First off I'm convinced growing old would seem to be better than the alternative. For whatever reason, probably to avoid that alternative, I keep trying to find things to do that would keep me interested in retirement and growing old gracefully. I learned to play the harmonica, which seems to have helped my emphysema by assisting in expanding my lungs gently and in strengthening my diaphragm, helping to expel the bad air in my lungs and make room for a wee bit more oxygen. Today I bought a wooden flute. I'm going to learn to play it. This will help my old age experience, make me glad to be alive, and allow me to say positive thing about growing old. Another small challenge. Life is good and I guess that's a positive.
An archaeologist is the best husband any woman can have: the older she gets, the more interested he is in her - Agatha Christie I don't do alcohol anymore - I get the same effect just standing up fast - Anonymous The idea is to die young as late as possible - Ashley Montagu A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams - John Barrymore
All good points @Lara Moss. I just wish I could remember even a few of the words of wisdom I've read. The really sad point is, I couldn't remember them when I was younger either.
@Ina I. Wonder I don't have to shave under my arms anymore because for some reason the hair there doesn't grow anymore. In winter time since I wear jeans or long pants all the time I don't shave my legs as often either. My Honey says it doesn't matter to him since he doesn't shave his legs ...but in warmer weather if I am wearing capris, etc. I will shave my legs if the public will be getting a glance at them. And I also shave my legs for cozy up time with my Honey!
I have never been very hairy. Always had a head full of hair..which is thining now. I have not shaved my legs in years and years. Those very few hairs were super soft and almost unnoticeable. The arms...um twice s year maybe.
My BF, thinks I should go back to work. Um, nooo, I don't want to...why she asks.... Because I do not want someone else telling me what to do..been there done that
I'm the same except I don't even have to shave under my arms anymore...I never was really hairy in my younger days either
This is all quite interesting. In my case, during the past year or so, hair has begun growing pretty thickly where it was sparse all my life, wrists, and belly. Maybe I'll ask my Dr. about it. Frank
I guess I don't understand what you're saying or getting at @Michael Santi. I'm a little thick I suppose.
As a pessimist I see growing old as mostly negative, but I guess there are a few good points. My cooking skill seems to be dramatically improving all the time. Up until I hit forty I was a mediocre cook, then something 'clicked'. My martial arts also seems to be rapidly progressing, particularly my iron palm training. Ten years ago I could not break a brick in half; as of a couple years ago my palm slap turns a brick into rubble. I guess the best thing is increased foresight. Too bad I quit playing chess, or I would be two or three moves ahead all the time. Other than these few positives, growing old bites!
I guess it's a kind of balance which tips at different ages for each of us, the negatives which are usually health related, eventually weigh more than the positives, such as increased self awareness, hopefully more wisdom and perhaps improved cooking skills, which you are experiencing @Neville Telen , I guess personality and attitudes also affect it plus your financial situation...........personally at 76 I still have good health and no aches and pains, apart from poorer eyesight and hearing, for me ageing is proving positive, I can travel a lot and retirement is proving a blessing.....................of course all this could change tomorrow, but I try and live for today as much as possible.......... my cooking skills have improved but are still sadly mediocre
@Terry Page - you have a great outlook Terry, I admire that, have to say that having good health certainly helps
Yep, its the old optimism versus pessimism...glass half empty, or glass half full. Everything has its positive and negative aspect. A few aspirin will quell a headache, too many will melt your stomach lining.
Other than what I wrote in my initial post, the most positive thing about growing older is that it is positively and without a doubt, going to happen. That said, since time is only a reference point I do humbly submit that we are not really getting older but just wearing out from excess usage. If my memory serves me as well as I believe, throughout most of my life all of that excess usage was generally pretty well spent and if the Good Lord is willing, I do plan to have even more excess usage for the future.