Why "My Long Story Short?"

For the better part of the past two decades I have been traveling the country interviewing senior citizens (over 1,600, to date) as part of a project I created called, Eldercation: Tapping Into Our Greatest Undiscovered Natural Resource. The process of collecting these fascinating interviews then inspired me to write an award-winning book titled: "gOLD: The Extraordinary Side of Aging Revealed Through Inspiring Conversations." Since the release of "gOLD," I have continued my interview adventures, but I have also been busy speaking to audiences about why it is so very important that we change the way we view aging and older people.

   Over the course of my travels, people have often asked me if I would consider conducting private interviews of their moms, dads, uncles, aunts, grandparents and special friends. I shied away from taking on these jobs, primarily because I was so busy traveling, interviewing, transcribing and writing the book. But, as it happens, part of my own "eldercation" development has prompted me to admit to myself that my truest joy experienced during this journey has been derived from my interviewing, and then writing about, the individuals, and then creating short video clips for the Eldercation website.  Now, with the development of "My Long Story Short," I have the opportunity to do what I love most doing and—as a bonus—I get to create books and videos for people and their families, so they can then share these special nuggets of wisdom with—and actually speak directly to—the generations that are coming down-the-road.

   Do I enjoy writing and speaking? Very much so. But what I really enjoy doing, is interviewing, transcribing, editing photographs and video footage, and then shaping this material—crafting it into special keepsakes which can then be passed along to families and their loved ones. I hope to be doing this work for many years to come. To me, this process reveals yet another wonderful way to tap into this incredibly rich resource. (Harry J. Getzov, Vero Beach, FL)

"I can't think of a better gift to give to my family. Finally, they'll know what I've been thinking all these years! Harry has a way of asking just the right questions which then prompt people to express themselves and share the wisdom they have soaked up over many years of life. This is very special."

                                                                   —Geneva Price (78)
                                                                      Kansas City, Missouri

"During my interview with Harry, I had the chance to talk openly not only about my life-long battle with diabetes, but more importantly, about the work I have done to raise money to fight back against this disease." Harry and I walked around my home and I showed him all the memorabilia surrounding my "Miracle Walker" campaigns—the awards, the photos, the golden sneakers—all of it! I can't tell you how terrific I feel just to know that my family and friends will be able to hear and read about what has been—and still is—most important to me. And they'll be able to do it for many, many years to come. This really is the greatest gift, not only for me, but for all the people I love."

                                                                                       —Jack McCarthy (73)
                                                                                          Wichita, Kansas