We all know the secrets to aging well

(No. 130) The trick is to put them into action. Plus, how I accidentally got my grandpa into modeling

Teach yourself how to breathe for health. Illustration by Stephen

Breathing well for a good life

Lack of focus. Anxiety. Cognition. Stress. This article gives easy, concrete instructions for How to breathe in ways that help these conditions. Plus, an interactive test that determines if you have a healthy breath rate.

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Dystopian setting. Utopian story. I’m publishing my novel, The Lost City of Desire, on Everlands, my newsletter devoted to long-form writing by myself and others. Have a look! Subscribe here for free chapters delivered weekly to your mailbox. 

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Finally, assisted living for middle-aged men.

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(The video above is a parody.)

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I wonder about his skincare routine

photographs by Celine Van Heel

During the pandemic, photographer Celine Van Heel returned to Spain to hang out with her grandfather, who is now 91. She photographed him as a fashion subject, and now he’s got modeling gigs.

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The cold-bath-hold-your-breath guy

Wim Hoff is a curious fellow. He’s built an empire based on recommending cold baths and breathing exercises as the cure-alls for modern ills. I frequently breath along with one of his YouTube videos to reduce stress, make exercising easier, and clear my mind. It makes aging slow down, for a few moments. All you’ve got to do is breathe:

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Patti Smith, 76, thinks about aging

“When I was younger, we really wanted to break new ground and create space for new generations. I feel that I somewhat accomplished my goals, but I don’t have those same goals now. That’s for new generations to do.

That’s my main secret—not-so-secret—goal: to do at least one book and maybe one more record that would be of worth. I don’t have any desire to just throw a record together, because why? I’m not compelled to do that. But if I have it in me to give one more thing that I think is worthwhile, I’ll do it.”

Patti Smith, quoted in Substack Reads. Link below.

The Active Voice: Patti Smith loves being alive

Patti Smith has been in the background of my entire adult life, in good and bad ways. I remember once I was invited to a gathering in New York where I’d get to meet her, and just before I arrived, one of my kids called me with some problems that needed immediate attention. I skipped the party. (I had a similar situation where I was asked to go out in New York with Joni Mitchell and a friend, but couldn’t, because of my kids.) I find Patti Smith inspiring. She’s still working hard, embracing new technologies (like her newsletter on Substack), and creating all the time. She deserves her wise-woman status.