For much of her life, writer Melinda Blau, 82, was curious about older women. Now she is discovering what it means to be one.
Melinda began her career in educational publishing, where writers don’t have to worry about word count. Later, working on her first magazine piece for New York, her editor, T. George Harris challenged her: “You skip through life. Why are you lumbering on paper?” It was one of many lessons in a lifelong writing career—and a reminder that there is always something new to learn.
That same curiosity eventually drew Melinda to nine older women whose friendships profoundly influenced her life. They became the inspiration for “The Wisdom Whisperers.” Henrietta, legally blind and living to 99, into her 100s, became Melinda’s model for courage. Zelda still played tennis at 99 and walked three miles a day into her 100s. Marge, who might have been New York’s oldest Wall Street investor, was still managing her own portfolio at age 104. Melinda affectionately called them “my old ladies.” Each showed her something about resilience, independence, courage, and finding pleasure in the everyday. Their examples stayed with her as she faced her own losses, changes, and “nexts.”
And then came the moment that stopped her: someone said to Melinda, “You are my old lady.” In this conversation, Melinda reflects on what these women taught her, what she is learning now that she is 82, and why aging well may have less to do with grand accomplishments than with drawing on what we already know, remaining curious, taking pride in the little things—and continuing to look for the good.
“There are challenges in aging. Look at what is, use your skills, draw on past experiences for strength—and look for the good.” - Melinda Blau
Connect w Melinda:
Substack: Melinda Blau
Email: melinblau@aol.com
Book: The Wisdom Whisperers-Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter
Meet Our Platinum Sponsor
AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.
Shining the Light on the Age-Wise Collective:
Adriane Berg, host of the podcast, Ageless Traveler—stories from people 50+ who never want to stop traveling. https://agelesstraveler.com/podcasts/
