I’ve spent most of my life either performing, teaching others the craft of acting (mostly children,) writing plays, returning to college to take theatre classes in my 40s and doing commercial work. From my earliest years, I’ve found great enjoyment in performing. When I was old enough to talk, I felt it was my vocation in life to make people happy. This past three weeks, which included my 82nd birthday, I’ve been co-teaching improv to seniors 55+. This has been one of the highlights of my years as an educator and performer.

Twice a week for two hours a day, we’ve been sharing our knowledge of the importance of spontaneity – thinking in the moment – losing inhibitions – working with gestures, physical and vocal exercises and a whole lot of laughter. Through this process something wonderful has happened. One of the participants noted on the first day that laughter was something missing in her life. Often when we age, we forget how to do that simple thing which brings so much joy into our being. Another person said she learned to listen more. Maybe part of not listening has to do with being hard of hearing, but even that can be overcome by reading body language and even doing some lip reading. One thing I noticed was that my body was again doing things that seemed impossible a few weeks before.

Aging does not have to be a death sentence. The group we worked with was compiled of several decades of age. Each one had the unique ability to shed their fears and try something they had never done before. By doing so, their memories became sharper. They responded to each other. In three short weeks, we became united in the way we though, along with the way we worked together. We gained some new friends in the process and made their lives and ours a little better for a while.

I encourage anyone of senior age, to find a senior center that offers a variety of classes or events. Those in our classes were very busy senior citizens. Art classes, writing, pottery, history, whatever your interest, this place had it all. I have been set free from some of my own inhibitions. Even with knees that have lost their resilience, I was able to stretch myself further than I had physically in some time. Age is a state of mind – so they say. If you are unwilling to try, you’re missing out on something that might just give you a new outlook on life. I’m not saying this is for everyone, but it has been a blast for this old lady.