The author has
published a number of poetry books for the mature from a
personal
perspective, dedicated to the last phase of life. In
Scenes From a Summer Home, she finds there need not be
boundaries between time and space, between beginnings
and endings; while in Fear, Trembling & Renewal, she
explores the theme of finding that when "the snow begins
to fall," perhaps there is a way "to see the world anew"
and—say a resounding YES! to life." In her first full
length book: Aging Gracefully with Dignity, Integrity &
Spunk Intact; subtitled Aging Definitely, Ms Roth seeks
to paint a larger landscape for those she calls the
dynamic new Silver Generation and for whom the 21st
Century has begun to grant longevity and health, opening
up endless opportunities for new dreams, new plans and
as yet unchartered paths.
The author sees this new generation as robust and
intelligent, highly skilled individuals, moving into
their senior years, but not their vegetative ones. If
they are to succeed in the achievements being made
possible by science, medicine & technology, then,
outmoded barriers and hurdles that stand in their way
must be met head on as this Silver Generation moves into
an era of unlimited possibilities for Aging Gracefully
with Dignity, Integrity and Spunk—and, yes, Aging
Defiantly.
Ms. Roth sees new meaning in the words of Tennyson's for
this new dynamic generation: "Come my friends...T'is not
too late to seek a newer world...strong in will/to
strive, to seek to find and not too yield." She invites
the reader to join her on this exciting journey of the
21st Century into what may truly become: The Age of the
Silver Generation.
"A "Must
Read," Entertaining and Informative Book on
Aging...I give Aging Gracefully my highest
recommendation." By Bettie Corbin Tucker
PAGEONELIT.COM: Where did you grow up and was reading and
writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and
why?
Norma Roth: I grew up in the boroughs of New York and was educated
in the New York school system graduating from Hunter College with a
degree in English. Reading and writing was always a part of my
life. Reading allowed me to travel in my mind and heart to other
places, getting to know other people, feeling the joys and sorrows
of other lives, watching them grow and change and become—and gain
depth and understanding. (I remember, after having read a novel,
feeling for days as though I walked in that time and that place.)
I think I read whatever I could lay my hands on or whatever was
assigned in my earlier education. Later, I believe it was Henry
James because of his strength in so vividly depicting English
society and contrasting it to the lifestyle of America society. But
then Nathaniel Hawthorne was not far behind, because, unlike English
propriety, his heroines lived outside the dimensions of society.
(Later, I embraced women writers like George Eliot, Jane Austin,
Virginia Wolfe— and more recently, Canadian authors.)
In my heart I was always a writer and poet: I scribbled poems on
pieces of paper; I wrote down my first poems in high school. But it
was not till much later that I published two books of poetry, Scenes
From a Summer House, Fear Trembling & Renewal and my current book
on Aging Gracefully—Aging Defiantly (although earlier material was
published in Educational Journals , and University Papers)
PAGEONELIT.COM: Why do you write?
Norma Roth: I write because it is through writing that I best
express myself. Writing completes me. I have written all my life.
Creative writing has been the way I ask, explore, and answer the
questions of life; the way I express the lessons of life ( the
stages, phases and cycles), and also the way I deal with the hurts,
pain, love and beauty of life. In Fear, Trembling and Renewal: Poems
for the Mature , I explore seeing the world anew as the "snow
begins to fall, " and finding a strong affirmation of life for
those who "dare" to chart their own course and blaze new trails.
(See Poem: " Do I Dare?" ) Aging Gracefully -Aging Defiantly is a
continuation of the exploration of life; in this book, the
exploration and potential of limitless horizons for a new and
dynamic generation whom I call The Silver Generation.
PAGEONELIT.COM: Discuss your book AGING GRACEFULLY WITH
DIGNITY, INTEGRITY & SPUNK INTACT.
Norma Roth: In Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity & Spunk
Intact: Aging Defiantly, I seek to paint a larger landscape for
those moving into their silver year. I see a new generation of
robust, intelligent, highly skilled and educated individuals, moving
into their older, but not vegetative years. I refuse to accept the
inevitability of losing brainpower. With science on my side, I
debunk myths, and provide a new vista for those I call "The Silver
Generation," and those "entering that age,"— whom I see as a dynamic
new generation who can live their lives fully expecting to live
longer and healthier lives and to participate in life. I see this
next period now as just another stage or cycle of life, part of a
"livelong developing process," filled with expectations and
challenges, but no less fulfilling— perhaps even more exhilarating
.
The art of growing older with dignity and integrity and spunk
intact, and aging defiantly, is what this book is about: the art,
not the agony; the joys of growing older, not the fears and panic.
