Reed Strong, Northwest Prime Time’s summer intern, is a senior in Western Washington University’s journalism program. He speaks to Northwest area seniors and baby boomers for the series LIFE LESSONS. Each is asked the same four questions: thoughts on growing older; advice for the younger generation; what are they most nostalgic about; and how the world has changed for the better.
Suzanne Beyer was born in Staten Island New York in 1944, and just turned 70. In her mid-20s she headed out to Denver, eventually ended up in Seattle and has been here since the 70s. She has been married for over 30 years and has two grown daughters. After college, she worked as a German-English secretary in New York, going on to do similar work here on the west coast.
What have you found are the best aspects of growing older?
So far, I love 70. It’s been a blast. I’m glad to say goodbye to my 60s which included the stress of co-authoring a book and a couple of hospital visits. At 70, I love taking little trips with my husband, Don, and just exploring! It’s a time of more joy and freedom.
What’s the best advice you could give to a younger person?
We women often hear we can “have and do it all.” That performance pressure is unnecessary, so I advise younger women not to get caught up in it. Over our lifetime, and in small increments, we can have and do it all; however, not all at once. Enjoy each stage – getting your education, raising children and becoming involved in their schooling and activities, pursuing a career – but spread it out. When you’re a 70-something, you’ll look back in pride over all that you’ve accomplished over the years.
What thing from your childhood are you nostalgic about?
I loved swimming and diving with Dad. Any lake, ocean or pool we’d come upon, we jumped in. As a child, we swam on Thursday nights at the local high school pool until closing time. Dad loved to dive and wanted me to learn the correct way, so he invested in diving lessons for me. We enjoyed putting on a show; Dad on the 10-foot board, and me on the 3-ft board, doing simultaneous handstands, letting go, then diving in.
What changes in the world do you think are for the better?
This is a tough question. The world, with its terrorists, Middle East chaos, Ukraine and Russia disputes, scares me. Also frightening is the ease in which people shoot others. There’s no more arguing your point. Guns are much easier to prove your point. The violence and daily shootings in some areas of Seattle floor me…and I’m from New York City! However, there are also changes for the better. Since I’m a writer, today’s computers and easy access to Google research and the like, make my job so much easier. But, I’m also happy to still have book stores and libraries I can browse through.
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