I’m really enjoying your posts because they do a wonderful job of presenting a positive but realistic outlook on aging. Having recently turned 61, I’m starting to realize that I’m who other people are talking about when they talk about “senior citizens and the elderly.”
I was thinking about your comment after responding to it. You are 61 - an absolutely great age. I don't know how much of my writing you have read, but I just want to emphasise that I don't just tolerate being old – I positively love it. I would readily choose to be my age and especially 60s and 70s (I have to expect more infirmity from now on, more slowing down). Do keep reading.
Thanks very much. It's always pleasing to hear from readers who appreciate what I do. And yes, it is a surprise to find oneself something called 'elderly'. But hang in there. I am 81 and still feel (most of the time) like I'm still in my 50s or so, although my daughter is about to turn 55. And if you haven't read it, you might like my book with the same title, ie The Granny Who Stands on her Head: Reflections on Growing Older. A 'positive but realistic view on aging" is exactly what it is about.
Would I like to know when I will die? No, it would sound too much like a sentence of execution. But I can take refuge in a softer alternative. Since my father died at 87 and his father at 88, both of strokes, I tend to assume that will be my fate in my late 80s. But these things are not certain, so I might edge into my 90s.
The Thought for the Fortnight has triggered memories of chats to old friends way back when they were in their 60s, or perhaps 70s, and three of them said that they expect to exit in that decade since that is when their parents died. All three are now octogenarians (Octos, as I like to call us), and hoping there will be a few more years. The degree of uncertainty allows for a measure of relaxation. I sometimes like to cite the adage attributed to Marghanita Laski, that old age is a series of little treats. Yes, relax and allow yourself some more little treats.
We all use our parents' life span to judge our own, but I'm not sure how accurate it is – yes, it is one factor, but there must be plenty of other factors to take into account. Moreover, we're all living longer, so we should probably work on a principle of our parents' lifespan plus>
I’m really enjoying your posts because they do a wonderful job of presenting a positive but realistic outlook on aging. Having recently turned 61, I’m starting to realize that I’m who other people are talking about when they talk about “senior citizens and the elderly.”
I was thinking about your comment after responding to it. You are 61 - an absolutely great age. I don't know how much of my writing you have read, but I just want to emphasise that I don't just tolerate being old – I positively love it. I would readily choose to be my age and especially 60s and 70s (I have to expect more infirmity from now on, more slowing down). Do keep reading.
I definitely plan to keep reading. Your book is on my Xmas gift list, but if no one else gives it to me, I’ll give it to myself after the holidays.
Thanks very much. It's always pleasing to hear from readers who appreciate what I do. And yes, it is a surprise to find oneself something called 'elderly'. But hang in there. I am 81 and still feel (most of the time) like I'm still in my 50s or so, although my daughter is about to turn 55. And if you haven't read it, you might like my book with the same title, ie The Granny Who Stands on her Head: Reflections on Growing Older. A 'positive but realistic view on aging" is exactly what it is about.
Would I like to know when I will die? No, it would sound too much like a sentence of execution. But I can take refuge in a softer alternative. Since my father died at 87 and his father at 88, both of strokes, I tend to assume that will be my fate in my late 80s. But these things are not certain, so I might edge into my 90s.
The Thought for the Fortnight has triggered memories of chats to old friends way back when they were in their 60s, or perhaps 70s, and three of them said that they expect to exit in that decade since that is when their parents died. All three are now octogenarians (Octos, as I like to call us), and hoping there will be a few more years. The degree of uncertainty allows for a measure of relaxation. I sometimes like to cite the adage attributed to Marghanita Laski, that old age is a series of little treats. Yes, relax and allow yourself some more little treats.
We all use our parents' life span to judge our own, but I'm not sure how accurate it is – yes, it is one factor, but there must be plenty of other factors to take into account. Moreover, we're all living longer, so we should probably work on a principle of our parents' lifespan plus>