Aging Gracefully: Timeless Lessons from “A Beautiful Noise”
In the twilight of our lives, we often find ourselves caught between cherishing the beautiful noise of our past and fearing the silence that seems to loom ahead. Broadway’s celebration of Neil Diamond’s life in “A Beautiful Noise” offers a powerful mirror for our own journey of aging—reminding us that our final chapters may be our most authentic.
For many of us, we live in the age of, “the older I get, the better I was.” For others, it might be, “the older I get the more regret I live with.”
The Song Sung Blue
“A Beautiful Noise” doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexity of aging. Diamond’s life unfolds through triumphs and struggles, reminding us that aging isn’t solely about decline—it’s about integration. The musical portrays a man looking back, not with rose-colored glasses, but with honest reflection. At times, it felt uneasy. As a sixty-five year old man, it seems like yesterday I was playing ball and life would last forever.
This mirrors that researcher Laura Carstensen at Stanford’s Center on Longevity discovered in her studies: older adults tend to experience more complex, nuanced emotional states than younger people. The emotional palette doesn’t diminish with age—it deepens.
As the Psalmist wrote: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” (Psalm 92:12-14, NLT)
I Am… I Said
One of the most compelling aspects of Diamond’s journey portrayed in the musical is his struggle for authentic self-expression. As we age, we often find ourselves finally uttering those three powerful words: “I am… I said.”
Research from the University of California found that people in their 60s and 70s often report feeling more authentic and genuine to themselves than at any previous point in their lives. The masks we wear for social approval or professional advancement usually fall away, revealing our most authentic selves. I find that both truthful and liberating. There truly isn’t anyone left to impress or, on the other hand, tolerate.
This authentic selfhood doesn’t happen automatically with age—it requires intentional reflection.
As Richard Rohr suggests, “We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”
The Apostle Paul captured this journey beautifully: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)
Sweet Caroline—Relationships That Endure
Perhaps what resonates most deeply in Diamond’s story is the importance of connection. The musical portrays how relationships—complicated, broken, and healed—form the backbone of a meaningful life.
Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of Harvard’s Study of Adult Development—the most extended study of adult life ever conducted—concluded after 80+ years of research: “The clearest message that we get from this 80-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
As we age, our social circles may naturally contract, but the depth and quality of our remaining relationships often intensify. Diamond’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to reconnect, to heal old wounds, or to forge new meaningful bonds. I’ve found myself more drawn to meaningful relationships as I age, and find it to be refreshing without the need to measure success, appearance, or worth. It is so much more enjoyable to simple be.
As always, the Bible has a thing or two to say about these things – “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help… A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)
Forever in Blue Jeans—Finding Contentment
One of the most liberating aspects of aging is the growing realization that happiness isn’t found in money or achievement, but in simplicity and presence. Diamond’s “Forever in Blue Jeans” captures this wisdom.
A 2021 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that as people age, their definition of happiness shifts from excitement and high-arousal positive emotions toward contentment, peace, and low-arousal positive emotions. We learn that “enough” is a feast.
This aligns with biblical wisdom: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT)
I’ve Been This Way Before
The musical doesn’t shy away from portraying Diamond’s struggle with depression and self-doubt. Aging often brings unexpected challenges—health concerns, loss, and confronting our mortality. When I stop to think that I am living in my fourth quarter, I can make a simple choice. I can be grateful for how far I have come and what lies ahead or ruminate about the old days and ways. Looking forward is so much more fun!
Here is some good news—research from Yale University suggests that older adults often demonstrate greater emotional resilience than younger people. This resilience isn’t despite suffering but because of it. Having weathered previous storms, we recognize, “I’ve been this way before,” and we survive.
As Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
The prophet Isaiah reminds us: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)
Hello Again—It’s Never Too Late
Perhaps the most powerful message from both Diamond’s life and contemporary research on aging is that renewal is always possible. At 76, Diamond continued creating music despite challenges with Parkinson’s disease, demonstrating that limitation can fuel creativity rather than extinguish it.
Dr. Gene Cohen’s groundbreaking research on creativity and aging found that older adults often experience a “creative age” characterized by enhanced creative thinking and artistic expression. Far from being a time of decline, later life can be a renaissance of creative potential.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, NLT)
Coming to America—The Journey Continues
As we age, we emigrate to a new country—that of older adulthood. Like any migration, this journey requires courage, adaptation, and hope. Diamond’s “Coming to America” captures the spirit of this journey.
Brené Brown reminds us that courage isn’t about fearlessness but about showing up despite fear: “You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” Aging gracefully requires the courage to continue becoming.
The musical portrays Diamond not just looking back but continuing forward—adapting, creating, and contributing despite changing circumstances.
“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” (Psalm 92:14, NLT)
Play Me
In his song “Play Me,” Diamond writes about being an instrument through which music flows. Perhaps this is the ultimate wisdom about aging gracefully—recognizing that we are instruments through which life continues to play beautiful music, even as the melody changes.
Our final chapters may well be our most authentic, most generous, and most beautiful. The noise we make may become softer, but no less beautiful.
The invitation remains open: play me, life. I am still an instrument with songs, wisdom to share, and love to offer. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
This promise has no expiration date. Let’s live this side of Heaven Forever in Blue Jeans!
Go in Peace, Chuck
