It’s been nearly 10 years since we visited Martha Jo Mahoney in her studio, where the abstract expressionist was using art to help recover from open heart surgery.
A decade later, her art career and her life are flourishing. Not necessarily bigger – but more fulfilling.
“I’ve learned from experience that less is more,” Mahoney said. “I feel like I’m as bold as ever. I’m probably even bolder. I don’t worry about sales anymore. I don’t worry about pleasing anybody anymore.”
While she no longer paints to please others, her work continues to resonate with collectors, galleries, and museums like the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, Florida.
Art may be a solitary pursuit, but Mahoney has never created alone. For more than 25 years she’s been part of a thriving artist collective, surrounded by encouragement, inspiration, and friendship.
“This is such a great group of artists that help each other by just a smile, by a hug, by just walking by and saying, ‘Hi,’” Mahoney says.
For Mahoney, growing older isn’t about slowing down. It’s about continuing to grow. Continuing to create. Continuing to stay connected to the people, places, and passions that give her life meaning. Sometimes, maintaining that connection requires a little help getting there.
“If I have a show at night, I don’t enjoy driving in the dark. I’ll have Uber take me, pick me up at my home, bring me to the show, drop me off for our open house parties and then they pick me right back up and take me home after.
“I’m comfortable. I’m not driving at night. I never worry really with Uber because they’re dependable,” Mahoney says.
Mahoney says Uber isn’t just about getting from one place to another. It’s about maintaining the freedom to do the things she loves on her own terms.
“You can go to a museum in the afternoon, you can go out to dinner in the evening. You don’t have to worry about parking places. It’s how you want to use it, and it’s easy to use,” Mahoney shared.
“Go to the movies. Walk across the street and have lunch with a friend. Call an Uber and go home. It could take you anywhere you need to go.
“There’s a way to get out and about. And that’s everything as we get older.”
Martha Jo Mahoney has what all of us need to thrive as we grow older — a sense of purpose, a community of support, and the freedom to stay engaged with the world around her.
“I’m looking forward. I have a lot I’d still like to accomplish,” Mahoney says. “I’m going to just make the best I can of it every day.”
If you’re interested in learning how to use Uber, just like Mahoney, check out our Uber 101 video below.
In this full Uber 101 session, you’ll see just how easy it is to use the app to get where you want to go—whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, dinner with friends, the grocery store, or your next adventure. Watch as we walk through requesting rides, using Simple Mode, booking by phone and other features designed to help older adults stay active, independent and connected.