For this generation, in this new century, may well be at the
vanguard of what may be an incredible output never before seen in
the history of the world, assisted by an era of medical, scientific,
and technological gifts that will bring limitless opportunities to
those willing to take the risk. Vast resources lie at their disposal
for combating and dealing with yesterday’s condition of “aging,”
both physical and mental. Vast resources lie, too, within the self,
waiting to be retrieved. For this new and dynamic generation
marching into the twenty-first century, a new world awaits, and this
author truly believes it merely waits to be explored. It can be a
wonderful and awe-inspiring journey and one not to be missed.
Part I of this book deals with discussions of existing cultural
attitudes and behavior patterns toward those entering that age that
are negative and life-altering, and focuses upon debunking a fair
number of myths involving social attitudes toward a lifestyle that
is not in sync with scientific, medical, and technological advances.
The excessive concerns and panic felt by those entering that age can
be fairly easily handled through methods and techniques such as
compensation, and they need not present insurmountable obstacles. In
short, "Debunking Myths" gives advice on how to handle the myriad
anxieties, fear and panic that often occur to those entering this
age at the first sign of what was considered irreversible aging and
is now considered resolvable.
Part II of this book is dedicated to assessing strengths and
weaknesses and exploring treasures (existing resources within each
of us) which may have been forgotten, started, but left
incomplete, planned, but somehow not completed, tried and liked,
but the desired level proficiency not obtained, because—life got in
the way. Further, Part II explores a potential base of stored
knowledge within the self (computer-like) that consists of much of
life’s knowledge that was learned well, as well as experience and
more, which I have called the Personal Retrieval System (PRS). I
believe, in view of recent science research and an educational
system that stressed a pedagogy of continual learning and
relearning, testing and reinforcing over the years, this knowledge
is not only stored within each of us, but can easily be accessed.
Part II also deals with empowerment and intimidation management:
tools to minimize unnecessary hurdles that would further seek to
impede growth and independence of members of the Silver Generation
as well as those "entering that age." Through empowerment and aging
defiantly (also called intimidation management), this new generation
will be able to further overcome societal constraints and better
chart its own course. Adopting a new paradigm modeled after the
continuous learning system that has been part of most of our lives
(since the age of five and still continuing), and juxtaposing the
wonders of medicine and science, the amazing potential of this new
generation is explored. The journey looks to be an exhilarating and
dramatic one into uncharted territory in which this dynamic new
Silver Generation and those "entering those years," (including Baby
Boomers) will be at the forefront of a new age. This dynamic
generation has an opportunity to be the leaders and pathfinders in
an age that presents the most amazing life-extending period in the
history of the world.
PAGEONELIT.COM: In AGING GRACEFULLY WITH DIGNITY, INTEGRITY &
SPUNK INTACT you discuss the "Silver Generation" What age group are
you referring?
Norma Roth: Three groups: (The Silver Generation, those who have
or feel they have "entered that age," and the Baby Boomers! )
The "Silver Generation" is a term I have used to define the "older"
generation. (As I see it "old," "aging," "senior" have negative
connotations.) The term Silver Generation is not negative; it
evokes "glitter and sparkle" which reinforces my concept of
unlimited horizons that are available to the Silver Generation. I
use the new term to separate out what I believe to be a vastly
different group of aging people: highly educated and dynamic, (the
largest growing age group in history), who are given a major gift:
the promise of health and longevity. I see this new generation as
having the potential for growing into and through their silver
years, creating new plans, new goals, new ambitions, but no less
productive and creative. With the "ultimate capacities of the aging
person not yet determined," as noted Pulitzer Prize winner Erik
Erikson said at the end of the last center, this new and dynamic
group will add important qualities of experience, wisdom and
integrity to our world.
Generally the age for entering the senior years had been considered
to be 65+. Baby Boomers: The first of the Baby Boomers have
reached 65 in January. Thus, they begin to overlap with the Silver
Generation, and more certainly with those I describe below as
"entering that age." The younger Baby Boomers are relating to my
book because it helps them to prepare for a radically different
take on aging in which they can anticipate use of both mental and
physical functions indefinitely.
"Entering that Age" includes anyone form 55+ where the present-day
social attitudes and behavior patterns or excessive self
consciousness causes them to identify themselves as of that age
past active and full participation in the world around them. I
define this phenomenon further in the chapter on "Entering That
Age," Ch. 1, fn.1) fn2... anywhere from fifty-five-plus where our
present-day society singles you out or you identify yourself as of
that age past active and full participation in the world around you;
where you begin to think that you are no longer a vital part of your
world as you used to be, where you feel that “winding down” is what
you ought to be doing, when you are made to feel that some of those
great plans you had are no longer in reach, that living everyday
life is simply enough of a burden—most of which I label “hogwash.”
