Ruth Ann Harnisch on life as the fairy godmother of newsletters, podcasts, and blogs.

"Nothing is surprising about being a childless, queer Gen-X-er in my early 50s, because I grew up having no idea what my life would look like."

Brian Macaluso looks back at the August, 2003 blackout in New York City.

Trying on clothes at Eileen Fisher; my ambivalence toward dressing "grown-up"; and challenging old assumptions. PLUS an open thread where you can chime in on your "age-appropriate" (or not) style.

Megan Stielstra on embodying many ages at once, and learning of Sinéad O'Connor's death the summer her father was dying. An excerpt of "Nothing Compares to You: What Sinéad O'Connor Means to Us"

In his mid-50s Peter Barrett has traded his painting studio for the kitchen—now a site of fertile creative pursuit. PLUS an open thread about our own later-in-life creative shifts.

"In some ways, there’s been no difference in my attitude or the joy I take from life, regardless of whether I was 29 or am 59. I hope this will hold true when I'm 79."

An Oldster Magazine Friday Link Roundup .

David Begler recalls his endless teen quest for all things Bruce Springsteen, and wonders whether the hyper-accessibility of today’s musical artists kills some of the mystery, and thrill of discovery.

I interview my 82-year-old uncle about his struggle to move on from ophthalmic surgery, and what he gleaned from Arthur C. Brooks' "From Strength to Strength." PLUS an Open Thread on retiring or not.

And lots of other useful, Oldster-adjacent content. PLUS: "The Oldster Top 10," Cliff Chenfeld's monthly playlist of new songs for old ears.

I interview my 82-year-old uncle about his struggle to move on from ophthalmic surgery, and what he gleaned from Arthur C. Brooks' "From Strength to Strength." PLUS an Open Thread on retiring or not.

"Changing our minds in one afternoon." PLUS: A Friday Open Thread on our experiences with MDMA and other psychedelics...

On Biden and ageism.

On First Love and Michael Jackson

An Oldster Magazine Friday Link Roundup with plenty to read, watch, and listen to this weekend.

"I really appreciate knowing things and having figured out a few things...Experience is a great teacher and I’m still learning."

"I really appreciate knowing things and having figured out a few things...Experience is a great teacher and I’m still learning."

Some Oldster-adjacent content to read, watch, and listen to.

"If you’re lucky, you still feel most of time as if you’re about 30. Just steer clear of mirrors."

Veteran beauty editor Val Monroe shares five basic things you should know about your skin. Plus, an Open Thread where you can share you skin-saving secrets...

Michael A. Gonzales recalls his first heartbreak, and an evening in 1981 that took a few surprising turns.

Some Oldster-adjacent content for you. PLUS: "The Oldster Top 10," Cliff Chenfeld's monthly playlist of new songs for old ears.

Diane Mehta on learning the frantic art of scrambling for words from her speedy and strategic 21-year-old son.

"I like being able to prioritize myself for a change—rather than my children, or my career or even my writing."

Watch now (28 mins) | Music journalist Allyson McCabe launches a new series by interviewing the 65-year-old singer-songwriter, on tour with her new record, "Flying with Angels."

An Oldster Magazine Friday Link Roundup.

"Who was Madeline?" The sixth installment of an occasional Oldster Magazine column by bestselling novelist Laura Lippman.

"Like so many, I grew up with broken tools for relating to others, and alcohol became the way I learned how to do that."

A Friday Open Thread about moving—our parents, or ourselves—to facilities that are more supportive for elders. A collaboration with Claire Zulkey's "Evil Witches" parenting newsletter...

After recovering from breast cancer treatment in her 50s, Martha Bayne reclaims her right to take up space as a dancer.

After recovering from breast cancer treatment in her 50s, Martha Bayne reclaims her right to take up space as a dancer.

"Giving up driving has been very hard for me, limiting my freedom and mobility and spontaneity. My adjustment has been finally learning to competently use Uber."

I mean, who hasn't? Elders are particularly vulnerable. But apparently so are Gen Xers and others in middle age—like me. How about you? Ever fallen for a scam? A Friday Open Thread...

"I enjoy the benefits of being older—Senior discounts! Next year I get a monthly check from Social Security just for being old!"

Mona Gable on the camaraderie and transformations she’s witnessed and enjoyed in the company of other women getting their hair “done.”

Some Oldster-adjacent content to take you through the weekend. PLUS: "The Oldster Top 10," Cliff Chenfeld's monthly playlist of new songs for old ears.

"I have absolutely no idea what happens to us when we die. I do think the things we make, and the people we affect, are also 'us.' So we never really disappear."

"Since I got sober, I am somewhat slower to react to provocations and challenges; I have developed the capacity to take a breath instead of losing my shit."