17 Comments
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Ronald Hume's avatar

Hi Katharine, at 92 I share your observations on living into the fourth act, and would like to offer this advice. Never lose your sense of humour. Share a laugh with someone every day and have some too.

Catherine Ann's avatar

I think there are things and people to enjoy at every age (78 now).

Linda Zane's avatar

I appreciated your insight regarding the assumptions younger people make about aging, and the joy one can experience regardless of age.

Jan Jenkins's avatar

Thank you for your insights. They are helpful to me as I turn 71.

Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Made me chuckle when you wrote a young person says "just shoot me." My husband makes that pronouncement regularly. And I told him to "just lock me in the basement" if I get Alzheimer's. We're circling 80. I guess we need to grow up. Your article is really very encouraging, Kathrine. Thanks so much for sharing life at 91. xoxo

Annelie Pelaez's avatar

I am so grateful that I got to read your story. I love your mindset and your way of sharing life in the Fourth Act. All the best to you, Katharine. I pray and hope to live as long as you and sharing your beautiful mindset. Have a great day. 💝

Bananies's avatar

At 74 I’m in my 3rd act. I am still so excited about life. There are so many things still to learn and experience. Even tho’ my long distance travel days are behind me, thanks to multiple orthopedic challenges, I still look forward to the future. In fact next summer after my lease here in Syracuse is up, I am planning a move to Canandaigua, NY in the Finger Lakes region of the state. I am starting my logistics by going over to look at apartments and purging my belongings to make the move easier. Can’t wait!

EMruns's avatar

I really enjoyed reading this piece of writing

Nancy Kong's avatar

I love your writing. It is inspiring. I am in my late 50s, I have started accepting and living in the present as daily practice. It’s not easy but if it becomes a habit, then this mindset and the daily mindfulness will carry me forward with more confidence. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Maria Anderson's avatar

Priceless insights. Thank you!

Connie catrone's avatar

Thank you for this lovely reflection. At 73 my husband of 88 and I are at different places with what we want and need out of life. I've known this but have a language to deal and manage this phase of our relationship. I am fortunate that he is healthy and cognitively available. But, his stamina, need for novelty differs from mine. I look forward to your posts!!

Kittie Davenport's avatar

Yes , yes and yes. As I just turned 80, your observations and new dimensions on life help me define and accept mine. Thank you.

Sally Squires's avatar

Fascinating! Have not beard the term fourth act but like it! Thank you!

According to Mimi's avatar

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I have thought many times in the last year that I was "too old" to achieve or consider any type of action. I'm 65, so this makes me much calmer about the third and fourth acts!