Have you ever noticed that sometimes you can go months without thinking about something and then, suddenly, circumstances present that idea to you repeatedly within a short time span, bringing it back to the forefront of your mind? Well, that happened to me this weekend with the idea of growing old. After my 44th birthday at the end of May, I’d kind of drop kicked the getting old concept right out of my head. I didn’t want to think about it anymore. It was too depressing. This weekend, however, I had several conversations about how people are living to be reasonably old these days. Elderly people can live long enough that they, like my grandmother, wonder when they will ever die.
When I was a kid, way back in the 1970s, people talked about wanting to live to a “ripe, old age.” Now that many more people are living well into and beyond their late 80s and early 90s, though, that song and dance about aging has changed. Recently I more often hear people saying they hope they don’t live to be too old. It’s the whole retirement thing. People look forward to retirement, so they retire early. You could very easily retire at 65 today, though, live to be 95, and run out of your retirement savings. That’s a grim prospect.
My grandfathers retired at 65. Neither of them lived to be 75. They didn’t have a lot of time to enjoy their “golden years,” but they also didn’t outlive their pensions either. My grandmothers lived to be 93. They both ended up penniless in less than idyllic nursing homes (not that I think any nursing home situation is idyllic but you know what I mean). When I think about those two options, I have to believe that my grandfathers ended up with the better part of the deal. I’m not entirely sure I want to live to be 98 like the woman who shared a nursing home room with my grandmother during her last six weeks on earth. That poor woman had outlived everyone. She had one relative, and he lived in another state. She was alone and bedridden in a nursing home. No. Thank. You.
Although I seem to be getting older at a rate faster than I would prefer, living to a ripe old age doesn’t appeal to me. What is the benefit in living thirty years beyond your retirement party if you can never afford to party again? I’m not looking to die young (or, in my case, young-ish), but I’m not sure that living to 100 is the greatest bargain either. When I was in college working at the campus movie theater, I got to see Harold and Maude, which is a quirky cult film about a young man obsessed with death. He meets a robust 79 year old woman who believes in living every day to its fullest. It’s Maude’s assertion that 80 is the perfect age to die. When I was 20, I thought Maude had the right idea. Now as I dance ever closer to her magical number, I still find myself thinking she was onto something. But, you might want to ask me about it again when I’m 79 years and 11 months and see if I’ve changed my mind.
Live Now and Zen 
On Sunday, my friend was going car shopping with his last stay at home daughter. Intent was a solid care and his co-sign. I suggested he take her retirement home shopping, since he could have been retired, but life keeps putting demands on him he has to work harder to achieve. She isn’t ready for that yet, take care and enjoy it now, while you have all those good cells.
Sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. That is very common these days. Retirement age seems to be getting older and older and yet our seniors still outlive their funds. It’s a conundrum and a shame. I was simply wondering if I will find a way to escape your friend’s fate. 😦
I wonder how old age is viewed in “non-western” cultures? I have this, possible naive, idea that perhaps the very old are still valued in some places in the world.
I believe you are correct. Other societies do value their elders far more than we do in the U.S. I don’t mean to say that I see no value in old age. I do. Having seen, however, the fate of my grandmothers, I am not certain that I want to end up in the same situation.
I live in London and I am 80 years old. When I get old I shall stop working and enjoy my retirement.
Best comment of the day! Thanks.
Hopefully, it will be people in your life that will keep you going. I hope that it will be that for me. Hopefully, I will have a couple grandkids!
I’d be glad to live to 100 if I had decent health, family, and money to survive on. 🙂
Yeah, me too. It’s a great point you raise about our older population not having what they need to live a happy, sustainable existence and definitely more of an issue since we live longer.
Interesting food for thought. I think the key takeaway is that one should live in the present, instead of anticipating getting to enjoying things at a later date. Don’t plan for that amazing vacation after you retire. If you have the means to do so, travel sooner!
– K.
I agree, K. No one is guaranteed a tomorrow. And, even if you are guaranteed that you’d live to 90, there’s no guarantee about what physical state you might be in by then. You can plan for the future, but you might not see it.
