Mediaplanet sat down with Canadian icon William Shatner for an exclusive interview about the Kickstarter for his upcoming book, “Catch Me Up”.

Mediaplanet: What advice do you have for boomers considering career changes?
William Shatner: I say reinvent yourself as many times as you can. Sooner or later, you’ll have a hit. Follow your bliss. Life is very short and it’s the journey. Sorry about all the clichés, but they happen to be true.

"I say reinvent yourself as many times as you can. Sooner or later, you’ll have a hit."

MP: What is the biggest mistake people make in their careers?
WS: People make the mistake of thinking they have to slow down, that their brain has atrophied, that their energy will give out. All of this is true but if you deny it long enough, you can pretend it’s not happening.

MP: How do you factor your health into your busy schedule?
WS: Health is the primary consideration. Without your health, you have no energy. Energy is the basis of a full life. If you limp your way through your schedule, you’ll fall further and further behind. It’s a result of luck and care.

MP: How has your approach to acting changed?
WS: I’ve tried to simplify. Simplify everything — both in reading a line, what the motivation is, and how I move.

MP: What moment stands out to you from your illustrious career?
WS: I live in the moment and at the moment, this new book I have coming out, titled “Catch Me Up,” is a highlight. I am also continuing to tour in my one man show and I have several projects in development, any one of which would be a highlight.

MP: What strategies should the over 50 crowd take advantage of to stay competitive?
WS: We are surrounded by technology and it’s much easier to throw up your hands and say “I feel so stupid.” It’s much more difficult to attack the problem, but strangely, acquiring knowledge of new technology is essentially simple if you have the right instruction.

"There’s no limit to the opportunities. The world is your oyster and there is technology for opening an oyster as well."

MP: What advice does your new book “Catch Me Up” offer boomers?
WS: The title of my new book is “Catch Me Up” — and that’s exactly what the book and the website offers. We can catch you up to the technology you’re missing. Resistance is futile.

MP: Any new projects on the horizon?
WS: Interview shows, animated series, new books, continuing my one man tour, and designing a motorcycle and a merchandise line.

MP: What career opportunities exist for workers over 55 who embrace technology?
WS: There’s no limit to the opportunities. The world is your oyster and there is technology for opening an oyster as well.

MP: Do you view aging as a hindrance or a motivational force?
WS: Aging carries a certain desperation to it. Your time is limited and one wants to accomplish as much as possible.