Steps to Take to Restore Optimism and Bring Peace of Mind
The artists I have coached over the years come from many different cultural and educational backgrounds and span all different ages — from recent college graduates to seniors. Many of them, who are over the age of 50, are vibrant and enthusiastic about entering a new phase of their lives; however, they admit to having some concerns about rejection and discrimination in a youth-oriented society.
If you’re worried about growing “too old” before you reach your career goals this article has been written for you. I hope to change your attitude about aging and offer steps you can take to restore a sense of optimism and also bring peace of mind.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau census.gov by 2027 there will be nearly 65 million people over the age of 65 and this number increases annually. As the aging population grows I believe we’ll see a positive shift in consciousness and attitude about elders.
There are proactive steps we can all take to bring that awareness to fruition. Here are a few.
Adjust Your Perception
It’s futile to try to turn back time or compete with your younger, former self. Never view yourself as “past your prime.” Instead, consider every stage in life as having new advantages and opportunities. Embrace the fact that your diverse experiences set you apart from younger artists. Focus on how your creative evolution and professional history make you and your art more interesting and valuable to others.
“Every day that dawns is a gift to me and I take it in that way. I accept it gratefully without looking beyond it. I completely forget my physical suffering and all the unpleasantness of my present condition and I think only of the joy of seeing the sun rise once more and of being able to work a little bit, even under difficult conditions.” ~ Henri Matisse
Rejoice!
When you reach retirement age imagine all the time and freedom you’ll gain for creative pursuits. Embrace and adapt to change. Reinvent yourself. Take every day and its abundance of opportunities with an attitude of gratitude and live it to the fullest. There is a wonderful resource where you’ll find many inspired people on Growing Bolder growingbolder.com, a network that has “rebranded aging across many different platforms”.
Growing Bolder Magazine devoted an issue to “The Power of Creative Engagement”. In it they cited a study reported by the Journal of Aging and Health, that stated when examining a variety of personality traits they concluded that only creativity confers significant life-extending benefits.
“All the case histories point in one direction—the extraordinary flowering of artistic genius in old age.” ~ Thomas Dormandy, author of Old Masters: Great Artists in Old Age.
Get Inspired by Elder Artists
You’ll find many role models who continued to excel throughout their lives. It has been cited that Verdi composed the extraordinary music we love of Aida when he was in his 80s. Many artists did their best works in their later years, including Grandma Moses, who began painting seriously at age 78, Henri Matisse, who created what many consider to be his best works of art in his later years, after his bout with cancer. Picasso lived creatively until the ripe age of 91, O’Keeffe was 98, Bourgeois (98), Michelangelo (89), Ingres (86), Monet (86). And, Goethe, and Tolstoy and Bellini also thrived in their later years.
“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ― Gabriel García Márquez
Plan Your Future Now
Don’t postpone the inevitable. Create a 5-10 year financial plan that will provide security as you approach retirement. Design realistic goals with the advice from a financial advisor. Also allow yourself to dream. Contemplate how you will enjoy your future. Will you travel more often or buy or rent an artist retreat in the country? Create a vision board with a timeline so you’ll be inspired about the future and stay on track.
Foster Change With Allies and Advocates
There are several venues now for mature artists and I predict more will begin to emerge. Setting the tone is the Carter Burden Gallery that exhibits art by NYC artists over the age of 60. According to its mission statement, “older, lesser-known artists must not be overlooked due to age or decreased marketability in the current art scene.”
Seniors comprise a powerful demographic with increasing influence. Many corporations and non-profits are interested in appealing to this group. I suggest you propose senior art exhibitions and events on their premises. Also, align yourself with advocacy groups that oppose age discrimination and encourage politicians to change policies.
Stimulate Your Brain Continuously
The medical community is continuously discovering new methods to slow the aging process and improve cognitive function. Commit to learning new subjects. Take low-cost or free courses available to older adults through a network of art schools, community colleges, and senior universities. Every state in the U.S. offers them. Read my article “The Art of Self-Education”.
“I am perhaps the oldest musician in the world. I am an old man but in many senses a very young man. And this is what I want you to be, young, young all your life, and to say things to the world that are true.” ~ Pablo Casals at age 95
Ignite the Innovative Spirit of Creativity
Experiment with new art mediums and take risks. Visit art galleries that show cutting-edge artists. Exchange artistic and art marketing ideas with artists of all age groups and backgrounds. Participate in innovative art workshops and read “how-to” books.
Embrace Technology With Confidence
Continue to submit your artwork to online exhibitions. Don’t be intimidated by jpegs, pixels, and image resolutions. Barter or hire help for a few hours with a technical savvy person or art student to teach you and assist with your website design and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Read Tools For Maintaining Your Art Website.
Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
Your age is only a number. It’s how you feel that represents your true age. Make an effort to avoid toxins, unhealthy foods, environments, and people who will contribute to draining your vitality. Choose a positive life style and improve your well-being through exercise, pure foods, generosity of spirit and embracing a positive attitude. Read my article: “Are Your Art Materials Making You Sick?”
Share Your Knowledge
Find satisfaction by helping others in need by contributing your experience, wisdom and creative skills. Become a mentor for creative individuals who will respect, appreciate and benefit from your knowledge and expertise. Seek opportunities through your alma mater, art councils, schools, non-profit organizations, and on social media.
Plan Your Legacy
Don’t burden your heirs with the responsibility of dealing with the contents of your studio. Take steps now to alleviate their concerns and protect your legacy. Maintain a current inventory of your work and decide now where to place your art for posterity. Provide written instructions for your executors, heirs, and art agents about where your art should go. Alan Bamberger offers many suggestions in his article “Artist Tips: Checklist for Planning Your Art Estate” artbusiness.com/estateplan.html
Proactive steps like these will maximize the quality of your life and minimize the impact of aging. You’ll also serve as a positive role model and change society’s perception of the elder artist.
This is a wonderful article Renee. I am lucky to have a pension that allows me to create whatever kind of art I want, without having to worry about making a living from it. I continue to take classes in genres that are different from my main medium (painting) to keep myself open to new creative possibilities. I am currently taking a ceramics class at the local Senior center and have been pursuing paint pouring and Zentangle at other art centers. Life continues to be one creative adventure after another and I feel blessed to have lived this long.
Thanks Renée
Well good for you, connecting with the true masters of the arts – seniors! . It’s so encouraging to read your kind words and also remind us that artists are still as talented and in many cases, present to the world a hiigher level of their craft.
I’ve been an artist all my life, first I enjoyed teaching art in the school systems, then I went on to join a founding board of an amazing performing and visual art school where I taught for many years. Followed by a return to post grad school and then a career as a professional artist. I’m now 71 and feel like I’m at the height of my art career. As well,
I’m enjoy my healthy lifestyle, outdoor activities of hiking , Pilates and family.
Recently , I moved from Vancouver, Canada to live in Los Angeles. The scene in LA consists of on line art exhibits and lots of photography. I miss the world of actual art shows, discussions and the interactive fun of the art world
I’m fascinated by your site that I just stumbled. uppn. Please respond regarding your art gallery.
If you like please check out my website
carolynkramer.net
Thank you,
Carolyn Kramer
Dear Carolyn, Thank you for visiting and sharing your energized comment and for having the zeal for creativity and life! Wishing you many years of creative bliss and good health! I look forwarding to visiting your website!
Thank you Renee, as always a very interesting read. I began my photography business when I was almost 60 years old. I plan to keep taking photographs and finding the mystery of nature Thank you ..
What a great article. I was interviewed last year and chose not to admit my age. The editor understood why and I hope to get the courage up the next time. Thanks Renee.
Thanx for your post on age. I have been exhibiting my work for 50 years and not planning to quit at the age of 75! I still work but am having a little problem changing mediums as my sculptures have become to heavy to lift without help. Matisse changed mediums and I am more motivated after reading your article.
Absolutely Elaine,
There is no law against exploring new mediums throughout your art career. I wish you tremendous joy in your new creative discoveries for decades to come.
Best wishes,
Renee
Thanks for your article. Painting is the source of happiness in difficult times I can always go to my paintongs amd forget about it. When I paintt I am whole and happy.
Old does not mean there are no dreams to follow, no new doors to open.
I just fear the day I cannot paint anymore but today I can and will.
Renee, I always find your articles inspiring and full of relevant information and resources. I’m and over 50 year old painter, so remembering me all these “giant artists” with young spirits and the idea to embrace the benefits and opportunities that comes with every stage
of life gives me a refreshing perspective.
Thank you!
So very encouraging! I am almost 61 and only started my art journey seriously in mid life once my family had grown although I have been creative artistically all my life.
Some positives about ageing…the older we are the more we have seen and experienced so of course our art will continue to be enriched as long as we keep feeding this Life Bank by continuing to engage with life, people of all ages, and engage all of our senses. Use it or lose it they say!
Wise words recently from a mature,internationally recognised local artist in his 70’s:
“I am still an emerging artist, and will be so until I die ” (Keith Morant)
Thank you Angela for sharing your positive ideas about aging. I love what you wrote: Use it or lose it!
And, love how you added a quote by one of my favorite artists — Keith Morant!
I wish you continued emerging and creative bliss,
Renee
There is such an invaluable resource we all have in ourselves. To be able to express unique points of view through art is an opportunity, not to be missed because if age, which you point out so well! I really enjoyed all the terrific information. Thank you!
