How the Ink Slingers of Richfield Are Redefining Aging at Friendship

At Friendship, we believe that growing older doesn’t mean growing smaller. Curiosity, creativity, and the courage to try something new don’t retire—and neither do the passions that make life feel meaningful and connected. That’s why we create opportunities for residents to build community, continue learning, and shape the story of aging n bold, inspiring ways.

And few groups embody that spirit more than the Ink Slingers, a creative writing club born on our Independent Living campus at Richfield. For four years, these writers—most of whom never set out to become authors—have gathered monthly with nothing but a writing prompt, an open mind, and a willingness to put pen to paper.

Recently, we sat down with three of them to hear what this journey has meant.

Discovering Something New—At Any Age

What struck me most was how none of these women set out with the dream of becoming published authors. For some, writing had been a quiet companion throughout life; for others, it was brand new.

Linda had kept journals for years, yet never dreamed of publishing. “I never wanted to be a writer—or published,” she said. “I joined the creative writing club, which became the Ink Slingers, and was amazed by what came out of my mind.”

Joann wrote to preserve her Icelandic heritage. “The best thing I ever did was get my mother and three sisters to write down their stories,” she said. “Those stories connect us to where we came from.”

For Judi, writing became a deeply personal way to capture memories as her husband faces memory loss. “It’s important to write these things down,” she said. “For him. For me. For others.”

None of them started with a plan to publish. All of them discovered something powerful in trying.

From Monthly Prompts to a Published Book

The idea for a book started when local guest author Stephen Davis came to speak to the residents about his book and encouraged them to consider self-publishing. Linda ran with it—though she had no idea what she was stepping into.

She dove into Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, teaching herself everything: formatting, proofing, compiling, arranging. From June to October, she invested more than 100 hours bringing the project to life.

And then came the moment every writer dreams of. “Even though I had spent so much time editing and formatting, actually holding the book in my hand… it had a reality to it,” she said. “There was a newness to reading each story.”

The book, Glimpses Into Our Past: Memories and Flights of Fancy from Golden Agers, includes more than 100pieces—some less than a page, some up to four. The prompts range widely: seasons, memories, family traditions, even firsthand experiences of historic moments.

A favorite prompt—“The Playgrounds of Our Youth”—showed just how differently each writer interpreted the same idea. From “free-range” childhood adventures, to an Australian adult playground, to growing up without playgrounds at all—just brothers, imagination, and games of cops and robbers. Each story revealed a window into a world that no longer exists.

And the Ink Slingers aren’t just Friendship residents. Contributors came from former residents and even from seniors still living in their own homes. The project became a true community collaboration.

Writing as Connection—To Ourselves and Each Other

In their four years together, the group has grown not just in membership, but in skill. “When we read our work out loud, we give each other gentle criticism,” Judi said. “It’s helped us all improve.” They push each other. They encourage each other. They surprise each other.

Linda often creates the prompts herself, drawing on memories, themes, or suggestions from the group. Other times she searches online for inspiration. No matter the prompt, the group proves again and again that creative expression isn’t something you age out of—it’s something you grow into.

When asked how their families reacted to the published book, the responses ranged from modest pride to quiet indifference—but ultimately, every writer agreed:
They write for themselves.

For some, writing is a way to revisit cherished memories. For others, it’s a way to process difficult ones. For all of them, it is a way to stay connected—to the past, to their families, and to one another.

Joann shared how writing helped her grandson understand the great-grandmother he never knew:
“You know her as someone who was quiet and couldn’t do much,” she told him. “But she used to be spry and helped my dad build houses.”

Stories preserve people. Writing gives voice to the parts of life that should never be forgotten.

Advice From the Ink Slingers: “Just Do It.”

When asked what they would say to someone thinking about writing—or trying anything new—every answer came with warmth and conviction:

“Just do it,” Joann said. “There’s so much to share. It would be a shame not to.”

“You won’t regret doing it. You’ll regret NOT doing it,” Linda added. “Do it even if it’s just for yourself.” And Linda, who once never imagined publishing anything, now encourages others to simply start. Because in the act of writing, something awakens.

“It’s very fulfilling to put memories into words—good ones and sometimes even bad ones,” Judi said. “It can be a release.”

At Friendship, this is what we mean when we talk about transforming perceptions of aging. These writers prove that creativity doesn’t fade. Learning doesn’t stop. Dreams don’t expire.

A Story Worth Sharing—And Reading

The Ink Slingers set a goal of selling 100 copies of their book. So far, they’ve sold 31—and every sale represents a story shared, a memory preserved, a voice heard.

If you’d like to support their creativity—and enjoy an extraordinary collection of stories from extraordinary seniors—you can find the book on Amazon:

Glimpses Into Our Past: Memories and flights of Fancy from Golden Agers
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FWYYHB99/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Because It’s Never Too Late

The Ink Slingers remind us that the later chapters of life can be the most surprising. The most creative. The most joyful.

All it takes is the willingness to try something new.

And at Friendship, we’re proud to offer a place where that spark can take flight—at any age, and on every page.

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