I’ve been visiting my closet where I keep yarn, knitting patterns, fabric, needlepoint canvases that didn’t get a design and quilting squares cut out and ready to go. I ask myself at 75, how many of these dreams should I give away? I am, however, moving forward with a plan to reupholster thanks to Judith. Thanks Debbie for introducing us.
Enjoyable interview. I have a related problem inasmuch as our living room furniture is really falling apart and needs replacing – not simple re-upholstering. We are in our early-mid 80s and it seems a foolish waste of money to buy new stuff now. I wrote a post about this on another platform (sixtyandme.com) and had 70+ responses on the issue - about ten times what I usually get. Getting old really does raise some unexpected issues!
wonderful, wonderful! Who wouldn’t want to have dinner with Judith! Talking to and with the dead-they talk back- is a soothing and amusing thing. I talk to my deceased x frequently (we remained the best of friends) and he talks back, of course. Losing someone who can finish your sentences requires that the conversation continue!
I loved this interview, thank you! Though the idea of weighing myself at 90 is shocking. I hope to continue not caring about my weight long into my old age. In my 20s I would weigh myself daily but for the last 20 years it’s been more of an annual ritual 😆
Loved this! My favorite answer about maintaining her sense of humor, both surprising and so true: ‘First I cry. The humor follows my fully feeling the sorrow of what I have lost. This can take a while.’
Debbie, thank you for this delightful interview. I must read Judith's book. I appreciate her humor and perspective, I don't want to flunk old age either.
This is wonderful. I'm still coming to terms with being in my seventies. I have a good outlook but Judith's leadership is a gift to all of us fortunate enough to live into our so-called golden years. Thank you, Debbie!
Judith Viorst never disappoints. I got to spend time escorting her when she was a visiting writer on our campus 25 years ago and she was so lovely. And funny in her quiet way. She has a lot to teach us all.
Oh, I definitely need to read Judith’s book! At 87 I’m not far behind her. I’ve loved her writing forever and now I see we’re compadres in so many ways. My husband died three years ago. 65 years together and I was alone for the first time in my life. I live alone but, other than missing my husband, I’m far from lonely. I’m living a full life but of course I think about dying, about not starting too much. Which is pretty silly, considering I now have the time!
I love her attitude at 94, and her willingness to share. Loved this interview, too. ❤️
I have. Many things. I've sold my house--the house we both loved--and I now live in an apartment I've furnished to my liking and that looks like 'me'! I live in a new town that is charming and is full of new places to visit. I still drive, thankfully, so I'm off to see the 'world' any time I feel like it. I knew when my husband died that I would have to build a new life but I honestly didn't think it would be this satisfying. My writing is better, too. All around, it's good. Even the 'old' part. When it's not a pain in the ass it can be pretty liberating!
Wow! My mum is 86 and my dad 84 - I think they'd be great friends with Judith - she'd love their B-Old British wit - and I'm sure they'd love hers. I'll buy them the book so that we can all read it! By the way, Judith is definitely getting an A+ in ageing! Lisa xx
Lisa, I agree! An A+ for Judith! The fact that she’s giving herself a B is revealing, isn’t it? She’s still trying to improve, as a human—which I so admire.
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!i8Z0!,w_80,h_80,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdaaca764-d8d6-4a1b-bf58-61dbb72810fc_842x842.png)
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I’ve been visiting my closet where I keep yarn, knitting patterns, fabric, needlepoint canvases that didn’t get a design and quilting squares cut out and ready to go. I ask myself at 75, how many of these dreams should I give away? I am, however, moving forward with a plan to reupholster thanks to Judith. Thanks Debbie for introducing us.
Heidi, so wonderful to hear from you! And yes, definitely reupholster! ❤️❤️
Enjoyable interview. I have a related problem inasmuch as our living room furniture is really falling apart and needs replacing – not simple re-upholstering. We are in our early-mid 80s and it seems a foolish waste of money to buy new stuff now. I wrote a post about this on another platform (sixtyandme.com) and had 70+ responses on the issue - about ten times what I usually get. Getting old really does raise some unexpected issues!
Ann, funny how “logistics” also have emotions tied to them - ! I.e. whether to replace the furniture!
wonderful, wonderful! Who wouldn’t want to have dinner with Judith! Talking to and with the dead-they talk back- is a soothing and amusing thing. I talk to my deceased x frequently (we remained the best of friends) and he talks back, of course. Losing someone who can finish your sentences requires that the conversation continue!
Bizzie, love hearing this! ❤️❤️
I loved this interview, thank you! Though the idea of weighing myself at 90 is shocking. I hope to continue not caring about my weight long into my old age. In my 20s I would weigh myself daily but for the last 20 years it’s been more of an annual ritual 😆
Loved this! My favorite answer about maintaining her sense of humor, both surprising and so true: ‘First I cry. The humor follows my fully feeling the sorrow of what I have lost. This can take a while.’
Debbie, thank you for this delightful interview. I must read Judith's book. I appreciate her humor and perspective, I don't want to flunk old age either.
What a delightful and insightful interview! Thank you for this Judith and Debbie.
This is wonderful. I'm still coming to terms with being in my seventies. I have a good outlook but Judith's leadership is a gift to all of us fortunate enough to live into our so-called golden years. Thank you, Debbie!
Love the upholstery conundrum. I fully get it!
Think that this book will become my go-to birthday present for my friends closing in on their final fifth.
Where can I buy this book please. Judith sounds like a woman after my own heart. It would be useful to have a link I can’t find it on Amazon Uk.
Parltricia, here’s a UK link: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781668068014?
Patricia, great question — I’m looking into this now.
Judith Viorst never disappoints. I got to spend time escorting her when she was a visiting writer on our campus 25 years ago and she was so lovely. And funny in her quiet way. She has a lot to teach us all.
Stephanie, what a wonderful experience! Tell us which campus - ?
University of Central Arkansas
Oh, I definitely need to read Judith’s book! At 87 I’m not far behind her. I’ve loved her writing forever and now I see we’re compadres in so many ways. My husband died three years ago. 65 years together and I was alone for the first time in my life. I live alone but, other than missing my husband, I’m far from lonely. I’m living a full life but of course I think about dying, about not starting too much. Which is pretty silly, considering I now have the time!
I love her attitude at 94, and her willingness to share. Loved this interview, too. ❤️
Mona, this is important for us “old marrieds” to hear: “other than missing my husband, I’m far from lonely.” And I say, “Reupholster!”
Go ahead and start something new!
I have. Many things. I've sold my house--the house we both loved--and I now live in an apartment I've furnished to my liking and that looks like 'me'! I live in a new town that is charming and is full of new places to visit. I still drive, thankfully, so I'm off to see the 'world' any time I feel like it. I knew when my husband died that I would have to build a new life but I honestly didn't think it would be this satisfying. My writing is better, too. All around, it's good. Even the 'old' part. When it's not a pain in the ass it can be pretty liberating!
Wow! My mum is 86 and my dad 84 - I think they'd be great friends with Judith - she'd love their B-Old British wit - and I'm sure they'd love hers. I'll buy them the book so that we can all read it! By the way, Judith is definitely getting an A+ in ageing! Lisa xx
Lisa, I agree! An A+ for Judith! The fact that she’s giving herself a B is revealing, isn’t it? She’s still trying to improve, as a human—which I so admire.