To the editor:

I wanted to comment on Nancy Julien Kopp's article, "Past, Present and Future" (July 2010, page 25).

She obviously was presenting a heartfelt item with her own reflections. However, I was concerned with the italicized statement, "Old people live in the past because they don't like the present and they fear the future." That was an unfortunate emphasis, because there are several other reasons older persons focus on the past.

For some it is the passing on of experiences and knowledge. For others it is a life-review process as they take stock and appreciate what did and may not have happened—an essential developmental step at this stage of life. For some it is remembering pleasant experiences as life slows down, just like recalling a vacation is not escaping. So I think the past is not just a refuge, as Ms. Kopp presented, but can also be a relishing of life.

I am 66 years old, still working in personally satisfying efforts that have been the continuation of a lifelong career. Perhaps I have been more fortunate. I do appreciate the other side, as my wife, the same age, had to retire early due to her health.

So I guess I am encouraging recognition of change as we age, balanced with a healthy dose of hope and appreciation. Given the rest of the publication, I suspect you also share these goals.

Evan Ash
Mediator, Kansas Tenth Judicial District, Olathe