Fascinating topic — how old is TOO old? And does that vary based on personal circumstance?
Me? I’m hoping to make a few million in the next few years, then live until I’m 103. But that’s just me.
😉
I’ve never seen Harold and Maude, by the way. I guess I should do that before I die, too…
Congrats on being FP! I really like your post because you’ve brought up an issue that is very relevant to today’s aging population, in particular baby boomers. Although I am only in my late 20’s, I understand that paradox of “living until a ripe old age”, and how it may not be such a great thing afterall.
My mom works in a seniors’ home (for elderly people with alzheimers, dementia etc.) and everytime I go there it’s somewhat depressing. I see lots of older women there—very few men, because men don’t end up living that long for some reason–just sitting idly by, passing time. Although most of these women have family that will come on occassion to visit them, some are alone and just seem to be awaiting their end–it’s as though they want to die because they have outlived everyone that matters and the people who matter do matter, don’t seem to visit them enough. Not only that, but they don’t even have the phyisical or mental capability to do anything for themselves anymore!
I hope I do not end up in that situation too, but who knows what the future holds, right? The only solace I have is in my husband’s grandparents who are well into their mid 80’s, still live in their own house, have a chicken coop, a huge vegetable garden and to top it all off, make their own wine and pancetta! If that’s the future that awaits me, then growing old doesn’t seem so depressing! 🙂
The thought of being 98 and completely forgotten — how sad. Whether people like it or not, I don’t think retiring at 65 is the wisest choice, do you? My grandparents retired too early and live very meagerly.
Great post…I couldn’t agree more. Spending your final years bedridden, alone, and subjected to having people feed and bathe you is no way to live. When you get to be a certain age, you outlive your usefulness and you begin to be a burden on other people. That time is a different number for everybody, but if given the choice, that is when I would like to go.
My grandmother spent years telling us she didn’t understand why she was still here. She wasn’t physically ill, she lived on her own, but she couldn’t get around well and she felt she was done. That broke my heart, but I understood where she was coming from. Her words have informed my opinion on this subject.
I never really understood why so many people are afraid of death…why be afraid of something when you don’t know what it will bring? In many cases, as you pointed out, one spouse has already passed…so it’s not surprising that so many old people are miserable. They would be much happier if they could be re-united with their spouse.
I agree, Linus. I’m not sure why other people fear death either. It’s not as if worrying about it or fearing it will keep it from happening. And, why waste your precious time living worrying about dying? Thanks for the comment.
I think I’m going to reserve judgment on the issue until I’m old and ripe. You’re basing your assumptions on how miserable you think these people are; how do you know that they are? Perhaps I’ll be perfectly content with my memories and my iPod at 98 bedridden in a nursing home. Don’t forget that even if your body wears out you might have an in interior life worth living.
I agree with your comments. I am basing my assessment on the lives my two grandmothers lived at the end. That’s my experience. I’m sure others have different ones.
I second that notion!..I researched assisted living for my mother….they are no longer the nursing home of the 70’s…some are as lavish as a 5 star Hotel equipped with fully stocked bars & happy hour..24/7 care, big rooms, maid service, taxi service & outings….why..I’m thinking of leaving my disgruntled teens and go check myself in…!
Charly…you must have found some fabulous places in your search. The nursing home my sister worked at and the one my grandmothers were resigned to were horrific. But, I share your view of the nice homes. If I could find one like that now I’d probably check in too. 😉
To hell with that. I want to get old before I die, and I ain’t getting old until I reach 100.
There’s too much living left to do yet, and i refuse to get sick. That’s not on the agenda.
Besides, that blog of mine needs a lot more cartoons, so I’ve got a heaps of drawing to do before I hit 100.
Laughter slows ageing and prevents ill health (I think).
Absolutely. I’m living large now so I can die before my body wears out but just before it does. 😉
Liked. A very great blog! Thank you for this! 🙂
Please try visiting mine too! guyleftbehind.wordpress.com
I would appreciate it a lot. Thanks! More support.
