Up First from NPR

Can Old Age Be a New Beginning?

72 snips
Jan 19, 2025
Anthony Brooks, a WBUR reporter known for his series "The Third Act," explores how aging can lead to exciting new beginnings. He shares inspiring stories of individuals reinventing themselves later in life, including a doctor who becomes a Methodist deacon and a corporate lawyer who starts a nonprofit for Black oral histories. The guests highlight the transformative nature of pursuing passions amidst life's challenges and illustrate that renewal and personal growth are possible at any age.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Tom Andrew's Third Act

  • Tom Andrew, a medical examiner, quit at 61 due to the opioid crisis.
  • He then became a Methodist deacon to guide Boy Scouts.
INSIGHT

Longer Lifespans, New Opportunities

  • People are living three decades longer than they did a century ago, impacting retirement views.
  • The "middle essence" phase, similar to adolescence, presents new opportunities for growth.
ANECDOTE

Julianna Richardson and HistoryMakers

  • Julianna Richardson, a lawyer, felt unfulfilled and transitioned to her passion project.
  • She founded HistoryMakers, an archive of Black American oral histories, despite financial challenges.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app