Erickson, Kamminga and Leider

It's been a long time since my last post. So much has transpired. Hosted by my old buddy, Brian Mahanke and his wife LeAnne I spent a wonderful few days with Jan and Jon Erickson in Colorado in August learning about how their lives have changed as they discover the next chapters of their lives.
I had a great talk with Dave Kamminga, retired professional French Horn soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra and learned about how he is transforming his vision of the future as he leaves his professional music career to discover what's ahead. (He's friends with Peter Schickele of PDQ Bach fame!)
I had a wonderful follow up interview with purpose guru, Richard Leider yesterday at his office. We had a great conversation and his comments will be instrumental in helping me finish the first one-hour segment of the program. There is a real change beginning on so many levels in our country with regards to how we see aging. AARP has brought Richard on board to help them change the direction of their organization so help people realize a new phase of life filled with exploration, development and growth.
 I continue to receive input and support from so many knowledgeable people striving to write a new chapter in human development including my dear Connie Goldman who is my most gracious mentor.

More to come.....

Peace,
David

I spent much of last week in the Black Hills of South Dakota enjoying the company of some incredible people who are dedicated to changing the current culture of aging in America. I am thankful for their support and encouragement and am "refueled" for the work ahead. Next step: finding dynamic stories of folks who have walked into the phase of life with a mindset of exploration, discovery and cultivation of the richness that can exist in longevity.

production ahead

It's been a while since my last post. Thanks to all you visitors and those of you who are following this blog. Things have been moving ahead. As many of you know, I am currently seeking funding for the documentary project "Old On Purpose". Connections are being made and I believe something will "click" soon. If you know of any contacts in corporations/organizations who might have an interest in funding this work please let me know. I would truly appreciate it.

Our next move is to capture stories of individuals who have found a true sense of purpose in this phase of life by finding new ways to put their experience, talent and passions to work for the good of their communities, country and planet. I spoke with Don Shelby, former WCCO anchor, about how after he retired from the news he has been empowered to become an advocate of many important causes including the effects of global warming. I hope to schedule some time with him soon to hear his story. I have read with great enthusiasm new articles from organizations like AARP who are helping to start the conversation about a greater sense of purpose after adulthood. Soon I will travel to California to interview Marc Freeman about his work with Civic Ventures and Encore Careers. I will also be doing interviews with The Vital Aging Network in the Twin Cities and have recently spoken with Kate Schaefers Ph.D,, a psychiatrist working in this field helping individuals discover new purpose and meaning in their new careers both paid and volunteer, in the second half of life. This is going to be an incredible journey and I think this documentary will be the beginning of a series of programs to help move a much needed initiative to forge a new paradigm of aging in America.

Stay tuned!

Peace,
David

Who wants to get old?

We are faced with a number of negative images of what it means to be old in America. I want to hear from you. Comment on this post with what you really (honestly) feel about that phase of life that follows adulthood and what you anticipate about it or are experiencing within it. Share this with anyone who might want to "weigh in" on getting old.

thanks
David

connections

A large network of individuals and groups who are all working to change the face of aging are connecting with this project. They all seem to say the same thing: "this is the wider voice this initiative needs and this project is telling that story creatively and effectively".  They and very excited and are sharing information about this documentary project with potential funders and organizations who have a strong interest in the content we are creating and the story we are crafting. Things are moving.

How you can help...
If you know of any individual, organization, foundation or corporation that would you think would be in support of this project please either send me that contact name and info or ask them to visit the webite (www.agingfilms.org) to check out the trailer and sample video clips. I can provide them with more detailed information and updates also.

Thank you again for your interest and support as this project begins to gain momentum.

Peace,
David

Hello New Year!

Everyday there is a check in the mail. Big ones. Small ones. All from individuals who think the work being done in this documentary is important. The the KickStarter campaign did not succeed in obtaining the $10,000 pledge goal, folk who pledged and some who hadn't are choosing to send a check directly to The Aging Film Project at 5433 24th Ave S, Mpls, MN 55417
Met with the folks at TPT just before the holiday break and they are very excited. Some people are introducing me to more and more connections to help develop the entire scope of the project. Others are bringing me into their network and connecting me with folks who are working to change the face of aging in America. Still have yet to obtain a corporate sponsor but things are really coming together on the front. More to come.

Thank you all for your love and support,
David