A New York Times article today entitled “The Geezers Crusade” caught my attention, probably because of my age, which to me, however, is really  “only a number.”  It quotes some major longitudinal studies that were begun decades ago.  These studies agree that the brain is “plastic,” which means that we can keep learning, growing new brain cells and developing new capabilities. Whew. They also concluded that as we age, we become more outgoing, self-confident and warm.  Plus, we become happier.  This is all so, so true!  I’ve been asking myself, what the hell is going on?  I really like working, I really enjoy people, I like myself, I am myself. Life is so much more fulfilling.  For those of you under 50, there’s a lot to look forward to.  Why not just quantum leap the aging thing and get it all – be able to remember and create, be able to run and enjoy the movement. (Let’s see, where was I? and oh, those aching knees of mine, ouch).

Ah yes, Voyager Sage cards. Intuitively, when Ken and I were making the Voyager back in my youth in the early 80′s, I knew Sages would be a great and necessary departure from the old Kings and Queens.  And somehow I knew that sages as the elders would be valued mentors and teachers and, in the Voyager, the Sages are all offering their gifts to the world.  Now, we have a book entitled Aging Well that speaks of “generativity,”  which is about seniors providing for future generations.  Author George Valliant writes that “Biology flows downhill.”  We are naturally inclined to serve those who come after and thrive when performing that role.  How true, how true, and that’s probably one reasonI love doing Readings and Classes and Writing and “work” more than ever!

The meaning of this… be a sage now, regardless of age.  Not only are the elderly the future, but giving to others what you got is almost orgasmic.  According to neuroscience, the brain lights up the most in life during sex and the act of giving comes in a close second.