( Note: AARP uses 55+ as the turning event in life, where things
start to happen (physiological, mental, emotional) that indicate a
major life-changing patterns. Research Institutes use 55+ as well
but are directing their findings on maintaining memory to those
starting from 50`s.)
PAGEONELIT.COM: In AGING GRACEFULLY WITH DIGNITY, INTEGRITY &
SPUNK INTACT you write "A fascinating century is emerging. "Explain.
Norma Roth: This new dynamic Silver Generation may well be at the
vanguard of an incredible age never before seen in the history of
the world, with assists from the worlds of medicine and science that
might seem like magic. Through the modern miracles of science and
medicine, this emerging generation will have longevity and health
never before seen in the history of the world. In other words, they
are, and will continue to be, a dynamic generation well into their
eighties—or even nineties. They will live longer, remaining alert
and active, and may well achieve great things. Given their knowledge
and experience base of what has come to be referred to as the highly
overeducated, overachieving group, this new Silver Generation may be
surprisingly productive once they become cognizant of their
potential and take charge of their lives, and chart their own
course. They may well become the pathfinders and trailblazers of
this new Century..
In this new century, juxtaposing the wonders of medicine and
science, and technology, a new era of amazing gifts will bring
limitless opportunities to those willing to take the risk. Vast
resources lie at their disposal for combating and dealing with
yesterday’s condition of “aging,” both physical and mental. As a new
world unfolds, and science opens new pathways to stored memory banks
within the self, it will serve this new dynamic Silver Generation
well in the years to come. This age already holds the promise of
long life and health—and now is rapidly moving toward rediscovering
and retrieving learned and stored knowledge. We are talking about
wonders of science, medicine and technology at their doorstep: new
parts for the body, cell regeneration for the mind as well as new
research that supports the growing theory that the full spectrum of
knowledge learned throughout a life ( memories, experiences, and
more) may well be available to them throughout their lifetime. We
are talking about a new generation with tremendous possibilities to
leave potentially great achievements behind for the next generation.
We are talking about unlimited horizons, and unlimited opportunity
limitless in possibilities. We are talking about a new age
unfolding in which the Silver generation will remain as
participants. Further, the contributions may be "surprising from
this newly emerging group," bringing about a "radical change in the
human life cycle," as Pulitzer Prize winner Erik Erikson predicted
towards the end of the last century.
The journey looks to be an exhilarating and dramatic one into
uncharted territory in which this dynamic new Silver Generation and
those "entering those years" (including Baby Boomers) will be at the
forefront. This dynamic generation has an opportunity to be the
leaders and pathfinders in an age that presents the most amazing
life-extending period in the history of the world.
PAGEONELIT.COM: In AGING GRACEFULLY WITH DIGNITY, INTEGRITY &
SPUNK INTACT--- Define 'SPUNK'.
Norma Roth: Spunk is defined as: determination, taking that extra
step, becoming aware of the myths perpetrated that cause unnecessary
hurdles and obstacles to continued growth and participation in
`"this world," as you grow older, as you enter that age, as you
become or are members of the Silver Generation. "Having the spunk to
defy those who would have you prepare for your rocking-chair days;
having the humor and fortitude, the drive and desire to put aside
social pressures, attitudes, outdated, mores and stigmas and say:
"No, thank you very much, but I will go my own way, !" — And mean
it! Also, learning what you can do —AND DOING IT!!
It is that moment you decide "I will do whatever it takes to ensure
that I am not pushed aside, treated unfairly or disrespectfully, or
feel I am being prepared to be put out to pasture.” It is the moment
you know you can, and think and feel, "I will not allow a lifetime
of knowledge, experience, and ability to go to waste! " It is the
moment when with grace, with spunk, or, where necessary, with
defiance, you take the steps to participate actively in this world.
Related chapters in the book that help ignite the spark: "Deflecting
Panic (Chapter 3), "Debunking Myths: Learning to Respond to
Questions That Shouldn`t Be Asked" (Chapter 5)), and" Empowerment or
The Art Of Managing Intimidation" (Chapter 12). Chapters throughout
the book allow readers to choose techniques that suit individual
personalities and situations encountered at different stages of
life—such as: the "Marty Approach", the "Cyrano Approach"(22 ways to
Respond), the "Girl Scout-Boy Scout" and others.
