Looking my age
I’ve often wondered how it would feel to get older. When I was in my twenties and heard that someone died at 50 or 60, I would think “they lived a long time.” But as the clock ticked and I got closer to those numbers or arrive at them altogether, my thought process changed to “wow, he died so young!”
Being 62-1/2, yes you keep up with the ½’s now, it is no different than being 52 or 42, at least in my mind. I do many of the same things I did twenty years ago. Although some of them are not with the same speed and vigor. (You’re welcome Rita). However, I have noticed that some things are changing in my environment just as I am getting used to 62-1/2 and it’s not just the snap, crackle and pop of my knees. Everything seems to be a little different.
I’ve noticed more Sir’s and Mr.’s than I use to get. Growing up in Alabama it was a sign of respect to call someone old enough to be your parent Sir or Mr. There also seems to be an air of politeness shown towards me that appears to belong to someone much older than I am. “Do you need help with that sir?” How Old Do I Look ANYWAY!!
I’m getting invitations to use my senior discount even when I didn’t let them know I was old enough for the senior discount. They offered without even asking for my ID. Apparently, I don’t look 42 anymore since I’m being offered help and volunteered for senior discounts. I grew up opening doors for ladies, again it’s a southern thing I guess. The Deep South was big on politeness and courtesy, so you held the door for ladies and old people. I’ve noticed young ladies are holding the door for me now. I don’t know if they are confused or I am.
Whether I want to admit it or not I’m 62-1/2 and although I don’t feel like I’m getting older, I am. But what does that mean really? Does it mean I am becoming less productive or less useful? No, absolutely not. Many boomers are as active in their later years as they were prior, and some are even more active and productive. There is a certain amount of freedom that comes with getting older. Certain things don’t bother me like they used to. What it means is that things are changing in my life, but I’m not dead yet so don’t put me in the grave.
Medical technology has raised the bar for longevity, but like anything else, it comes with a price. I must eat differently than I did twenty years ago. I need fiber? What is that? Growing up fiber was something that cotton had wrapped around a cotton seed. Now I need fiber. My physical activity around the house and at work was all the exercise I needed. Things are so convenient and easy now that exercise is something I must work into my schedule, else my muscles will start to deteriorate. My world is changing and I must change with it.
I have concluded that it’s okay to have fun as long as everything is done in moderation. I have embraced my future with a new song. I will live until I die and I will enjoy the journey along the way.
