172 Sky Bergman: Wisdom from Lives Well Lived

Sep 2, 2024 | Connection and Challenges, Living Younger by Changing Aging, Mind and Brain, Podcast, Podcast Episode, Wellness

EPISODE 172 OF GROWING OLDER LIVING YOUNGER focuses on aging gracefully and the wisdom we acquire through a life well lived. Most people would agree that the most powerful factor in aging well is a positive mindset, the absolute belief that you can age youthfully and in good health. Imagine having a treasure trove of examples of resilience, positivity and insight at your fingertips for inspiration. In today’s episode, I talk to Skye Bergman about her book, “Lives Well Lived – Generations”, in which she celebrates the stories of 40 older adults with a collective life experience of 3000 years. Their stories were first featured in her PBS documentary Lives Well Lived. Skye Bergman is a professor emerita of photography and video at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her artwork is in prestigious museum collections, and her commercial work has appeared in renowned magazines such as The Smithsonian. Following her 30 year teaching career, Sky’s passion is creating films and projects that inspire intergenerational connections through emphasizing the power of shared stories. Following airing of her documentary, she curated her book to share the wisdom from the film. The life stories highlight purpose, connection, the art of thriving through life’s up and downs, and celebrating life’s essence across generations.

Episode Timeline

[0:01] Introduction to Lives Well Lived

[4:08] Skye Bergman’s career in the visual arts.

[7:23] The Importance of Intergenerational connections

[9:25] Finding and Interviewing participants

[12:54] A selection of stories from the documentary

[21:02] The community and attitude towards aging

[31:20] The Impact of COVID-19 on connection and community

[35:11] Upcoming video projects and final thoughts

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Learn about the work of Sky Bergman here