Growing Older
© Susan Todd-Raque
I have always believed in the saying, “you are as old as you feel”. As a man who is about to reach the ripe young age of 66, I still believe in that saying but with some qualifications. While I still think young, there are certain things about my body that don’t follow along. These things include: can’t and don’t want to move as fast, my balance isn’t what it used to be, aches and pains don’t go away as quickly, and the most frustrating of all, is my recall memory for trivia is not as sharp as it used to be.
On the other hand, I would like to think, like many of us “boomers”, that with all the gray hair, are seeds of wisdom that have long since been planted that our life experience has nurtured into some really good stuff. Some of the good stuff includes that I just don’t care what people think as much as I used to, I feel freer to say what’s on my mind, not intending to hurt anyone but just to tell it like I see it and I want to continue to face my fears with the courage of my convictions.
I am about to become a grandfather for the first time and I want to keep thinking young so when my grandchild is around her grandpa, as she grows up she will see aging as a positive part of life. I hope she grows up with the notion that not only growing older can provide young people wisdom, but that older people can also listen and learn from the younger generation. But in order to be around for her I need to do the things I know will give me the best chance of being there. My body becomes what I eat and exercise is good for my soul.
My advice to all of us as we age is it is never too late to begin to change. The only way to change the future is to change the present. I have learned to get love you must give love with no strings attached. You can teach old dogs new tricks but it just takes more practice.
