What does it feel like to be old? (Page 3): Very nice words bcheary. Age is only a number.

peterjoseph

Very nice words bcheary. Age is only a number.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

bcheary wrote:

Going the e-mail rounds.

The other day, a young person asked me: - What did it feel like to be old?
I was very surprised by the question, since I did not consider myself old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.
Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don't worry about those things for long. I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flat stomach. I don't scold myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra "little things." I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.
I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old.
-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time?
I will dance with me to the rhythm of the 50's and 60's. And if later I want to cry for some lost love...I will!
I'll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They'll get old too, if they're lucky...
It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.
I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of my youth, before the deep furrows appeared on my face.
Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: -I like being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!-.
I know I'm not going to live forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to live by my own laws, those of my heart.
I'm not going to regret what wasn't, nor worry about what will be.
The time that remains, I will simply love life as I did until today, the rest I leave to God.

Going the e-mail rounds. img src="https://static.... (show quote)

This is one of the best posts I’ve ever read on this site. Thank you for sharing it.
Bruce.

TanglewodFarmer Loc: NW.Ar.

bcheary wrote:

At 90,I agree. Joe

lhorselou

Well said. My feelings exactly.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

bcheary wrote:

Going the e-mail rounds.

The other day, a young person asked me: - What did it feel like to be old?
I was very surprised by the question, since I did not consider myself old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.
Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don't worry about those things for long. I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flat stomach. I don't scold myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra "little things." I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.
I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old.
-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time?
I will dance with me to the rhythm of the 50's and 60's. And if later I want to cry for some lost love...I will!
I'll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They'll get old too, if they're lucky...
It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.
I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of my youth, before the deep furrows appeared on my face.
Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: -I like being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!-.
I know I'm not going to live forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to live by my own laws, those of my heart.
I'm not going to regret what wasn't, nor worry about what will be.
The time that remains, I will simply love life as I did until today, the rest I leave to God.

Going the e-mail rounds. img src="https://static.... (show quote)

"What does it feel like to be old?" For me it sucks. I feel much older physically than I do mentally or emotionally. Aging as in your post my be great if you are healthy, if not healthy, not so great. I have been having fairly serious health problems since age 50, I am only 69 now. My mind wants to try new things and especially learn new things, but my body can not go there. Many activities are a hard now, walking, grasping, standing for more than a few minutes at a time and related to those, balancing. I am having to do most things sitting down including photography. It also bothers me having to ask others to and depend on others to do things for me and help me constantly. The wisdom and knowledge that comes with age are a blessing but infirmities are a curse. My few pleasures are photography, music, nature, food, reading, and conversation. My ranting answer. Thanks if you read through it.

mindzye Loc: WV

This us so much BS

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

bcheary wrote:

Going the e-mail rounds.

The other day, a young person asked me: - What did it feel like to be old?
I was very surprised by the question, since I did not consider myself old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.
Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don't worry about those things for long. I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flat stomach. I don't scold myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra "little things." I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.
I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old.
-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time?
I will dance with me to the rhythm of the 50's and 60's. And if later I want to cry for some lost love...I will!
I'll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They'll get old too, if they're lucky...
It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.
I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of my youth, before the deep furrows appeared on my face.
Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: -I like being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!-.
I know I'm not going to live forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to live by my own laws, those of my heart.
I'm not going to regret what wasn't, nor worry about what will be.
The time that remains, I will simply love life as I did until today, the rest I leave to God.

Going the e-mail rounds. img src="https://static.... (show quote)

By and Large your thoughts and reflections are similar to mine. I'd like to add that when we leave this world, we do at some point return, although, when we do, we are probably unaware of our previous lives. If we follow the path of the Lord Buddha, some might get to recall those lives. Death is the end of a chapter. The next follows on.

Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

bcheary wrote:

Going the e-mail rounds.

