In a society that often glorifies youthful achievement, the stories of older first-time authors stand as powerful reminders that creativity and personal growth know no age limits. At 92, Sheila Baslaw published her debut children’s book, The Light Keeper, co-authored with Karen Levine. The book is a tribute to Baslaw’s father’s life, set in a small Russian village during the early 20th century. Her journey, sparked later in life, reflects the wisdom and dedication that many older authors bring to the table, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a long-held dream.
Creativity in Later Years: A Personal Reflection
I often think of my grandmother, who, as she grew older, always had a book in hand or was working on a creative project. Whether it was painting or writing small journal entries, she constantly found ways to engage her mind. There’s a common expression that staying mentally active can help “keep the mind sharp,” and my grandmother embodied this. The act of creating, whether it’s through reading or writing, seemed to be her way of staying mentally agile.
Many older adults, like Baslaw, are finding that writing later in life not only fulfills long-held aspirations but also serves as a tool for cognitive health. My grandmother’s story is echoed by many seniors who, through creative outlets like writing, maintain their sharpness well into their advanced years.
Writing for Well-being: Cognitive Benefits
Recent studies and programs emphasize the cognitive benefits of creative activities like writing. Programs such as Opening Minds through Art (OMA) at the Scripps Gerontology Center promote the use of art and storytelling to help older adults, particularly those with dementia, engage their imagination and improve their overall well-being. Through initiatives like OMA, seniors can embrace new roles as creators, leaving behind a legacy of artwork and stories.
This aligns with what many researchers suggest—that engaging the brain in creative activities helps delay cognitive decline. As the philosopher Michel de Montaigne once said, “The mind is a fire to be kindled, not a vessel to be filled.” This sentiment captures the essence of lifelong learning and creativity. For older adults, writing is not just a hobby but a way to keep that fire burning, maintaining mental sharpness and emotional resilience.
Programs Supporting Senior Writers
There are numerous writing programs designed specifically for older adults. For instance, Senior Planet offers a Creative Writing Club, where seniors gather twice a month to share their work and connect with others. The club serves as a support system, helping older adults explore new writing techniques and overcome writer’s block . Beyond this, lifelong learning initiatives like the California State University East Bay’s Over 60 Program allow seniors to enroll in university courses at little to no cost. These programs provide opportunities for older adults to explore creative writing, among other subjects, while engaging in intellectually stimulating activities that boost cognitive function.
Writing can also play a role in Alzheimer’s prevention, as programs like LEAP! (Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer’s Prevention) teach seniors how mental activities, such as creative writing, can help stave off cognitive decline. These initiatives offer courses that cover brain-healthy habits, including regular writing as a means to challenge the mind and keep it adaptable.
A Lifetime of Experience to Share Older
First-time authors often bring a wealth of life experience and perspective that younger writers may not yet possess. For example, Laura Ingalls Wilder, who published her first Little House book at age 65, shared her experiences growing up on her father’s childhood in Russia, preserving a piece of family and cultural history for future generations.
In a past interview, writing coach and ghostwriter Trae Robinson shared insights into helping older clients write their memoirs before the end of life. “My job as a ghostwriter is to channel someone else’s voice… but a large part of that process is sitting with the client and helping them by holding them accountable.” Robinson’s work emphasizes how older adults use writing to share their stories before it’s too late—a final way to leave their mark.
Whether for personal fulfillment, cognitive health, or a desire to leave behind a legacy, older adults like Baslaw show that it’s never too late to become an author. Writing, for them, is both a deeply personal act and a means of staying connected to the world. As Michel de Montaigne reminds us, the mind thrives on new ideas and creativity, and the act of writing can keep that flame alive for decades to come.
An avid book reader and proud library card holder, Angela is new to the world of e-Readers. She has a background in education, emergency response, fitness, loves to be in nature, traveling and exploring. With an honours science degree in anthropology, Angela also studied writing after graduation. She has contributed work to The London Free Press, The Gazette, The Londoner, Best Version Media, Lifeliner, and Citymedia.ca.
