The third Chapter: Passion Risk and Adventure in the 25 Years After Fifty

By Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot.

I became interested in this book because the author was interviewed on the Diane Ream Show on NPR. A lot of people called in and talked about all of the great things they were doing during their 3rd chapter of life.
By writing this book Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, wanted to dispel some of the misconceptions about the generation currently in their 3rd chapter. Perhaps we are thinking that the years between retirement and death should be spent quietly, and protected from stress, on the golf course, remembering the past. But she gives examples of people who learn new things, and achieve their life-long dreams after retirement.
Some learn new skills, such as art, music or business-- things they had always longed to do but didn't have the opportunity or the patience until their later years. Others leave careers to become activists for causes they had always believed in, or perfect the abilities they were unable to improve before.
Unfortunately, only those lucky enough to have financial stability, support from others and spacecan achieve their life-long dreams in the 3rd chapter. Lawrence-Lightfoot emphasizes the need in society to offer more respect and admiration to those who are aging but not yet old. People in the 3rd have more time, expertise and wisdom, to bring great benefits to society, and satisfaction to themselves in a new season of learning and growth.