One hundred years ago American’s lived to be 47. Now the average American will reach 77. Old age is no anomaly, it is an assured stage of life (barring cigarettes, cheeseburgers, etc.) as is adolescence or childhood.

Intelligent Life had Maureen Cleave, 73 years old, interview 90 year old authors, artists, politicians to see what they’ve made of the ‘new old’. The interviews offer an insanely thoughtful account of life, what it means, and how it ends.

The concept homogenous thinkers interviewing one another is nothing new. Magazines, papers, and the internet alike are brimming with musicians talking to musicians, scientists interviewing scientists, artists talking to other artists. Very rarely, though, is this same idea applied to the elderly.

Think of the start of Willy Wonka, four old people piled into one bed, drooling into soup and talking to one another. Finding the bright ones, treating their discussion reverently, and publishing what ensues was an endeavor long overdue.

The three interviews, the third just posted on Friday, represent an irreverent and revealing look at what life means to those who have just about finished it. We are all alive, we are all living life. Our times are different than theirs, but the movement is the same and there are lessons to be learned, calming words to be read. These are truly great reads.

Leo

Just got married for a second time, the secret to longevity is love.