PAGEONELIT.COM: What are readers saying about AGING
GRACEFULLY WITH DIGNITY, INTEGRITY & SPUNK INTACT?
Norma Roth: One of the unsolicited reviews I like the most, came
from `"The New York City Strand" (a bookstore that has been there
forever and is the source of out- of -date books as well as all new
books, advertised as 15 miles of books. It is short and I publish
it here: The last line of the review reflects the type of comments
I get from readers.
The engaging guide helps mature adults deal with the complications
of aging. Inside you'll find advice, tips, understanding and hints
on how to get people off your back, including: If you can't
remember a word— use a smaller word; if you can't remember what you
ate today — switch the subject, if an interruption caused you to
lose your train of thought -- stop letting people interrupt you and
more. This is an invaluable guide for aging people and those who
love them.
A reader, interestingly from the a Baby Boomer Generation, had this
to say after reading my book: With all the negatives of our world
right now, your book is so uplifting—it gives me insight into the
limitless possibilities that await my generation.... My friends and
I talk about these things all the time: What we will be doing
"after" our work-life? Can we anticipate doing it? What about the
"aging" thing"? She added that she had become excited ("a real
high") about what she could do now to take greater advantage of what
is in store for her and her generation. She particularly referred
to the fresh insight offered in the into the chapter on " Personal
Retrieval Systems" (PRS,) (where I compare our brain to computers
and entertain that we are capable of —harnessing our own brain
power) and a chapter on "Treasure Hunts" (within the mind ). She
also referenced the chapter on "Absentmindedness As A Positive," — a
favorite of many — again surprisingly, coming from that age group.
(She may perhaps feel reassured by the theory of absentmindedness as
being perhaps, not so much the loss of ability to think, but rather
deeply thinking about important subjects—like Einstein perhaps?
(No, we can`t all be Einstein`s, but there is an exclusive
acceptance for `"absentmindedness!" professor and other groups of
people that seems to have been overlooked by the rest of
us.)(Chapter 4).
Another :
"As I read Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact:
Aging Defiantly by Norma Roth, I soon found myself reading the words
as her cheerleader. More! I wanted to read more about the subject!
The information she presents is a result of research, personal
experiences, and the desire to help debunk many myths about aging
that she considers to be “hogwash.” She refers to the aging
population as the “Silver Generation,” encouraging them to take
charge of their lives by refusing to be controlled by exaggerated
fears and negative thinking. Ms. Roth discusses how “that”
generation can live productive, fulfilling lives into their
seventies, eighties, and nineties. After all, they have a vast
amount of knowledge, experience and expertise to draw from—a storage
retrieval system. Her writing is full of wit and wisdom and
describes “the art and not the agony of growing older.”
Most of the immediate verbal response is an absolutely high for me:
As I travel through my world with book in hand, people look and read
over my shoulders: in elevators, in hospital corridors, even in the
post office. (A Postmaster engaged me in a lively conversation as I
was mailing some books— and left a line behind me.... The fun thing
for me is looking at expressions on people's face as they look at
the book. Often an individual will point to a part of the title and
say: "That's me," I often hear that as they point to "Spunk" or
"Integrity." More than I would expect point to "Defiantly" and
utter: "I need that!"
When people turn to the back of the book cover, there is a sparkle
as they see it is "Ten Tips to Keep People Off Your Back" and as
they read the " Ten Tips To Keeping People Off Your Back." I like
to watch them as they peruse the tips: they glance, their eyes
laugh, they shake their heads affirmatively; often they smile
broadly— sometimes giggle nervously. I often hear them reading and
repeating the lessons there: "Oh— don't let them interrupt, OK! —
Oh, walk back to where you left that thought...."
PAGEONELIT.COM: What do you hope to achieve with AGING
GRACEFULLY WITH DIGNITY, INTEGRITY & SPUNK INTACT?
Norma Roth: I think the above indicates what I am trying to
achieve: exactly to raise consciousness about the world excluding —
or trying to— the Silver Generation, the Baby Boomers and all those
who feel they have "entered that stage," seeming to push them out
of life as they know it, making them feel, they, no longer are vital
or important or significant part of the world they have known. This
is sad and they are wrong. Science, Medicine and Technology are
showing and continue to show us, every single day, the possibilities
for continuing to life lives fully are available. Yet, the social
mores remain disturbing to members of the Silver Generation and
those "entering that age."
