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What's it like being old?
- Thread starter Spiderman
- Start date
It seems to be the case that we mostly become more contented with life as we age, not grumpier as supposed, but much will depend upon how our minds and bodies fare. Possibly many of us will have resolved any particular harmful issues by our sixties or seventies, and although we might have fewer options open to us as to what we might do, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy life.
During my recent stay in hospital (three weeks) I saw many examples of ageing - some I can totally empathise with but a few I'd rather not end up as. Those around my age (72) seemed just as mentally alert and enjoying life as myself, but a few, older and with rather severe problems such as blindness or dementia, were just existing it seems rather than actually living any sort of life. One chap, 91, was relatively fit and was apparently a member of the World Cup football squad in the 1950's - as a goalie.
One thing I would say - if you want to do anything physical then do it while you are young since the opportunities will fade as you age. The mind can be kept alive but it's really a gamble as to whether we go the dementia route or stay reasonably fit mentally. Exercise and keeping the mind active seems to be the best one can do to achieve this.
I've done so many things earlier in life - rock-climbing, caving, mountaineering, cycling, sailing, etc., such that I can at least have that satisfaction if I seem to be getting more fragile now. And fortunately my mind is as good as I need it to be - hopefully.
The young tend to worry too much.
During my recent stay in hospital (three weeks) I saw many examples of ageing - some I can totally empathise with but a few I'd rather not end up as. Those around my age (72) seemed just as mentally alert and enjoying life as myself, but a few, older and with rather severe problems such as blindness or dementia, were just existing it seems rather than actually living any sort of life. One chap, 91, was relatively fit and was apparently a member of the World Cup football squad in the 1950's - as a goalie.
One thing I would say - if you want to do anything physical then do it while you are young since the opportunities will fade as you age. The mind can be kept alive but it's really a gamble as to whether we go the dementia route or stay reasonably fit mentally. Exercise and keeping the mind active seems to be the best one can do to achieve this.
I've done so many things earlier in life - rock-climbing, caving, mountaineering, cycling, sailing, etc., such that I can at least have that satisfaction if I seem to be getting more fragile now. And fortunately my mind is as good as I need it to be - hopefully.
The young tend to worry too much.
oldbadger
Skanky Old Mongrel!
I'm not old yet........... I'll let you know in a few days when I hit 70!
Honestly, I love this time in my life more than any other.
The Anointed
Well-Known Member
I'm not old yet........... I'll let you know in a few days when I hit 70!
Honestly, I love this time in my life more than any other.
You'll have to wait more than a few days. I'm 76 and still don't know what it's like to be old.
oldbadger
Skanky Old Mongrel!
Excellent! I'm sure that you are enjoying each and every day...... I hope so anyway!
Sadly, age races at and runs down folks quite indiscriminately. My wife is much younger than me, but in 2014 an illness nearly took her and she looked very very old for a few weeks until the hospital team saved her life. So I do know that age is not a number, but a condition.
But now my wife is fully recovered and enjoys reminding me that I'll be seventy in days. I'll bet that I get slippers, warm gown, high-mag reading specs and a newspaper on that morning! But I'll get her back..... oh yes....... definitely!
The Anointed
Well-Known Member
Excellent! I'm sure that you are enjoying each and every day...... I hope so anyway!
Sadly, age races at and runs down folks quite indiscriminately. My wife is much younger than me, but in 2014 an illness nearly took her and she looked very very old for a few weeks until the hospital team saved her life. So I do know that age is not a number, but a condition.
But now my wife is fully recovered and enjoys reminding me that I'll be seventy in days. I'll bet that I get slippers, warm gown, high-mag reading specs and a newspaper on that morning! But I'll get her back..... oh yes....... definitely!
Yea, well fathers day is not far away either, expect something similar then. I'm awaiting all the home made cards from my great grand kids, I love them.