LECTURES

Is it old age, or a “gift of time”? That is the question at the root of Mary Catherine Bateson’s most recent book, “Composing a Further Life.” A follow up to 1989’s successful “Composing a Life,” Bateson invites readers to see life as an “improvisational art form,” posing opportunities for growth at every turning point. In “Composing a Further Life,” Bateson discusses an extra phase of life, what she refers to as “Adulthood II,” created by unprecedented levels of health, energy, time, and resources. Here, she relates the experiences of men and women, herself included, who, upon entering this new phase of adulthood, have found new meaning and new ways to contribute, composing their lives in new patterns. On this special evening, Bateson will discuss ways in which all of us, at any age, can approach our further lives with imagination, curiosity and enthusiasm. Although she has retired from teaching, Bateson continues as a visiting scholar at Boston College’s Center on Aging and Work. Her books include: “With a Daughter’s Eye: A Memoir of Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson,” “Composing a Life,” “Peripheral Visions: Learning Along the Way,” “Full Circles, Overlapping Lives: Culture and Generation in Transition,” and “Willing to Learn: Passages of Personal Discovery.”

This event will be held at the Follen Community Church, 755 Massachusetts Avenue on Monday, March 12th from 7:00-8:30pm. The cost is $10.00. Pre-registration is required. Please call Lexington Community Education at 781 862 8043 to register using a MasterCard or VISA. Full details at www.lexingtoncommunityed.org