When you hear the word “aging” what is the first image that comes to your mind? Is it something positive? Or is it more negative? If you find yourself imagining the latter in some form, you may want to read the book, Ageless Soul, by Thomas Moore. Without ignoring the realities of getting older, Thomas offers a fresh and wise perspective on aging. He compares the human aging process to the aging of wine, saying that some wines age beautifully, while others not so much. This is not like other books about aging that talk about finding yourself, gaining confidence, or even embracing the aging process. Instead, Thomas guides the reader through different experiences and emotions that can be encountered as a result of getting older, and he offers a deeper, more meaningful way of looking at these experiences that involve letting things take their course.
As I read the book, I felt a sense of calmness. Thomas has a way of making you feel like you are exactly where you need to be. He invites you to be affected by discomfort, sadness, anger, and even loneliness…all part of the aging process. But he also cleverly convinces you that aging is a good thing, something to strive to do well. For, when one ages well, life becomes meaningful, worthwhile, and something to be treasured.
I reached out to Thomas when I was going through a major change in my life and he became my mentor for over a year. Later, I asked Thomas if I could interview him and he said yes. Our interview, which felt more like a conversation, is below. I have listened to it many times and I continue to hear new things. Put it on in your car, in bed, or while doing chores. It will be a gift for yourself that you can open again and again on your own personal journey of aging.
Christy Sperrazza 