The social attitude and behavior patterns need to be radically
turned around and facts of aging be based on scientific and medical
factors as well as evidence of healthy and active lives all around
us planning and achieving new goals they are setting for
themselves. I set out on a journey to debunk these myths that set
unnecessary hurdles and obstacles to continued growth. I attempt to
show that the Silver Generation and those "entering that age," have
been too willing to buy into outmoded concepts that are no longer
operative—I suggest those outmoded social mores are "hoaxes:"
I define "hoax" as: something that others try to put over on you as
being an absolute that leaves little or no room for argument;
however, does not stand on firm footing. It props itself up as
seeming to have a great deal of foundation and support, but like a
house built of straw (as we all know from our fairy tale days), once
investigated, the structural support crumbles; in other words, what
is being touted as final and absolute is in reality full of sound
and fury signifying nothing. One of the dictionary definitions is
“malicious deception.” (from "Entering That Age", fn 3) I set out to
change that mindset" I spell out the hoaxes that attempt to serve
as indicia of 'loosing it": (can't find a word, lost a train of
thought, don't know why you came into a room, misplaced your keys
again and everyone is waiting, left the water on in the kitchen and
will burn down the house, etc.). Every one of these has a simple
answer— a way to handle or deal with or compensate for the so called
"life-changing event".) I see panic that need not be panic; I see
concerns that should not be concerns; I see fear that need not be
there, and attempt to deflect it, with recognizable and often
humorous examples.
My journey disputes these anachronistic mores. I contrast the fears
and concerns with the real data. I seek to give the understanding
to those members of the Silver Generation, those "entering that age"
that their wealth of experience, knowledge, perspective and wisdom
are important—and they have the potential to continue to participate
and contribute to a complicated world that can well use their
knowledge, skills and abilities. I seek no less than to change the
terrain.
I suggest a roadmap to a different future. This book invites readers
to take another look at what is really going on and to see a
growing and already dynamic Silver Generation at the forefront of
a new age of health and resources. In this newly emerging pattern,
I encourage the new generation to handle the changes that come with
the turf that are easily controllable and to get on with a
productive and good life: to draw and build upon strengths; to reach
for wealth already existing within each individual— waiting to be
retrieved— and to take a more realistic approach to their lives,
one that glitters and sparkles as you chart a new vibrant course.
I submit to the Silver Generation and those "entering that age" that
how much of the world they may continue to lay claim to, whether
members of this new dynamic group will be remain in charge of their
own lives, whether they will and can continue to grow and plan and
chart their own course— and how much of that dynamic and active life
this generation will have available to them to seek a world of their
own making— depends on who's doing the choosing. Ultimately, this
writer believes, it may well come down to be a personal choice.
This book, then, is a journey: At the end of it, I hope that the
Silver Generation and those "entering that age" as well as the up
and coming Baby Boomers will have realized the rich resources at
their disposal in this bright new century that can play a major part
in their lives. This enlightened generation may well find they are
losing far less than they thought and may, in fact, be gaining a
bright new world. (At least, with diligence, perseverance,
stubbornness, and creativeness and — defiance, this Silver
Generation does not have to lose this one.) A new look at "aging"
is necessary. This journey is the result. The time is now! Aging
Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly
is devoted the the unlimited horizons of the Silver Generation,
those "entering that age" and the Baby Boomers in this amazing age
of the twenty-first century.
Postscript: Given the current stage of science, medicine, and
technology, I see a new and vital path opening —one that has not
existed before for take a different path. I truly believe, as the
poet Robert Frost wrote so well, that at this juncture in life: Two
roads diverge in a yellow wood,
and, like Frost, I would urge this dynamic new generation to take the
one less traveled by, And that as it made all the difference.
PAGEONELIT.COM: What was the last book you read?
Norma Roth: I read several books simultaneously: During the summer
read a lot of short stories and novels of Canadian writers .
Canada is a place and setting which inspired my poetry book:
Scenes From A Summer House— a new landscape where I find,
particularly in the Maritime Provinces, there seem less boundaries
between time and space, beginning and endings, things appear to
exist simultaneously on the horizon, within the sea and upon the
land.
Last Book I Read: American Bloombsbury by Susan Cheever, and The
Collected Stores of Lydia Davis as well as books of poetry;
PAGEONELIT.COM: What's next?
Norma Roth: Currently I am putting together another Poetry Book:
Poems by Norma: Cycles Of A Life which will be an anthology that
takes in various phases of a life: Some working sections are: Cape
Time & Mountain Retreat, Arrivals & Departures, Loving & Losing,
Fathers & Daughters, Friends & Lovers, Darkness & Light ; and
possibly sequel to Aging Gracefully - Aging Defiantly. "New Horizons
Realized."
