Embracing Age with Energy, Optimism and a Slice of Green Bananas
A 75-year-old author shares how staying active, rejecting ageism, and keeping a hopeful outlook can make later life vibrant and rewarding.
Celebrating his 75th birthday, the writer recounts a lifestyle filled with cycling, swimming, volunteer service and substitute teaching, despite facing ageism when seeking employment. A mission stint in Ghana and a subsequent return to Texas left him navigating a job market that often directs older workers toward “golden years” leisure. He and his neighbor Laurie Terry, who transitioned from pickleball to teaching mahjong after a biking accident, exemplify continual learning and community involvement.
Together they transformed their St. George neighborhood into a lively hub with block parties, a book club, and support for local youth sports. The author references Donald Trump’s claim of feeling unchanged at 80 to reinforce the idea that attitude shapes aging. Citing research linking optimism to physical and emotional health, he encourages seniors to “buy green bananas,” plan ahead, and view aging as an opportunity for clarity and enjoyment.
Why it matters
It shows how a positive mindset and active engagement can improve quality of life for older adults.
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