Confessions of a Middle Aged Hippie with Beverley Golden: 2BB 052

Recorded from the Golden Years Hippie Hut

We interview Beverley Golden, author of “Confessions of a Middle Aged Hippie.” Beverley’s definition of the word “hippie” has less to do with lifestyle (sex, drugs, and rock and roll) and is more about the value system. She says our values from back then are still alive, kicking and part of the conversation.

Sustainability, organic living, community, compassion, art and music, meditation, expansion were part of the movement we “birthed” back then and is still in the forefront today. People of all ages considered themselves to be “hippies.” It’s the core of our humanity.

It was a seed that was planted, germinated, cultivated and has become part of the common cultural conversation. It’s where the “peace movement” and the concept of “love” was born.

Love is the essence of who we are as human beings. ~ Beverley Golden

These concepts and the movement have been “repackaged” in ways that resonate for others outside of our generation.

Former hippies became environmental lawyers and people who formed new communities.

Fashion has been influenced by the 60’s and 70’s like Bolo Chic with fringe and boots. Tie dye has never really died.

Young people want to embrace “hippie values.”

Bringing people back together in a face to face community is important because technology causes us to disconnect.

Is Facebook our new commune?

Women and Beauty

Beverley has a written a series of articles for the Huffington Post on Women and Beauty. When she was younger, she was ill for 10 years. She said she doesn’t know how she would have aged if she hadn’t become well again. The media makes it hard for women. We start to feel negative about how we are going to look as we get old. Many women have procedures done and then don’t look like themselves anymore.

Beverley’s mother is 99 years young and has never used anything but soap on her face. She looks like she’s in her 70’s. She’s alive and vibrant even though she grew up in a time when beauty in old age wasn’t part of the conversation.

There are many lessons we can learn from our mother’s generation like writing in long hand. We have to remember to exercise because we’re often sitting in front of a computer. We need to get out in the fresh air and commune with nature. Her mother has never been ill her entire life and was only in a hospital to birth her children until she broke her ankle at age 96. They call her “Legendary Lil.” She still has an amazing life force, is very engaged, has something to say and is active.

She was also active in her younger life and spent the majority of her time outside at the park speed skating, playing volley ball and baseball, swimming, etc.

Her mother is overweight but it hasn’t been a health issue. 60 Minutes did a segment on people who have lived to be 90+ and found that being slightly overweight as seniors is a health advantage. Women need a higher percentage of body fat but most are striving to be too thin.

If you ask her mother what her secret is, she’ll tell you, “Talk yourself out of it.” (Meaning mind over matter)

During the show we go more in depth about looking younger, having plastic surgery vs aging gracefully and more. (Listen in to our podcast by clicking on the player above this post)

Mother of a TV Star

Beverley’s daughter was an actress in the TV series “Ready of Not” that was filmed in Canada. She was 11 when it started and is still recognized 18 years later after the show ended. She continues to act and do voice overs. Beverley spent many years as a stage mom overseeing her career.

Singing and Songwriting