Third Age

Reflections on the political and the personal for women in life’s third age.

Google “Third Age,” and you’ll learn that it began after the first downfall of Sauron, when he was defeated by the Last Alliance of Elves and Men following the downfall of Númenor.

With apologies to Tolkien, this newsletter isn’t about Middle Earth. Or even about middle age.

Rather, it’s about the possibilities that can open up in the stage of life that begins in late middle age and continues as long as health and energy allow. For many women – not all – it’s a period when childrearing and paid employment may be tapering off or ending. If we’re lucky, it can be a time for reflection and for finding new purpose. It’s a time when we ask: What’s really important?

For me and for many women I know, that has led to a new or renewed commitment to progressive activism. For some, this stage of our lives coincided with the rise of Trump and profound threats to our democracy, and indeed many foot soldiers of the resistance are women over 50. Some of my best friends are women I met on the canvassing trail and in grassroots activist groups in and around DC. I’ll interview some of them, as they have fascinating perspectives to share. I also hope to talk with women outside my demographic – younger women, women of color – some of whom are leading the way while the rest of us tag along.

For many of us, the personal and the political can’t be separated. So I’ll write about activism, but also about other issues that loom large in this stage of life: downsizing home and material possessions, caregiving for family members and friends, finding the right balance of paid and volunteer work, and doing the emotional labor of coming to terms with the past, with its joys and regrets.

Please join me as we make our way through the third age together. I post about twice a month. Free subscriptions are always available, and free subscribers receive all my posts. There’s also a paid option if you are so moved. Thanks for reading!