ON BEING 65
I’ve achieved Medicare eligibility. In many historical eras, I’d be dead. But I’ve alive. And like many elders, I get these congratulations that might… be a little patronizing…. “Well look at you—wow, you still go to the gym.”
And yes I do—if you count sitting on the recumbent bike, pedaling at a glacial pace, watching YouTube, and quietly irritating young people who actually need the equipment.
I’ll be “semi-retiring” from Anesthesia in 2026 which = working one week per month. I’m switching from commitment to cameo spots.
At this age, if you’re not asking yourself “why am I still here?” you’re like that person at the party who’s still talking when it’s clearly time to leave. If you’re gonna stick around, maybe you should do the dishes.
What are my dishes? ie Why am I still here? To make people laugh and bring some joy into a confusing and stressful world. I’m a balding grumpy little sparkler of laughter – my core made of Jewish genetics and upbringing, coated with the flammable resin of the numerous teachers and mentors who are helping me hone my standup comedy. When lit, my fragrance would be amused disappointment, with notes of coffee, irony and baby aspirin. You can find out all about my comedy at my instagram .
Fajar
Fajar graduated from Master of Social Work School this year and is starting his new career as a therapist to parents and small children. He is born to do this work. I’ve never seen anyone so naturally gifted at connecting to both kids and parents. It’s a joy to watch and support him as he builds this next chapter.
Rose
Rose is a kick ass public defense attorney now working in the Seattle and living in my apartment building. She’s so good at what she does that one of her criminal felony clients calls her “the wolverine.” Her beloved yet emotionally challenged Corgi mix Boo passed away last year, but she’s since adopted Minnie, a wonderful, but emotionally challenged Chihuahua mix. Watching Minnie get the zoomies causes the rest of us to get zoomies.
Christopher
Christopher graduated with a Bacher’s degree from Evergreen State College, started a Master’s program in Geology but then landed his dream job as the social media lead for the Burke Museum of Natural History. He has doubled their stats in his first year, putting science in front of over a million people, and the Burke now has the most social media engagement of any natural history museum in the country. You can see his work here.
65 year old Richard Observation
Life goes on with or without any of us and that is oddly amusing.