I enjoyed reading your blog because I did not think anyone felt the same way I did. I turned 50 last year and my Dad is still alive at 92. Lucky for my Dad, he still lives in his own home, drives his own car, cooks his own meals (and tries new recipes from the Internet), has company a few times a week, goes to the casino, streams his movies through Netflx, still plays the stock market and shows no signs of senility. My Dad has a retirement though the Merchant Marines and with Social Security, I think gives him an income of about $1,600 a month which he considers plenty for what he needs. He also has six daughters to buy him the latest TV, computer, etc. I suppose many people his age do not have that much family support.
As for me, I don’t want to live as long as Dad. At 50, I can’t even imagine working at my job another 17-20 years. I worry about whether I will have enough to retire so I live very frugally now to make sure I save 20% of my income between me and my employer. I have a house I have lived in 20 years that needs much work and I have no expendable income to do the work. I also am still supporting a son through college. To be honest, I worry about everything–my son, my home and my future. I’m tired. When Dad and I have talked about death he says in an angry tone “Why would anyone be worried about death, it is the end of your worries!” and I think he’s right.
That’s a beautiful sentiment your dad has about death being the end of your worries. Too many people fear death but in being fearful to die they might miss out on ways they might live larger. Thanks for your comment!
Just a quick note that you brought to my attention the song I used as an anthem during the sixties. Rebelling against the authority figures in my life I cradled the Who’s rendition of My Generation as my personal mantra.
Your post brings to light the ‘downside’ of growing TOO old.
Personally. back in junior high I hoped that my sixties would be it for me as I was planning my retirement by age 40. Well since that didn’t happen (smiles) I will “Keep on Keeping on”. I too do not want to be a burden on my kid’s by growing too old and don’t trelish being penniless at that time either.
According to the Bible we are to care for our family members in their later years. We as a society do not care for our elderly as the Asians do. The East Indians and Pakastanies do also as they are taught to revere their parents, grandparents and great great grandparents.
My wish is that I ghave a few left if modern medicine plans to keep me alive beyond my prime.
You are an inspiration. I believe that if you can remain this joyous and full of life, you will be happy no matter how long you live.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64 ?
I can’t say I want to die before I get old, but maybe like you said, I’d like to be healthy, loved and not broke before I die. In Africa we have an extended family that visits and meets your needs. Still I dont think I’d want to overstay my welcome with people wishing I was no more becaue of the burden. But if you walk and can take care of yourself and your back hasnt given in, then I suppose I dont mind. I definitely dont want to be old and bended over, blind and poor. At least we dont have to worry about heating bills in Africa. But with global warming, Africa may just be seriously cold, like it has been this year. August is usally warm, but a few weeks ago it was snowing in South AFrica.
my grandma just passed last week at 88. However, she spent the last 3 years in a bed unable to walk or feed herself. I DEFINITELY DONT WANT TO LIVE LIKE THAT!
Yet, when the moment comes to die, I bet you won’t want to. Even if you are 156 and in a dirty retirement home… Or would you?
It’s my contention that if you are satisfied with your life and live with a grateful heart then you will be ready when your time comes. I might be wrong but that’s how I live my life. I don’t obsess about death, but I am not afraid of it either.
Maybe you’ll change your mind when you are older.
I can’t imagine saying to myself, “Yep. I think I’ve had enough of everything. I would like to die in about 5-10 years….”
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
I never said I was looking forward to dying. I just said that I hope I die before I get to the point when it’s no longer possible truly to live well. I am okay with the notion of death, but I’m not looking for it. Thanks for the congrats! 🙂
This is so true. It’s strange how people long for the day they can retire so that they can have loads of free time again, but then when they get there – what is there to do anyway? Daunting. TOO DAUNTING.
I hear you and I support this motion. I’m just 30 almost 31 and to live more than another 30 years is too much for me. By that time my daughter will be her own woman and pretty it’s downhill from there. The thought of living to the age where I can no longer sustain myself and return to diapers is not a dream of mine. Having time and some pension without being able to enjoy it seems torturous. I’m just going to enjoy it while I can.
