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Gail's avatar

Hey Dean: You must have mentioned playing the piano because of me. I took up golf at 70. Do I still want to take up new things as I age? I'm fortunate that I can still do a tremendous amount of physical things that most people my age cannot. I feel it though, differently than when I was younger. So I've changed what I do and still do the exercise. I'm more afraid of not moving forward because I think my body will stop if I stop or slow down. My mind will slow down if I don't keep doing mental exercises. So my worry is, if I don't do something, I'll eliminate my ability to ever do it again. Ugh! Do we stop pushing ourselves? Do we stop looking for the dream, the next thing on our bucket list?

In a way, it's good. Because of the current political situation, I've become an activist. That's saying something because I grew up in the 60s with the Viet Nam protests and didn't participate. Now I am because I don't want to leave this type of world to my grandchildren.

Anyway, you get the picture. Not sure I helped you make a decision about moving forward.

I know I don't really have the same energy I had when I started the businesses I did. My circumstances have changed. Not sure I'm hungry enough.

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Dean Solden's avatar

Gail,

Thanks for sharing. You are an inspiration! Like many Boomers I know in their seventies (I know I'm not outing you) you keep going as if you are in your fifties or sixties. I don't think we can downplay how important being in really good physical shape is. Not everyone works out almost every day like you, but I believe that is one of your keys to success. Then the physical transforms to the mental. Gail started piano lessons a few months ago, and is starting to really play! In a few more months, she will be able to sit down and play and sing many songs. Most people don't know this, but the majority of people (who can at least carry a tune fairly well) should be able to learn to play the guitar or piano - like the average person can play golf or tennis. You've all heard a hundred times it is great for the mind to do something new. It's true! I urge you all to do something new today or at least use your mind in a different way. It's gets those synapses connecting!

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