In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Karen discuss Karen’s journey from her early “wild years” into a dedicated career in social work focused on community organizing. Numerous signals pointed Karen toward this career trajectory, from being a resident of a maternity home at age 19 to attending a college (her 4th one) with a strong social justice mission. Coming of age in 1960 was a time before birth control and the pill were legal and, as Karen notes, “before having sex was ‘legal’ for women.” With candor and humor, Karen reveals provocative perspectives on her experiences of making art, care-taking of an older husband, and aging.
“My art is a projection of things I believe in—climate, reproductive rights, aging women.” -Karen Rechtschaffen MSW
Take-Aways
-
Doing work you believe in is a gift.
-
You don’t need to feel old just because you are over 70.
-
Creative expression can be a great escape from boredom.
-
Life live like it’s an adventure—wonder, what comes next?
Contact Karen Rechtschaffen:
Email: karenrecht@cloud.com
Website: https://www.karenrechtschaffen.com
Woman Made Gallery: https://womanmade.org
Connect with Gail & Catherine:
Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70
Instagram: Womenover70
Website:https://womenover70.com
Email: info@womenover70.com
Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined
Twitter: @womenover70
These podcasts with women over 70 are a wonderful way to recognize the various ways that women have grown and developed in their later years. I have known Karen Rechtschaffen, the guest in Episode 017, for nearly 40 years, since we worked together as survey researchers at the University of Chicago. We have remained good friends, although our lives have taken us in different directions and locations over that time. What I especially loved about the podcast with Karen was the way Gail and Catherine engaged with her to bring out her wonderful wit and innate wisdom about her life, and about life in general, the qualities I have always admired in her. Am now eager to listen to the other podcasts in the series.
Martha we are so glad you enjoyed the episode, thank you for listening!