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! Interesting and thought-provoking post.
I have a friend who used to work in a convalescent home, and he once commented that whatever a person was secretly, deep inside, when they were younger, is who they ended up being when they got really old. He said it seemed like they just got too tired to hide it any more. So he had patients who were positive, loving and cheerful, and he had patients who were grumpy and self-centered. Made me decide to work on that “inner woman” at an early age so that I wouldn’t be stuck living with a grumpy old outer woman when I got older. Maybe we can’t actually control the length of our years, or the circumstances in which we will find ourselves, but we can control who we are inside and how we respond to the situation. If we start now. 🙂
Beautiful thoughts, Julia. Thanks for sharing them with me. You know I’m on my own quest to find my zen. And, thanks so much for your support of my blog and your congratulations. I truly appreciate it!
I don’t know if there’s a perfect age to die. My grandmother was nearly 90 and still quite lively when she passed. She worked as a tax consultant from home.
My hope is that I don’t outlive my body or my mind. Once one of those becomes useless, I’d like to move on to the next adventure.
I love the way you look at death as the next adventure. It’s a much more positive view than fear and it’s a view I wholeheartedly support. Thanks for your comment!
Well, none of us are getting out of this alive, anyway. 😉
Anytime! And thank YOU for the excellent post.
I’ve been hearing that term ‘Golden Years’ for so long that I almost believe it. But I don’t. I think I’m living them right now. My teen years sucked! I was miserable and it wasn’t till I hit my 27th year on this planet that I began to enjoy life. I’m 33 now and still dig the ride. But I know it won’t last forever and I’m one of those people who would rather die young and leave a beautiful corpse than to rot away in a bed somewhere with no one by my side except my bedpan.
And yeah it’s also that whole retirement thing too that you mentioned. 🙂
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! Yay!
Thanks, Amy. Your support means tons!
I’m so happy for you!!
Wow. Your blog sure affected people – look at the number of comments. It’s not about the magic number which is different for each person. It’s about your health, ability to transition and adjust, level of happiness, connections to others. It’s your quality of life! May it be great until the end.
I totally agree. I mean what’s the point in living until 100 when you won’t be able to walk, talk or hear and you’ll be shriveled up like a prune?
I think one of the really sad things about growing old is that the solid family culture is no longer here to support it. It would be one thing to grow old like my grandfather’s mother did, living with loving family members (son, daughter-in-law, grandkids), sort of rocking away in her corner of the living room and being respected and loved. Now, though, everyone has their “own” life to live, and caring for elderly relatives just doesn’t happen that way. We pack them off to nursing homes to let other people, who have no vested interest in them other than a paycheck, do all the caring and respecting. So sad. When my mother is old, I will do everything I can to avoid that. 😦 I know it will be hard work, and if she’s very ill, it might not even be possible, but it’s the right thing to do, if it can be done.
The consensus of all the comments seems to be that one’s health is the key to whether or not getting old is okay or not. That’s exactly right! I often see relatively young people misusing their bodies (tobacco, overweight, etc) and marvel at how short-sighted they are. Ill health is extremely debilitating both physically AND mentally. The depersonalization of being a patient can induce some pretty negative thoughts. The other side of the coin, however, is that a person in relative good health can be productive well beyond retirement and live a meaningful, enjoyable life. If you’re not well off financially, you just simplify. It’s neither complicated nor difficult. My age? I’ll be 70 soon and each day is worthwhile.
Ruth Gordon (Harold & Maude) was sexy and lively well into her 80’s. When you get a chance, rent the movie “Where’s Poppa.” I find as I move into my, let’s just say “later years,” my sights are fixed less on age and more on health. You can be young in your sixties, or old in your forties, but the quality of life dictates your desire to extend it. I’ll take a healthy 90 over a sickly 75. Like my Uncle — who lived to his late 90s — said: “Live every day like it’s your last, and eventually you’ll be right.” Stay healthy!
