The Art of Aging
Picasso’s Artful Approach to Aging
When I think about how I would like to live out my old man years, I cannot think of another person I would like to emulate more than Pablo Picasso. Part of enjoying your late life years is being financially viable. Without financial stability, no life can be completely content, regardless of age or social standing. Picasso certainly had financial stability. He was rich and could easily and quickly generate income when needed. But that is not what I admired most about his later life; even though he would not have been able to live that way without the proper financial assistance, it was his quality of life, based on his taste, that I admired.
Pablo did what he loved and only what he loved. Take what you like most, whether cooking, fishing, or raising chickens, and imagine you can do this and nothing else if you choose, without any interruption or guardrails. And imagine having unlimited resources to do that favorite thing. Picasso was an artist, and he used all of his time to create.
He lived in the most beautiful locations on earth: La Californie and Mougins in the Mediterranean, near Caanes and the French Riveria. The area had all of the ingredients he needed: an art community, inspiring landscapes, architectural history, seclusion, space, and freedom, among other things.
He surrounded himself with people he loved and who loved him. Picasso enjoyed life with his family and lovers, many much younger than him. Both his wives were over 40 years younger, leading to rivalries between his wives and lovers. This companionship helped fuel his creativity. Picasso walked around his home with minimal clothing. He had the body of an old man, as he indeed was, but he did not give a shit. I like that. Friends, family, and lovers surrounded him, and they did not give a shit either. He was a bohemian; he had freedom, and he practiced it. He lived without the burden of trying to remain physically pleasing to anyone but himself. He rid himself of that mental ball and chain of trying to please others and concentrated instead on being creative. He enjoyed alcohol and drank in cafes and bars all over Paris and enjoyed drinking with his friends during gatherings that he hosted.
When Picasso was born, James Garfield was President of the United States. During his lifetime, he witnessed the presence of figures like Vincent van Gogh, Mark Twain, Queen Victoria, and Gustav Mahler. At his birth, electricity had not yet reached New York City. However, Picasso lived long enough to witness the moon landing and the deaths of rock stars such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, and Duane Allman.
Considering his lifestyle, probable diet (Mediterranean), climate, physical activity, companionship, and financial stability, it is easy to conclude that these factors contributed to good health and longevity.
Juneteenth has hijacked my birthday! As I turn 67 on June 19, I am still adjusting my mind to being a senior citizen. It’s not that I am stressing about being older; I can’t entirely agree with the general perception of what people think about senior citizens. But I’m not one of those guys who go out of their way to prove they are still viable despite their age. I only would like people to know that I do not need or deserve any special attention, no matter how well-meaning. I would be offended if someone were to rush to my aide after a fall or any physical mishap. One day, I may need some assistance. However, I am doing fine and will require no more help than the average citizen, young or old. I speak for most people my age.
Regarding my memory, I imagine it as a sliding scale stretching from age three to three months ago. I can recall events reasonably well up until a few months ago, but for anything within the last three months, I need to consult a calendar or journal to remember what I’ve done. The closer the sliding rule moves to the present, the more I forget about the past. Most of my memories from age five to birth have faded, and in ten years, I might forget my entire high school experience, which may not be a bad thing. Most people think remembering stuff from 5 years old is really good. But not for me; I used to remember when I was in a crib.
That does not mean I do not feel the effects of age on my body and mind. Over the last twenty years, I’ve experienced a range of ailments, both major and minor. My mind still believes I can run a marathon or defeat a heavyweight boxing champion, though thankfully, it is often overruled. I’ve long recognized that my body, in its collective wisdom, is more pragmatic than my mind.
I have learned a few things from Picasso that will contribute to my creativity, health, and contentment. I will continue to engage in my activities, both physical and mental. My hobbies will always be part of my life. I will keep close to the people I love. Family, old friends, and newer friends are important to me, and communicating with them makes me happy. I do not live in the Mediterranean, but Colorado is also beautiful. This may be subjective, but I would rather live here than elsewhere.
I find joy in many things, whether watching my grandkids play, watching the sunrise and sunset, gawking at the stars, laughing at anything, or going for walks. It does not take much for me to enjoy life. I try to meditate. I am not an expert at it, but I benefit from the quietness the attempt brings. I cling to the few people I care about, sometimes to my detriment. But that closeness is based on love. I don’t have the financial standing of Picasso, but none of the important things he did came at a tremendous monetary cost; those decisions, relationships, activities, and creativity are the best and most vital parts of life. We can all learn from that.