The other day, a young person asked me: - What did it feel like to be old?
I was very surprised by the question, since I did not consider myself old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.
Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don't worry about those things for long. I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flat stomach. I don't scold myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra "little things." I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.
I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old.
-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time?
I will dance with me to the rhythm of the 50's and 60's. And if later I want to cry for some lost love...I will!
I'll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They'll get old too, if they're lucky...
It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.
I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of my youth, before the deep furrows appeared on my face.
Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: -I like being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!-.
I know I'm not going to live forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to live by my own laws, those of my heart.
I'm not going to regret what wasn't, nor worry about what will be.
The time that remains, I will simply love life as I did until today, the rest I leave to God.

Going the e-mail rounds. img src="https://static.... (show quote)

We put a lot f effort into our life where in old age we are wise. But no body asks us anything to prove our wisdom.
I knew I was going to get old, but didn’t realise it would be so soo.

sgt hop Loc: baltimore md,now in salisbury md

fits me to a "t".......

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

MosheR Loc: New York City

bcheary wrote:

Going the e-mail rounds.

The other day, a young person asked me: - What did it feel like to be old?
I was very surprised by the question, since I did not consider myself old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.
Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don't worry about those things for long. I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flat stomach. I don't scold myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra "little things." I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.
I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old.
-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time?
I will dance with me to the rhythm of the 50's and 60's. And if later I want to cry for some lost love...I will!
I'll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They'll get old too, if they're lucky...
It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.
I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of my youth, before the deep furrows appeared on my face.
Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: -I like being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!-.
I know I'm not going to live forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to live by my own laws, those of my heart.
I'm not going to regret what wasn't, nor worry about what will be.
The time that remains, I will simply love life as I did until today, the rest I leave to God.

Going the e-mail rounds. img src="https://static.... (show quote)

If a young person asked me that question, I would have said, "Ask me again in about fifteen years."

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Thanks for bringing it up, I'm amazed at how my machine (the human body) still works. How we take on food and water and it fixes and replaces all the functioning parts of our body and the gets rid of the rest, every day and night. How the brain, eyes, ears etc. still work. This machine replenishes it self and keep going.
Last night are photo group were out shooting for a few hours and I did it all and fell good at 91. I'm a lucky one to have my machine still run like this.
Thanks formatting me appreciate it.

kufengler Loc: Meridian, Idaho 83646

One Rude Dawg wrote:

My 5 Ws of getting old 1. Where did it go? 2. Why? 3. What's the point? 4. What's next? 5. When? Remember anything you do might be the last time you do it , so savor every moment. Enjoy it.

I tend to agree.
Having thought about it a bit, I feel pretty lucky, and photography helps me remember. For the most part that's why I've always loved taking pictures, the memories. The saying in this picture seems to remind me how lucky I've been in the 74 years I've been able to travel with my wife, some times with our daughter and other friends.
I have a Google Photos album with close to 800 memories of our trips to Mexico that I can view on a 50" TV as a sideshow.

Canisdirus

I've learned one thing about older folks...don't complain about your back hurting, or that you've pulled a muscle.

I was talking to my dad a few weeks ago...he's 92. Mentioned that my body is getting worn out.
Huh? You're still a young man...lol.

It only goes downhill evidently...

He's still out and about every day...still running his corporation...though he just skims everything now...has ppl in place he treats right...no worries. Meanwhile...he's out cruising around the world...I never know what country he is going to be in when I call.

ecblackiii Loc: Maryland

bcheary wrote:

Going the e-mail rounds.

The other day, a young person asked me: - What did it feel like to be old?
I was very surprised by the question, since I did not consider myself old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.
Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don't worry about those things for long. I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flat stomach. I don't scold myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra "little things." I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.
I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old.
-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time?
I will dance with me to the rhythm of the 50's and 60's. And if later I want to cry for some lost love...I will!
I'll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They'll get old too, if they're lucky...
It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.
I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of my youth, before the deep furrows appeared on my face.
Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: -I like being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!-.
I know I'm not going to live forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to live by my own laws, those of my heart.
I'm not going to regret what wasn't, nor worry about what will be.
The time that remains, I will simply love life as I did until today, the rest I leave to God.

Going the e-mail rounds. img src="https://static.... (show quote)

Well said!