Congrats on fresh press. I’ve been thinking about this subject too after watching my father’s decline. Medical science keeps us alive longer and longer, and it seems many times just to prove that it can do it. When it’s time to go, it’s time to go. Best to get the living done now, and not wait for that tomorrow we may not get.
this “process” catapulted my current journey! thanks for writing and congrats on being fresh pressed!
My colleagues and I have agreed that it is a bad idea to get too old. Health complications and all sorts of things start to arise the longer one lives. We have come to the consensus that the ideal age is 80 years old.
Sincerely,
The Mid-Atlantic Lounge
Sounds like I’m in good company. Thanks!
what a fresh new perspective on life! loved the article
Best read in a long time. Thanks for sharing your insight! I love the perspective.. I guess it sort of boils down to the age-old question: quality or quantity? I’d go with quantity anyday.
I’ll also be putting “Harold and Maude” on hold at the library.
Take care, you’re a fantastic writer!
Aun Aqui
Thanks for your kind comment. And, don’t worry. I totally knew what you meant. 🙂
…I totally meant quality.
My blog is about my life and I’m sure that 105 – is a good age:-) Wellcome to the club!
My idea is to die young but as late as possible:-)
Well said! I won’t notice older age if and when comes. Why? Because I’ll be too busy looking good. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
I don’t think an early retirement is actually good for most people, unless they have lots of activities to keep them busy. My father turned 80 a few weeks ago and retired for the second time. He served 26 years in the Marine Corps, then taught business at a local university for 32 years. Working kept his mind active and his daily interactions with college students kept him up-to-date with what is going on with younger people. His scheduled allowed him plenty of time off between semester. I hope to stay busy and active well past the normal retirement age. I also plan to use by vacation time each year to travel and enjoy life.
Sounds like you and your father have the right life strategy. I like it!
What worries me about getting to such an age is not the money at all, but rather the state of my mental and physical health. If I got dementia, for example, then at the first signs of it all getting to be too much, I wouldn’t want to put myself or my loved ones through any more worry or distress. I don’t want to be vegetable who can’t do anything for herself, or who doesn’t recognise any of my family and therefore put them through so much pain. Of course it’s easier said than done, I do realise. I apologise for such a depressing comment!
It’s not a depressing comment. One of my grandmothers had Alzheimer’s. It’s a heartbreaking disease for the family to endure. I share your sentiments.
I completely agree with you. Somehow technology will have to speed up faster so people in their 70s are more spry and can work longer. It’s kind of sad to think that by extending our lives with medical advances, we are also extening our work-years. All the more reason to find a job/lifestyle that you’re absolutely in love with, I guess!
Cheers,
Courtney Hosny
Oh, we couldn’t agree more! Living “too long” isnot a happy prospect. Grandma J. died at age 87 last week. Her mind had just started going south, but she was happy as pie, and up until 4 days before she went, her body seemed to be headed for at least another 10 years. She died quick and peaceful in her sleep. Hooray! But…Grandpa has not been as lucky. We all thought he was going first. He is 98 years old with a mind as sharp as a tack trapped inside a body that won’t cooperate (agonizing). It’s especially heartbreaking to see him left all alone now, waking up each day and crying that he didn’t go in the night. There is definitely a lot to be said for dying young! And, as you pointed out, with the fate of Social Security and pensions hanging by a thread these days, “young” may mean a lot sooner than we all think!
Congrats on being FP! – UM&W
I agree wholeheartedly with you. I want to live as long as I have a quality life. I watch my mother fading away in a facility from the effects of Alzheimer’s. We have a daily conversation where she states that she has no purpose left in life, and I do my best to encourage her. My words fall on deaf ears, and secretly I pray I am not watching my future. In the meantime, I’m living as full a life as possible.
I’m sorry to hear about your mother. My grandmother suffered the same fate as your mom, so it is on my mind too. Live well!
I completely agree with you. Your honesty is refreshing. You have a long way to go before old age, though. Don’t think about it again ’til you reach 60. Then just think about it enough to be sure you are using your time wisely and having fun. 44 seems REALLY young from the vantage point of 64, which is how old I’ll be in less than six months, but I’m still kickin’.
