Turning 80!

By Richard Eric Weigle

NEWLY MINTED OCTOGENARIAN Richard Eric Weigle, above. Photo by Michael Anastasio.

On July 7, 2025 I was ecstatic to turn 80. I had survived almost dying of amoebic dysentery in the Peace Corps in the 60s. I survived AIDS which devastated so many right here in Greenwich Village. I survived 911, Super Storm Sandy, the first term of Donald Trump and just for spite, I am determined to survive his second term.

So I am proud to have made it to 80, but how did I become a cliché? I have spent years going to the gym, taking yoga, benefitting from reflexology, acupuncture and massage, having a good diet, taking supplements to boost my immune system, staying creative, finishing books I do not like just to prove I can do it, trying not to become a grouchy old white man who complains about everything and talks about how great Greenwich Village used to be–and most importantly–having a great life partner who I am lucky enough to have in my wonderful husband, Michael Anastasio.

So what happened? It was a moment that can happen to anyone, a moment that can change your whole life in an instant with a broken hip or worse. While in the beautiful city of Amsterdam this past August, I tripped on a loose brick and fell hard on my face hitting the cement sidewalk. I remember thinking as I was falling, “What have I done?” Concerned Dutch bystanders quickly came to my aid, and slowly I realized that my hips and knees felt OK. Michael very carefully helped me up. My face hurt and was badly bruised, but we cautiously made our way to our friend’s nearby apartment. I was able to go out to dinner after the blood was wiped off and sun glasses were put on. As the dinner progressed, my nose began to swell, both eyes turned black and I looked like a prize fighter who had lost his match very badly. My dear husband stated it best when he said that I would have been a cliché if I had broken my hip or knee, but it was a testament to the good shape I was in that I did not.

Now I want to share what a few local legends and mentors have relayed to me about aging. Eccentric and wonderful Barbara Steinberg who lived at 55 Morton Street for over 60 years and who passed away in 2023 at the age of 91, told me, “Never use age as an excuse not to do something.” For the most part I agree with her. But sometimes it is fun and convenient to use age when you are invited to something you really don’t want to go to–or in the case of a recent return flight from Mexico–ask if we might board the plane a little before our assigned group because of my age and a bad knee. It truly is amazing how accommodating people can be when you are nice.

Former Greenwich Village resident and Academy Award winning actress, Eva Marie Saint, who turned 101 last July, continually voices her motto “Just keep moving” and she still walks in the park near her LA home.

Local celebrity, writer, and Grove Street resident, Calvin Trillin, when asked about his secret to longevity, quipped, “Good handrails!” And when you live in a brownstone in NY, those are especially relevant.

A friend gave me a wonderful book for my birthday titled 80 Things To Do When You Are 80 and I wanted to share some memorable quotes that I hope that you will relate to.

Preventative medicine doctor, Roger Landry wrote, “I want to age like a leaf, getting more colorful as I age. And when my time comes, I want to just fall off the tree, no long chronic disease, no expensive long decline and no loss of independence or dignity.”

Cicero said, “Gratitude is the highest human virtue. Be grateful for friends, family, freedom, opportunities and all the beauty in the world.”

Betty Finney wrote, “Be the architect of your own life…Bring your experience and wisdom to the forefront.”

Dr. Ruth Heinrich said, “Turning 80 is….something to be grateful for as you have made it past the average life expectancy for people in this country.”

Gilbert Leclerc, Ph.D., wrote, “…living with meaning brings vitality, creativity and joy. So find a hobby, help someone else, make something, write a poem, paint picture, plant a tree or even a flower, add beauty to the world in any way that you can.”

Lois Ernst said, “I no longer allow my past to rule my present….Accept the now!”

Virginia Kauer wrote, “Change is the essence of life. If we do not change with the times, we are sure to lose out on so much that life has to offer.”

And I will end with my favorite quotes from a very controversial octogenarian, actress and activist, Jane Fonda. You can love her or hate her but most people agree that she is one intelligent and interesting lady.

“Stay curious. It us much more important to be interested than interesting.”

“One of the most important things about getting older is forgiveness and letting go of hate.”

“Aging is not…where you peak at middle age. It’s ascending a staircase into growth, well-being, wisdom and happiness.”

I used to tell friends that if you age the right way, each decade will be better than the one before, but so far the jury is still out on my 80s. The good news is that I spent six weeks in Europe, 10 days in Mexico, helped run a film festival, produced and directed a new documentary, and still live a creative and productive life. The not so good news is that I injured my knee working out, but instead of whining about that, I have decided to be the architect of my own destiny and do everything in my power to make sure that the 80s are my best decade yet.