Yes, I acknowledge that I was one of those typical teenagers who thought that I knew way more than anyone old could possibly know.
It was only as I started to mature that I began to gain the insight that some older people might actually have something worthwhile to offer, well some of the time anyway!
Where did this judgement come from at such a young age? I can only assume it is because my parents had a very different way of living to how I felt life should be lived. So, my enlightened assumption of older people was based on two usually quite unhappy people. Wow, when I look back at this, it was just a tad short-sighted.
Now here I am almost hitting 60 and yikes 70 is only 10 short years away, so how do I feel about turning 60 and what do I feel about people who are in their 70’s?
If I am totally honest with myself, I am struggling to acknowledge the fact that I will be 60 in a few short months, it sounds so old. A lot of people associate this age with receiving the aged pension and the much sought-after seniors card – sounds terribly exciting doesn’t it? However, I am fortunate to be involved with many people in this age bracket who are still youthful and vibrant and fully engaged in life, just like they were in their early 40’s or 50’s. They belong to a community, based on a joyful and purposeful way of living.
I also know many people in their 70’s most of whom belong to this same community. This group are extraordinary, they are vibrant, wise and are actively involved in all aspects of their lives, again you would assume that they are much younger because of the commitment to their livingness. I don’t mean that they are running marathons or involved in high risk activities, but instead they each have a consistency and rhythm that nurtures, supports and enables them to be actively involved with life. I have observed this group for some years now and the number one factor or commonality that I see with them all is that they have a purpose in being here, they are not sitting around waiting to die, or acting like they have played their part in life and should now be constantly rewarding themselves with holidays or stuffing themselves with food and alcohol that only depletes their health and vibrancy.
Ageing now has a completely different feel to me, it is not a period of my life where I will shrivel up and become insignificant, instead it is a time of my life where I can actually anticipate that, as I age, life will become more joyful and vibrant.
Annie M., Australia
If you enjoyed this article you may also like to read:
And Now I'm 70
It was only as I started to mature that I began to gain the insight that some older people might actually have something worthwhile to offer, well some of the time anyway!
Where did this judgement come from at such a young age? I can only assume it is because my parents had a very different way of living to how I felt life should be lived. So, my enlightened assumption of older people was based on two usually quite unhappy people. Wow, when I look back at this, it was just a tad short-sighted.
Now here I am almost hitting 60 and yikes 70 is only 10 short years away, so how do I feel about turning 60 and what do I feel about people who are in their 70’s?
If I am totally honest with myself, I am struggling to acknowledge the fact that I will be 60 in a few short months, it sounds so old. A lot of people associate this age with receiving the aged pension and the much sought-after seniors card – sounds terribly exciting doesn’t it? However, I am fortunate to be involved with many people in this age bracket who are still youthful and vibrant and fully engaged in life, just like they were in their early 40’s or 50’s. They belong to a community, based on a joyful and purposeful way of living.
I also know many people in their 70’s most of whom belong to this same community. This group are extraordinary, they are vibrant, wise and are actively involved in all aspects of their lives, again you would assume that they are much younger because of the commitment to their livingness. I don’t mean that they are running marathons or involved in high risk activities, but instead they each have a consistency and rhythm that nurtures, supports and enables them to be actively involved with life. I have observed this group for some years now and the number one factor or commonality that I see with them all is that they have a purpose in being here, they are not sitting around waiting to die, or acting like they have played their part in life and should now be constantly rewarding themselves with holidays or stuffing themselves with food and alcohol that only depletes their health and vibrancy.
Ageing now has a completely different feel to me, it is not a period of my life where I will shrivel up and become insignificant, instead it is a time of my life where I can actually anticipate that, as I age, life will become more joyful and vibrant.
Annie M., Australia
If you enjoyed this article you may also like to read:
And Now I'm 70