A collection of stories of real people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s doing real things that keep them connected and engaged with the world in meaningful ways.

Tango Dancer . Baby Cuddler . Herb Farmer . Ayurvedic Chef . Pickleball Pro . ASL Interpreter . Protester . Lasagna Maker . Eco Gardener . Puppeteer . Power Lifter . Haiku Writer . CASA Volunteer . Gift Giver . Egg Lady . Hospice Singer . DV Housing Provider . Mediator . Concert Tour Producer

Some of these stories have a big reach and touch many lives, while others work within smaller, local, or personal spheres, but all of them matter because everything we do to stay engaged with the world matters. 

HOW TO SUBMIT A STORY

This book is about people age 60+.

PLEASE SEND 1) ANSWERS TO ABOUT YOU, 2) ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, and 3) PERMISSION TO INCLUDE YOUR STORY TO: helloreconnectcare@gmail.com

1) ABOUT YOU

  • First name or if you wish to be anonymous
  • Age (only people age 60 and up are included in this book!)
  • Please give me one or two paragraphs describing HOW you are staying engaged with the world, vital, and socially connected in meaningful ways. You can mention past careers or basic history leading up to now, but try to stay mainly in the present.
  • Please give me one short phrase that captures WHO you are now and/or WHY you are doing what you do (not promotional—it’s a window into you and your approach to life).

2) QUESTIONS

  1. When you think of your world now, what does that include? Think of “world” in the biggest sense: it can be global, local, or personal.
  1. You are staying engaged with the world when many others age 60+ have pulled back. Why?
  1. What do you intentionally give your time and attention to at this stage—and what no longer gets it?
  1. How would you define “conscious connection,” or would you call it something else?
  1. Is there anything else about your engagement with life that we haven’t touched on?

3) PERMISSION TO INCLUDE YOUR STORY

Remember, I cannot guarantee your story will be included in the book. I determine which stories are included depending on several factors. I determine final text and editing.

  • You need to give me approval to include your story.  Include the following text in your email with your answers.

I give Barbara Klare permission to write about my story:

Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________

BOOK LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Each story will have one page with 1-3 paragraphs devoted to it, with a sketch and a quote at the top, and name (unless anonymous) and age.

Who am I and why am I writing this book?

I became a therapist in my sixties and my life includes therapy/coaching for individuals and groups, writing, and art. I am always on the lookout for ways we create meaning in our lives, how we repair and renew, and how we stay connected to the world and each other.