Yesterday I had a long day at work. It took me till nine in the evening to finish all my charting. There was nothing left of my brain but mush. I needed to watch a movie to help my brain do a peaceful transition to sleep mode, so I decided to watch The Mummy with Brendan Fraser in it.
As I enjoyed viewing the movie, I got curious and wondered what the lead actor had been up to these days, so I googled Brendan Fraser. When his picture came up on my Kindle screen, I was shocked. “Oh my gosh, this guy is getting old!” I murmured to myself.
My curiosity took hold and I started to check out some of my other favorite actors.” What the heck! They are all getting old!
Then realization hit me, I’m getting old. As Charlie Brown would say, “good grief!”
Aging has not been kind to my body. It seems that my outer body has been influenced by gravity causing various parts to sag or hang south. Why is it we fight this inevitable process in trying to stay young and with each additional year it gets harder to maintain the youthful look.
Gray streaks have increased in my now long hair since I haven’t been able to get to the beauty shop to have my highlights done or a haircut. It’s funny how the gray sticks out more especially when I pull my hair back in a braid for work.
My eyes don’t work as well, and I need readers if I’m going to see anything up close. I must have about twenty glasses strategically place throughout the house, car and in my purse. Thankfully, I don’t have them hanging from my neck, at least so far. If I don’t have my readers with me then I need younger eyes to help me out. It’s embarrassing. One time I was at a self-checkout in Walmart and I was holding out an item as far as my arm could stretch so I could read the label. A lady nearby offered her wisdom, “Your arm is not long enough.” No kidding, Sherlock!
When I laugh too hard, I pee. I find myself crossing my legs if I feel a hardy sneeze coming on. I don’t want to hear anyone say, “Why don’t you try the Poise Pads?” Not going there!
My joints are stiffer and I find that an occasional mild pain medication comes in handy to ease my discomfort. I’d always laugh when my grandpa would say, “It’s going to rain because my knee hurts.” Somehow, I have inherited this gift of predicting the change in the weather. Why don’t I feel blessed about this?
I was reminiscing thinking about how I used to do cartwheels when I was a kid. Yesterday I went outside and found the most padded area in the grass just in case I couldn’t make it back to my feet. I breathed a prayer that I wasn’t doing one of those stupid things I do on occasion and then I went for it. Well, wonders never cease! Woo hoo! I can still do them!
Getting old stinks!
Maybe physical aging isn’t always a joy but there are many benefits to getting older.
I think about all the stuff I have gone through and experienced that has caused me to grow and gain wisdom. Hopefully I have gotten passed the stage of making stupid decisions. But who knows I still have years ahead of me to add more to my ‘Dumb Things Gwen Did’ list.
I have a better appreciation for nature’s beauty that surrounds me. I know without a doubt in my mind that this wasn’t from a Big Bang. My admiration of the gifts and talents of others grows and the fact that God created such a diverse human race with many cultures and customs continues to amaze me. – The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. – Frank Lloyd Write
I find that I am more calm and mellow, and I tend to think things through, at least most of the time.
I have experience love and marriage, and God has blessed me with children and grandchildren. There are many people who I have had the pleasure in meeting and becoming friends with. I’m a part of history as a baby boomer whether I like or not. I guess every generation has their good and bad moments.
Grandma and Gwen
God knew that our youthful body would decline but our life experience and memories would always stay with us. Thank goodness I haven’t misplaced my brain!
I remember visiting my grandma to have lunch with her. She resided in a place where other 50 plus people lived. Grandma, at the age of 96 was ambulating with a four-wheel walker to help keep her steady with her bad knees. As we were walking back to her apartment, grandma shook her head and said, “There sure are a lot of old people who live here.” I smiled and looked at her to see if she was joking. She was dead serious! Hahaha! I guess no matter what age, you still think of yourself as young.
I bet if there were no mirrors in this world people would have a better outlook of themselves and maybe think they are ageless! I mean, how old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were? Isn’t it funny how we are always the same age inside? – Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty – Coco Chanel
I hate to break it to you, but your body will age and breakdown. Honestly, all these “stay young” gimmicks just aren’t worth the money and hope that is put into it. – We don’t grow older, we grow riper. – Pablo Picasso
Embrace your age. Now that doesn’t mean you need to act your age. As Walt Disney quoted, “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” Now this is a recipe for trouble, but it certainly will add spice to your life!
For the most part, people have respect for their elders, so I’m hoping to be a part of the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. old person group someday. Once I was told that when you turn 80 you can do anything you want. I’ve got twenty-four years yet till I can experiment with that, and believe me, I’m going to give it a try and hope my son doesn’t put me away! – We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. – George Bernard Shaw
So when I’m ask if getting old is worth it, I think it is.
Physically you get more awake time because you need less sleep if that’s possible. This doesn’t count the nodding off we may do during the day!
For some reason, the elderly become impervious to the heat. Seriously! I’ll be glad when I don’t get so hot and sweaty and then I can start wearing some of these cool sweaters that I have been stocking up on.
But seriously, I think most people take aging in stride. It’s the small percentage of old people who are cranky and miserable to be around. – None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. – Henry David Thoreay
Despite the physical downside of aging, I will embrace getting older and try to enjoy every moment I have. Laugh till I pee, cartwheel till I break something, learn as many new things as I can, and enjoy the moments I have with my family and friends. – The trick to aging gracefully is to enjoy it. – unknown
Is getting old worth it? Yes, it is!
Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Gwen
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