to one of these guys in glorious physical shape.
He told me he was 77. I told him "I want to be you when I grow up." He said "I never grew up.", as he walked off to his motorcycle. We're not talking about Peter Pan characters here, we're talking about a rugged guys that choose to look at life as vital and as adventure.
What will you do now that your age could exceed your ancestors ?
Could you finally create that art work. Or learn how to cook that recipe.
Or be determined to find like minds to solve dilemma's that bring injustice in the world ?
Are we still young enough to do that ?
The average age of the team members that just won the new XPrize of 5 million for Edison 2 car that got over 102 miles per gallon. How about 55 years of age.
We can be inspired by the chance to live a little longer... But what do you do with it ?
Maybe take care of some mistakes and pieces of communication we never resolved? Those with old friends, family and our children. Taking time to share your life to help others?
I have heard you always keep learning to love. It's not life without it.
The lesson for me is that life is short. The greatest death defying act ? It's for you and I to look deeply into our hearts and souls and say "Enough is enough. When am I going to do that thing I always wanted to do ?" Then act on it. That's the real definition of living.
You don't want a bit of regret when you take your last breath. Do you ? So dive in with me. I'd love the company. Do it. Don't hold your breath. Let's take a deep one together and leap.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Finding your purpose.... On Purpose
94 Year old mother of a friend of mine recently chose to go to a retirement community. She told my friend, her son that she now recognizes "her purpose". It is to "Love and encourage people everyday. And help them to realize how important exercise is." She rides her stationery bike five times a week and walks everyday roughly about a mile. I have met this woman once and she stands about 4' 11. She had open heart surgery at 92. She started going to a rehab exercise prior to the retirement community. She encouraged everyone to use the workout room that was virtually empty to the point when she left people had to schedule to get into the crowded room. A powerhouse of woman that is now devoting herself to get her house mates off of walkers and into the exercise room. She recently noticed a man in his late 80's that she felt did not need a walker. She politely inquired to his children visiting one day "Your Dad doesn't need use a Walker." The man is now one of the many people she is encouraging to walk independently again.
I had a great chance to talk to my two surviving Uncles this last weekend. Uncle Sam is 92 and walks incredibly careful. But his sense of humor is recklessly fun. He said he was born in El Paso and then as baby walked with his family back to Houston. He said "I was a strong baby, I walked all the way."
My other Uncle, Uncle Babe is 86 and looks fantastic. He told me that retirement is deadening.
It's not hard to think, "Well I guess I should get ready to die." But he loves to swim and read.
And his sense of humor is wildly active and also subtle. He introduced his beautiful wife as
his caretaker. Almost all of my relatives in the room broke up laughing from his well known deadpan delivery. After which Uncle Babe drops his head to hide the biggest smile.
Sure we endure difficulties in our lives. But we also can choose to enjoy life.
It takes a conscious decision to believe we can find our purpose when we feel like we have lost it. Even when it seems like it is raining crap on your life. Your mind needs to be your umbrella.
You have to stay determined.
It's like working on a muscle in the gym. If we stay on it we can build it..."On Purpose".
I am finding plenty of older folks who choose to do just that.
I had a great chance to talk to my two surviving Uncles this last weekend. Uncle Sam is 92 and walks incredibly careful. But his sense of humor is recklessly fun. He said he was born in El Paso and then as baby walked with his family back to Houston. He said "I was a strong baby, I walked all the way."
My other Uncle, Uncle Babe is 86 and looks fantastic. He told me that retirement is deadening.
It's not hard to think, "Well I guess I should get ready to die." But he loves to swim and read.
And his sense of humor is wildly active and also subtle. He introduced his beautiful wife as
his caretaker. Almost all of my relatives in the room broke up laughing from his well known deadpan delivery. After which Uncle Babe drops his head to hide the biggest smile.
Sure we endure difficulties in our lives. But we also can choose to enjoy life.
It takes a conscious decision to believe we can find our purpose when we feel like we have lost it. Even when it seems like it is raining crap on your life. Your mind needs to be your umbrella.
You have to stay determined.
It's like working on a muscle in the gym. If we stay on it we can build it..."On Purpose".
I am finding plenty of older folks who choose to do just that.
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