I know I’m getting old, because the government told me so. When I hit 65 this summer, I’ll be officially over the hill. That’s when I become eligible for Medicare, the government program to take care of the elderly. [Although I could go off on a tangent here, I’ll resist.]
It used to be that turning 65 meant you got your gold watch on Friday, and on Monday you were out of a job. Of course that’s different these days, as many work into their 70’s and even 80’s. Don’t the Boomers preach that 50 is the new 30?
Don’t believe it.
Sixty-five still feels like ten long years past 55, and that particular decade takes a big toll, bringing nearly as many changes as the first ten years of life. Who knew?
I’ve been calling myself “middle-aged” far too long, about 25 years worth, even though recently I’ve repackaged it by saying I’m “in the autumn of middle-age.” Who’s fooling who? Lately, I’m liking the sound of being “in the spring of old age.”
I know a couple who moved to retirement housing when they were younger than I am now. Although Mom once called these places “a sea of white hair,” when she finally went to live there, she and her white hair loved it. Besides, being in the spring of old age and living with people one and two decades ahead of me might have a few fabulous perks. Wisdom falls from these people like snowflakes from the sky. If I walked beside them, some of it might just fall on me.
Mom didn’t really want to give up living in her home, which is true of most of us, but a couple of health crises dictated that she go. Once she got to the retirement village, however, she made a host of new pals and kept an ever-growing list of blessings.
None of us wants to rock our boats by moving “down” in terms of independence by leaving our own homes or by condensing our possessions by three-fourths to live in a smaller space. But there are many advantages. For example, people like me who get tired of cooking will only have to glance at the clock to know dinner is ready. And lavish dinners they’ll be, with multiple courses and choices.
And what about having a nurse on call for those occasional mishaps? When I went over the bike handlebars two weeks ago, I couldn’t manage my own drive to the emergency room and had to ask for a favor from (i.e. become a burden to) my next-door-neighbors. A nurse down the hall would have been quite convenient.
And what about dealing with all those other old-age secrets we’ve never been told about? Stiff joints in the mornings. Toe nails so thick they become hard to cut. The deterioration of night vision for driving. Mysterious aches and pains that make a person wonder what’s really wrong. How nice to live with a crowd of people who “get it.”
I’m about to officially join the Old Folks Club and get acquainted with those things and probably many more. I think of the Scripture verse that describes our bodies growing older with more problems every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) But God encourages us in the same verse by reminding us that our inner selves, the parts that matters most, are being renewed regularly. And that’s the biggest secret among Old Folk’s Club members. While living in a retirement center, once they get to where they’re going whether it’s the dining room, the craft room, the beauty salon, the pool room, the game room or the conversation circle, they have a blast! Their daily-renewed innards have grown exceedingly wise and rich in fine character traits, although they don’t mention all that. They just wink at each other and smile at the rest of us while thinking, “Before you know it, you’ll be in our club, too.”
As for me, I’m looking forward to it!
”I pray that from [the Father’s] glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (Ephesians 3:16-17)
I always love to hear about your mom! I know it was hard for her to give up Chloe the cat. We took good care of Chloe (she was my son’s favorite cat) until she got sick and had to be put to sleep a couple of years ago.
I just remember your mom asking us to take good care of Chloe for her – I think it helped her move on when she knew Chloe was in good hands 🙂
Margaret- I just recieved your website. I praise God for your gift of writing and expressing your grief. I lost my husband Stan 8 months ago. We worked some at Herd together. I had Briggita in my group. Hope to keep in touch. Blessings dear sister in Christ- Candy Young
And I love hearing about your Mom too! She was so dear and special to me. She begged me to take Chole in and we enjoyed her for a few years, and then I passed her on to Lori and Bruce who took good care of her. After all, she was related to their first cat, Ellie.
Yes, we’re moving in your direction with our aches and pains and leg cramps, etc. Medicare or Obamacare or no care….who knows what we’ll get our old age? But let’s plan to have fun together as we whirl around in our wheelchairs, play Scrabble if we can remember how to spell, and reminisce and laugh over the good old days. Reserve me a room!
I love your writing! You are so funny. I feel that I am heading for “that club” very quickly myself, and like you, I’ll enjoy all of those meals that we don’t have to cook!
Yes you are sooooo funny–I’m am in denial about this–but only a few months behind you–now will you stop it?? Your Mom was a young sprite at our age!!
Yes you are sooooo funny–I am loving being in denial about all this–even if I am only a few months behind you–now will you stop it?? Your Mom was a young sprite at our age–I am aiming to be in her camp!!
Well, Margaret, “old” is at least 10 years older then I am at 74!!!!! It is only when I look in a 3 way mirror that the “truth” hits me. So – I try not to look in that mirror. Since I work out in the YMCA pool 3hrs a week, my friends (60’s – 80’s, one or two men and 18 women) and I laugh and talk about growing “older”. We enjoy laughing at ourselves.
I love the picture of your Mom, still the lovely lady at her age in the picture and dressed with style! She was a gift to many of us, including my David! Enjoy the days you are able and have a chuckle when something doesn’t quite work like it use to. You are still very young next to me. love Beth
Now that is a positive outlook for the future changes ahead of you!
There is a really nice place here in Ocala, Florida that is like the one where your mother lived. Then you can be closer to your little Skylar and Micah!
So that explains the toenails – plus getting down there to cut them is an adventure. My dad joined the Y when he retired at age 70, went golfing at least once a week, and got involved in some other things. Sounds like fun. Thank you for your perspectives – you always encourage and exhort.
Margaret-You will always keep a young spirit in advancing age because you have your mothers genes-how lucky for you! The body does fall apart but our mind and spirit keeps us young. I know because i am 72 and look forward to those social security checks and trying to maintain good health.
A picture of your mother always makes me smile. What i always loved about her was her spontaneous humor-you never knew what she would say. You are like that in your daily blogs-always interesting,humorous, and thought provoking. God has given you the gift of writing and you are reaching more people than you know. Thank you for being so candid in all your thoughts.
I do find myself thinking ahead to my 70’s and what I want to be doing, forgetting I guess that it is a much younger body that is doing the musing. It would be a wise thing to make the most of the days I have now in good health.
I am always impressed to see the results of the 5K runs I do with my daughter and to see that women (and men) in their 70’s are running that thing in under 30 minutes! Lord willing, I hope to be in such shape.
You do make the old folks club and home sound attractive- there you go again putting a positive spin on things. 🙂
Love,
Terry
When I lived in Tennessee and would visit Fla. each year…seems all my friends and relatives were doing was going to the doctor and talking about the meds they were on…at the time I was still dealing with RA…but decided from the gitgo “I would control it…it would NOT control my life”..still no meds for it…just thyroid hormones and usual vitamin supplements…pain meds when I needed them….then..I turned 65…got on Medicare….and when I started getting all my checkups…I was ever so grateful to God for the shape I was in…then knee surgery came….the joints ache more….73 is about to jump on me..and if I can get up every morning and dress myself….IT’S GONNA BE A GOOD DAY !! Do I feel old ?..not in my mind….just the body..and they’re learning to cooperate with each other….I say “That’s WISDOM”
great picture of your Mom.when we turn 65 which l did 4 years ago,life is just beginning.trust us.we have a great time with our family and our friends.so don,t think of it as old,just think we are getting better each day in spite of all the other things that tend to come our way with age.love barb & wally
Grandma’s outfit is GREAT!