Isabel Allende: How to live passionately—no matter your age | TED

TL;DR

Isabel Allende shares her thoughts on aging, embracing vulnerability, staying passionate, and living life to the fullest.

Transcript

Hi, kids. (Laughter) I'm 71. (Applause) My husband is 76. My parents are in their late 90s, and Olivia, the dog, is 16. So let's talk about aging. Let me tell you how I feel when I see my wrinkles in the mirror and I realize that some parts of me have dropped and I can't find them down there. (Laughter) Mary Oliver says in one of her poems, "Tell m... Read More

Key Insights

• 👵 Aging is a natural process that begins at birth and is experienced differently by each individual.
• 🌟 Olga Murray is an inspiring example of someone who has embraced aging with passion and made a positive impact on the world in her later years.
• 💔 With aging comes the loss of people, places, and independence, which can be scary, but accepting dependency can lead to less suffering.
• 🗽 Freedom is gained with age, as there is no longer a need to prove oneself or conform to societal expectations.
• 🧠 Aging allows for a lighter mindset, free from grudges, ambition, and vanity, and also an appreciation for vulnerability and spirituality.
• ♀️ Meditation and mindfulness can help individuals embrace the aging process and find peace and contentment in the present moment.
• 👀 Aging can be challenging in a culture that idolizes youth and beauty, but it is important to find self-acceptance and maintain a positive attitude.
• 💃 Staying passionate in old age requires training by saying yes to life's experiences, staying in love, and embracing the choices and jubilation that retirement brings.

Questions & Answers

Q: When do we start aging?

Society may decide that we are officially old around 65 when we qualify for Medicare, but the truth is, we start aging from the moment we are born. Aging is a continuous process that we all experience differently.

Q: What have I lost in the last decades?

Over the years, I have lost people and places that were dear to me. Additionally, I have noticed a decline in the boundless energy of my youth, and I am beginning to lose some independence, which is a source of fear for me.

Q: What have I gained?

On the positive side, I have gained a sense of freedom as I no longer feel the need to prove myself or live up to other people's expectations. I have also shed grudges, ambition, vanity, and other negative aspects that are simply not worth the trouble. Furthermore, I have developed a softer side, embracing vulnerability as a strength.

Q: How can I stay passionate as I age?

Staying passionate as I age is not something that can be willed into existence. Instead, I train myself to remain passionate by saying "yes" to whatever life brings my way. Whether it's joy, sorrow, love, or loss, I choose to embrace all experiences. Additionally, I strive to stay in love, although it's not always successful.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Aging is a natural process that begins at birth, and it is experienced differently by everyone.

• Attitude and health play a role in how one ages, and embracing vulnerability can lead to a lighter, more fulfilling life.

• Despite the physical changes and losses that come with aging, there are also gains, such as freedom, spirituality, and the ability to let go of societal expectations.