I have to admit, I wouldn’t like my physical therapist and my doctor telling me I’m not old. I’m more like Betty White:
…if one is lucky enough to be blessed with good health, growing older shouldn’t be something we complain about. It’s not a surprise, we knew it was coming. Make the most of it.
Sure, you may not be as fast on your feet and the image in the mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you’re still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.
….
Somewhere along the line there’s a breaking point, where you go from not discussing how old you are to bragging about it. I have never lied about my age but these days I seem to work it into the conversation at the drop of a hat. Please, stop me before I get to the point of “Hi, I’m Betty White! I’m 89 years old.”
—- Betty White, If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t)
So I’m grateful in a few weeks I can say,
Hi, I’m Cheerful Monk! I’m 85 years old.
So I like WebwWiseWoman’s comment on yesterday’s post:
Age denial is everywhere. I hate when so very many announce birthdays as “80 years young” One recently had the oldest resident here being labelled in the newspaper “109 years young!”
No my pet, you are old, very old, celebrate that, never deny it when so many don’t get the privilege of being called “old”
Proudly and gratefully old.
XO
WWW
Thanks, WWW!
December 2, 2024
It’s never bothered me at all to admit how old I am. Matters so little to me I often have to stop and think to figure it out–lol! Am 73 years old. Was hard work getting here and would never want to go back–lol! 😉
I would never want to go back either. And I want to keep learning and growing as long as I can.
As a (late) friend used to say: “It beats the alternative!” I was one of those who used to say I’d never live past 30. That was one helluva long time ago and I’m amazed that I’m still ticking.
Amen to that!
I don’t like it either when a senior is dubbed as 88 years YOUNG! But I suppose it is meant to be a compliment. Would you believe I watched Betty White’s first ever T.V. shows way back when they first came out? “Life With Elizabeth” and “The Betty White Show”
Do you remember that cop show she starred in? Can’t remember the name of it, it was funny. I just loved the woman.
XO
WWW
Somehow I never saw her years ago.
That’s a really good way to look at things. I always loved Betty White.
Yes! 🙂
I like your answer and agree 100 %. I am to the point I do sprinkle my sentences with I am 80 years old. Like I can’t believe I have become a Pioneer woman at age 80… I do try to be happy I am but that little thing of how much longer can I live, taps me on the shoulder as I struggle to get up, and move after I sit for a while. No springing up now..
I don’t spring up either!
Getting old is something to be celebrated. Where I work Wednesday is senior discount day for anyone 62 and older. On occasion when I’m covering breaks and running the register a person will come through the line that I don’t know if they qualify or not. I’ll ask “Do you get the discount?” Usually they ask what discount and I explain that it’s senior discount day for 62 and over. I love the smiles I get when they proudly claim their age.
That’s neat!
Age cannot whither her nor custom stale her infinite variety. (Shakespeare)
God bless.
🙂
My doctor explained to me a couple of years ago that the phrase “blank years young” was initially used by physicians in patients’ notes to signify that the patient is XX years old but appears younger, both in appearance and demeanor. I used to dislike the phrase but now think it’s a cool way for docs to communicate in dry medical notes.
Thank you for telling us that! 🙂
…after my father’s stroke, he call the physical therapist the physical terrorist.
Physical therapists can be painful at times. I had a frozen shoulder once and it was torture.
I will admit that I was a bit shocked when I started having physical problems. I had always been strong and active. Looking in a mirror was a surprise. But, it’s how it is and I am not young! I’m also not Betty White, which is a pity.
My body feels like I’m 100 but my brain is cruising along like I’m in my 60s. Put them together and I get my true age in my early 80s.
It sounds as if you picked a great place to move to. Presumably your body gets the physical support it needs and your brain gets plenty of stimulation.
No truer words. I’m finding lately I use such phrases as “I’m 81, please be patient as I am slowing down.” I think not fighting it and hanging it out there is far more beneficial to our overall well being. I was a Type A personality (note WAS) and had to consciously slow down before I would stress out from a heart attack. I love the slowing down. Taking the time to look at a flower closely, to write long emails to friends, to knit slowly, to write slowly savouring each word. To play delicious music. To know my limits. To ignore those 95 year olds climbing Kilimanjaro.
We are so, so privileged to live past 80.
XO
WWW
I agree, don’t feel we have to keep up with the 95-year-olds climbing mountains. Do the best we can with what we have left. I do think we can do youngsters a service by finding what works for us and showing that life is still worth living.
I love Betty White’s philosophy! I try and take each new day for the gift it is.
Yes! 🙂
At 77, I am a youngster compared to some of you but try explaining that to my body. It got old way before my age did. The first surgeon I consulted refused to do my knee replacements since they would fail before I truly got old. But they are still doing just fine; it’s the rest of me that’s falling apart now. But, I started a new hobby last week so life is still good.
Hobbies are so important! I’m impressed by your knee replacements, and I’m glad they’re hanging in there.
We try not to make a big deal out of it either, and we truly love your attitude about life. Happy almost 85:)
Thanks. 🙂
Well, I am a youngster compared to some here. There are days I feel ancient and days I almost forget that I am not a spring chick…but those days are fewer now. There have been surprises with aging some good, some not so good. I am surprised that I have aches and pains…really quite a few. BUT, I don’t take any medication daily…haven’t even taken an ibuprofen in probably a month. I will get to thinking negatively and then I think, I am not doing too bad. I can still drive, I can still do my own shopping, and do housework and I don’t have to go to a doctor every little bit…that is not bad for being 69 yrs old.
Not bad at all! Doing the best we can with what we have left. 🙂
Happy Birthday soon! You are young at heart.
Thank you!
Turning 85 is a beautiful blessing. Happy Birthday!