My dad always said he would live to be 80. That was 32 years older than his father’s age and 25 years older than his mom when they passed away. When he neared 80 he upped his goal to 90. He is now 86 and he’s thinking about 100.
If money and health are beyond are reach, at least we can work on our state of mind. (Of course, health does have some play in this). I think if we can be conscious of how we feel and work on being happy, especially now, we can work on sustaining ourselves through “older” age. Perhaps then circumstances will be more insignificant. 🙂
Congrats on the FP!
Cheers,
iRuniBreathe
I think it is scarier growing old now than it was a few years ago, especially with the fear of ending up penniless (or worse, in debt) with no hope of proper health care or even enough money to be buried when you do pass away, and worrying about your family having to take care of it once you’re gone. With the way the talk of slashing Medicare/Social Security and funds we’ve paid into all our lives going down the tubes, who wouldn’t be a bit afraid of growing old?
Congrats on Freshly Pressed. It is interesting to think of this issue in the way you’ve presented here.
I have always intended that song in a metaphorical way: I think you are only old when your curiosity is gone, when you are not willing to learn anything new, when you are not interested in life any longer, and I have always wished I’d die before that.
However you intend it in an entirely different way (which is interesting in itself) and made me consider a different side of the matter. Thanks!
You’re probably right about the reading of that song. I just thought the song title fit my blog. See how shallow I am?
🙂
Well, we all need bread and a roof, don’t we?
Congrats on Freshly Pressed!
Thanks!
how about, living as long as possible but not running out of money. I like that option better than dying early.
I’m happier with quality rather than quantity……..especially if I’m still living a life full of quality fake mustachio photo opportunities at 80!!
It depends on what old is? I think you have a pretty good definition… penniless, in bad health, in a nursing home. That sounds not only old, but very very unappealing. My plan is to start things like sky diving and bungee jumping a couple years before that!
I think it’s important to remember that good health ultimately leads to longevity and overall well-being in terms of quality of life. With that said, living to a “ripe old age” as some say, isn’t the big bad experience that many contemporary elders are having. They’ve fallen prey to unhealthful lifestyles and therefore are paying the price. I live in a sub-division that’s about 75% retirement age (65 and older) and many of the residents are extremely viral and in their 90s. They contribute their vitality to balanced diets, plenty of exercise and leading a purposeful life (in other words keeping busy and perhaps more importantly, fulfilled). My parents were both diagnosed with cancer this year and they’re in their late 50s. They have eaten poor diets, used tobacco and aside from work (which was chiefly menial, by the way), exercised practically not a day in their lives. They live in absolute denial everyday about their health and refuse to take responsibility for their poor choices. Their respective cancers came on shortly after I, the third and final child moved far away like my brother and sister, they hit financial hardships, and ended up having to sell their house, rent and find new jobs that pay very little (after searching for years). In summary, health and emotional well-being are intertwined with quality of life, longevity and happiness.
Spot on! I feel the same way thanks for this post it was a good read!
Nice post and very valuable ideas. I actually agree with you. It’s the whole idea of being alone while the rest of known people died that is bad and also the fact that maybe you are too old to be flexible ebough to accept the changes that of course happened in everyday life. Having said that, I think anyway the situation may change from family to family and from country to country. Here in Italy it is still a value to be able to live that long and old people in small towns are still considered ‘heroes’, they remember the history, they can give their opinion and they know proverbs that could explain every part of your life. My grandma is 92 she basically lived all the greatest ages we had and she is still strong enough to say us what we shouldn’t do. She lives alone in a small apartment my parents built for her in our house and she refuse to give up with her habits or her freedom. She even has the courage to say she would indeed like to die, as she is too old, but she actually could run faster than me if she really would do that. I think all of us would hope to arrive 92 like my grandma did, with a family taking care of you and a pension granted to you when your country was not yet in the shit and enough strenght to still watch soap operas but for any other lifestyle I would rather die at 80 myself.
