About: Paragons are the heroes and role-models of aging
Definition: Paragon – Noun: A model of excellence or perfection. Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Aging is wonderful – and full of adaptations.
Aging is a thing of beauty – Even as wrinkles and sags abound.
Aging feels wonderful- Until it doesn’t.
Aging is a paradox – Like all of life.
We need to look to our “paragons of aging” for “Who we are.”
In some past societies, elders were considered wise and respected. Now, the young are deemed wise and respected. And elders are often seen as people to be tolerated, to be warehoused, to be cared for, and to be administered. Let’s work to change that societal vision. Let’s talk about the paragons of aging amongst us.
In reality, we elders are a very diverse group of people. Some of us have succumbed to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. But most of us haven’t. Some of us have a need for round the clock care, but that’s often only the very last stages of our long lives. According to a statistic I found in the seniorliving.org website , only about 3% of us are in nursing homes yet it seems to me like many of the general public think we’re all in nursing homes! Ugh.
Many of us, despite needing a nap now and then, or even mobility aids, are pretty darn active! I know elders active in keeping live theatre alive, starting and running lifestyle businesses, writing books, reviewing manuscripts, making wilderness trails, and all sorts of creative, societal and personally beneficial activities.
Why do Elder activities seem invisible?
But, in some strange sense, much of elder activity seem shielded from public view.
In my own small way, with this website, I want to provide a platform so others, youngsters and elders, can see the many, many activities of elder-hood. I also hope that we elders will view ourselves with positive visions. I want us to reclaim the positives of elder-hood! To be paragons!
That’s the “raison d’etre” for this part of this web site. It’s a place where we can promote the “Paragons” of aging. People who are active and productive, and aging with fortitude.
I have friends in their 70’s, ’80s and ’90s who I feel are paragons. They inspire me. I think their stories should be shared. Stories that provide a positive role model for aging.
Paragons you know – or know about.
You are welcome to write about paragons of your acquaintance in the comments.
Personal Privacy
I am sensitive to privacy issues. So please, except for public figures where the information is abstracted from public records (TV, radio, newspapers, etc and provide the sources) please don’t include any identifying information. Write about real people (it could be yourself), but change names, locations, etc. Let their realities be anonymous, but their stories available to all.
Links you might like to pursue
Ted talk – “Fake it till you make it.” (
Interesting senior statistics
“This is really when old age begins.” Huffington post
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