Beautiful article!
Dear Renee—thank you for the article on aging and creative art. We are never to old to create and this article as well as all your other articles give us concrete information, and helpful suggestions on all areas necessary to make our work viable in this art market. How lucky we are that you are willing and open to helping and mentoring those of us you have come into contact with you. At 82 my sculpture work keeps me young and interested in life, and all those situations that help us to create. The Manhattan Arts International is an exciting venue–for all ages—thanks for all your hard work.
Dear Maureen,
At the age of 82 years young to be creating sculpture is a mammoth accomplishment. YOU are an inspirational role model.
Thank you for visiting my blog and your kind words. As I’ve said many times, what I do is not “hard work”. It is driven by the realization that I’m helping people and that keeps me young at heart.
If you return to the site to read this comment, please share your website address if you have one.
I wish you continued joy through art,
Renee
Ok so 19 creeped into my message lol!
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your insightful and honest point of view, and as, always you sprinkle it with your inimitable sense of humor.. You’re the greatest! And you look fabulous so stay 25 forever.
Fondly,
Renee
Thank you Renee for your kind words. I always enjoy your informative and interesting articles. Life has its moments, therefore a “sprinkling” of humor is the perfect ingredient for this well seasoned woman!
Lisa 😍
When I look in the mirror I see two women, one is 69 and the other is 25. They offer different perspectives and I take the best of both generations. I don’t fight the innocence of the 19 year old nor do I argue with the wisdom of the 69 year old! I believe I am acknowledging the best of both worlds. I challenge myself with new opportunities but I take the time to make careful decisions. I never want to look back and say ” why did I allow age to determine my choices instead of my desires.”
Very enjoyable article Renee, and love the phrase “rewire dont retire!”
Thank you JodiAnn. After reading your comment I did some research and came across a wonderful downloadable document on the Irish Life website. It’s called Rewire Don’t Retire – Your Passport To A Fulfilling Retirement written by Marianne Heron with Paul Britton.. Go to https://www.irishlife.ie/blog/rewire-dont-retire-your-passport-a-fulfilling-retirement
Reading about the ’60-plus ‘ age requirements for artist- submissions to the Carter Burden Gallery validates the notion that senior artists are now empowered to ‘Rewire, Not Retire’ , by dint of the sheer numbers of aging Baby Boomers who are creating a new paradigm for ‘growing old’.
I will be turning 63 in September, and am determined to forge a new path for myself as an older female artist and not be intimidated by the market conditions of the contemporary art world.
Thank you for this inspiring blog and wealth of useful information which I am sharing with several of my fellow artist-friends age 60-‘plus’.
Dear JodiAnn,
Thank you for your comment. I love your statement “senior artists are now empowered to ‘Rewire, Not Retire’. That’s one of the most positive and memorable messages ever said about the paradigm with the population of Baby Boomers.
I appreciate that you’re sharing this article with others.
All the best,
Renee
Hello Renee,
Thank you for this voice for us mature persons. I am 75 and have just completed an intercultural artist cooperative in Brussels, Belgium
Thank God for wheelchair assistance through the airports.
Dear Dorothy,
You are living proof that age is only a number! Thank you for inspiring us!
All the best to you,
Renee
I am also 58, and working hard to develop my social media marketing skills as well as continue to make good work. I feel energized at this time in my life, because I am able to devote my time to making art and I am not so worried about making a living.
This is a wonderful time to create art!
Hi Rene,
That’s wonderful that you’re continuing to stretch your knowledge, one of the secrets to prolonging your youth.. Thank you for sharing your positive attitude!
Wishing you continued creative bliss,
Renee
Thanks for the article Renee. From my perspective it really hits home. Last week in the Times there was an article about digital art and the lack of humanity which is often displayed. At least from my perspective of being an older artist, I feel that we bring a long-history of the human condition which can be translated into our artwork.
Dear Alan,
Thank you for your comment and for your digital art that explodes with invigorating human content. You’re also one of the most prolific and imaginative artists I know.
Best wishes,
Renee
Very inspiring and true article! Thank you Renee for bringing up this topic. I know lots of artists who need to read this, I will be sharing.
Dear Johanne,
Thank you very much! I appreciate that you’ll be sharing this article so that it provides hope and inspiration for artists of all ages.
Best regards,
Renee
Such a wonderful article and very close to my heart Renee. Being 58 year young and only painting for three years I am excited for all the opportunities and possibilities that are ahead of me.
Mary Mirabal
Thank you Mary for being the first one to comment about the article. I’m delighted that it spoke to you.
Wishing you a wonderful art future with many exciting opportunities,
Renee