Our ‘words of wisdom’ interview celebrates our older people and the contribution they make. It gets their take on life, lessons learned and advice they would give to their younger self and younger people today. This month's interview is with 80 year old Adrian Anderson who lives in Portstewart.
What did/do you work at?
I was a Lecturer in Physics and Applied Mathematics in Further Education [1961-1995]. At present I’m an organist at Ballywillan Presbyterian Church, Portrush (45 years completed). Also I’m the evening organist at Holy Trinity Church, Portrush (for past 16 years).
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do more serious practice rather than merely play the piano /organ for pleasure.
What advice would you give to younger people today?
Discover what is your gift /talent. Focus on that. If you enjoy this and can make it your profession you will never have to work another day in your life.
What age has been the best age of your life? Why?
55 When I retired from teaching and was free to travel to America, Australia and New Zealand.
What in your opinion was the best decade? Why?
2000-2010 when I had considerable energy and the freedom to travel.
What is your earliest memory?
As a child being carried on the shoulders of a maid ‘ Rose from Donegal ‘ in the back yard of Islay View Portstewart under a Belfast Truss roof as she sang ‘There goes the train to Belfast town puffing along the line’
Proudest achievement?
Being awarded the British Empire Medal [BEM] in June 2014 for services to Music and the local community.
What would you say are the most difficult and most rewarding things about growing older?
Short term memory problems - where did I leave those keys etc. Taking longer to perform simple tasks.
Most rewarding things about growing older?
A feeling of gratitude for the gift of each day and more time to enjoy the constant theatre of the glorious skies along the North Coast.
What is the biggest misconception about getting older?
That life gets easier.
Would you like to take part in our words of wisdom interview? Or do you know an inspirational older person who is young at heart and defies the stereotype of an older person? Does your Granny love to surf? Or maybe you have a Grandad mad for skydiving? Perhaps your older parents are still working or are selfless volunteers continuing to make a difference to their community. If you know someone who fits the bill and who would be happy to be interviewed, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch by emailing communications@copni.org