Does anyone remember Dr. Red Duke (who by the way was the first ER doctor to receive President Kennedy in Dallas the day he was shot)? Duke did a series in the ’70s or ’80s called “Dare to be 100.” He said to ask yourself if you want to live to 100, but do not entertain the yes, but only if I have money, or only if I am healthy. Either yes or no. Well I said yes before he even added the qualifiers. I was quite young when the series was televised, but I haven’t changed my mind. I have exercised, eaten healthy, etc., etc. Whether it was my doing or just luck, I’m quite healthy, no aches or pains (thanks to yoga I think) and I continue to look toward 100.
As someone mentioned, there is interior work that I believe becomes more important as we age. I would meditate more. Someone who is religious might pray more. But I do believe that we become more introspective with time.
I will say this, 44 was a very tough year for me, although overall the 40s were terrific. I see my 86-year-old father-in-law still getting up every morning early, meeting his coffee friends and then spending his day in the garden. Perhaps the rewards of this part of life are different than at other ages.
At any rate, and for whatever it’s worth, I’m still going for 100, no qualifiers.
So we are on the same league!!:)
I had goose bumps reading this which compels me to tell you my story. Since the age of 15 or 16i (ish) I told my self and a few of my closest friends that I was going to die before the age of 35 and that my life would be told in book or that “someone was going to write a book about me.” Well, on May 20, 2012 at the age of 34 my husband and I were clipped on the right side causing a roll over accident. In mid flight, I thought I was dead. Those quick few seconds I thought back of all the times throughout my life that I shared of my short lived life. By the time we hit down again, I realized I was alive. It wasn’t until 3 weeks later that I succumbed to the OMG, I’m alive, this is my second chance and that car accident was my opportunity to re-awaken and re-new my life! Theres no biography on me, obviously. Just myself telling about my life in tid-bits thru my Blog. That’s close enough wouldn’t you say? My point is after that day, I’ll take all the years I can get I’ll make the best of them and give each day a fighting chance, penniless or rich, alone or not….. Heres a link to my accident story…http://jentendesigns.net/2012/05/25/ill-see-your-c7/ if you care to read it. 🙂
quite curious…how old is old?
I get what you mean, but if i was a kid or a teenager during the 70s, i probably wouldn’t care if i was getting old now. You are one from the lucky ones, to have spent one of the most amazing decades as a kid. You lived and watched the innovations of music and so many other great things of the 70s!
My personal opinion is that every age has its beauties. Being a mother, a wife, a grandma and of course no one noes what comes after death. It could be a door to something better that this. Who knows!
See, this is exactly why I don’t worry too much when all my friends, what with their green tea, juice cleanses and yoga, yell at me for drinking booze, smoking cigs and eating an entire cow in one sitting. I’ll have the last laugh when I actually die of something and they’re looking all stupid being old and dying of nothing.
My thought has always been “eat right, exercise, die anyway.” Might as well live while you’re here and enjoy it. 😉
Hello.. An interesting subject.. right in line.. for humans.. with the ‘big question’..
Me?.. in thoughts of ‘ending it all’ and other drama of artistic porn.. I believe life to be the ultimate gift.. I know pain.. I know heartache.. I know great love and joy.. I believe life is for once and always.. may as well stick around to see what is going to happen.. 🙂 Peace Tony
I salute your courage in tackling a difficult subject. My father is sliding into dementia at 80, yet his body is still fairly strong. Quality of life questions live large in my head as well. As to eating right, exercising, and dying anyway, I remember hearing someone quip, “Live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse.” It’s an amusing (and shallow) way to say the same thing. 😀
There’s another way to look at that, as there always is:
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to slide across
the finish line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, and shouting GERONIMO!!!”
Exactly!
Lol!! Love it!!
This reminds me of my mom — she always says the same thing. She doesn’t want to get so old that I have to change her diapers and that she can’t take care of herself, and actually says she thinks it’s irresponsible to want to live to be 100 when we are overpopulated and short on resources as it is. Thought-provoking post!