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Please Share 3 Things You Appreciate about Being Old

Posted by Miriam, Volunteer Mentor @mir123, Nov 27 10:00am

It's Thanksgiving, so I'm looking at the positive. Some folks don't like the word "old" but I don't mind it. You can substitute "aging" if you prefer! I'm thrilled to be 71 and looking at 72. Due to serious health concerns in my youth I never expected to make it this far. So here goes--and I hope you can join in.

My Three Positive Things

1. I know what my ethics and beliefs are, and I'm no longer worried I might betray them because of outside pressure.
2. I can tell a good story based on life experience.
3. I'm less self critical. My mom told me that if she made a mistake she'd say "you're so clumsy" to herself. When she turned 80 she changed and told herself "you're doing great!"

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

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emaureen | @emaureen | Nov 28 11:53am

I'm appreciating the seasons more. I'm an 82-year-old woman. If this was my last autumn, it was a glorious one.

Does giving people the opportunity to help count? I think they're better for it, and I appreciate any help that I get. I *can* lift a 10kg bag of flour into my cart in the market, but maybe/probably I shouldn't. I enjoy the feeling of quiet pride that I see on the faces of people who have assisted me, and I believe my gratitude reinforces their continued kindness towards others.

Also oddly enjoyable is being complimented for stilll doing ordinary things that you've done all your life, like there's an age limit. ("You're still mowing your own lawn?!") Well, okay, maybe I sit down more often...

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kathymj | @kathymj | Nov 28 12:41pm

I really needed to read this discussion. I’ve been negative most of my life and was diagnosed with depression at 50. I am now nearing 82 and smiling about it. Here are my three and probably 100 or so more but I’ll do the required 3:
1. I too dress in WHATEVER I want to wear, and don’t care what ANYONE says or thinks or rolls their eyes🤣

2. I’m smiling cuz I’m nearing 82 and I love not having a filter anywhere in my mind or body🤣

3. I love that GOD is my best and last friend EVER‼️

I love Mayoconnect cuz it brought me to life again in a loving caring way. No more negativity in my life. And when something is going wrong around me in my life,
I feel God keeping me calm and serene. God bless everyone!

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tatiana987 | @tatiana987 | Nov 28 1:53pm
In reply to @scottbeammeup "I'm in my early 60s so not sure if that qualifies as "old" to people here,..." + (show)
Profile picture for scottbeammeup @scottbeammeup

I'm in my early 60s so not sure if that qualifies as "old" to people here, though it sure does to my nieces and nephews!

1. Not being afraid to ask for help. Used to have too much pride and NEVER reached out to anyone even when I should have.

2. Being more of an "open book." Letting people get to know the "real" me more than just a curated version of me.

3. Feeling music much more deeply. Used to just listen but now a lot of music moves me emotionally

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@scottbeammeup You are a spring chicken, a mere child, and very young, but I think you can be an honorary old person.

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methel | @methel | Nov 28 7:30pm
In reply to @binw "Hi! Happy Thanksgiving! I am 81 and some of my favorite things about aging are: 1...." + (show)
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Hi! Happy Thanksgiving! I am 81 and some of my favorite things about aging are:
1. Not worrying about being judged for what I'm wearing, or is my hair done, or am I slightly overweight, or if I have makeup on. (Never wear it anymore!)
2. Not feeling guilty if I'm not being "productive". I can just sit around and do nothing if I like.
3. Eyesight and hearing may be going, but I believe God did this for us as we age, so we don't see all the wrinkles on our faces, or the dusty furniture. We can also take out those hearing aids and escape into blissful silence when we want. 🙂

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@binw

Yes, it’s great that taking out the hearing aids solves the problem of staying awake and listening to the neighbor’s party.
Also number 2 on my list: I like my bright white hair much better than I ever liked my mousy brown hair.
And number 3. At 83 I can refuse to eat some vegetables I don’t like (kale) because it’s ‘good for me’.

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binw | @binw | Nov 28 11:25pm
In reply to @methel "@binw Yes, it’s great that taking out the hearing aids solves the problem of staying awake..." + (show)
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@binw

Yes, it’s great that taking out the hearing aids solves the problem of staying awake and listening to the neighbor’s party.
Also number 2 on my list: I like my bright white hair much better than I ever liked my mousy brown hair.
And number 3. At 83 I can refuse to eat some vegetables I don’t like (kale) because it’s ‘good for me’.

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@methel
I love #3!! Lol.

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Nov 29 6:42am
In reply to @edsutton "1) I take deep joy in simple perceptions: color, sound, smell, touch. 2) I know how..." + (show)
Profile picture for edsutton @edsutton

1) I take deep joy in simple perceptions: color, sound, smell, touch.
2) I know how to study and learn, and I have a lifetime supply of research materials for my favorite topics.
3) I'm grateful for human relationships with fewer expectations, knowing life is often difficult or everyone; it's good to be around one another.
4) My dog and I are in love.

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@edsutton

I especially like 4!

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kayraymat | @kayraymat | Nov 29 6:59am

GOOD QUESTION when there are so many negatives, esp. related to health
1) not having my period anymore
2) saying "no" to things that would make my life less happy/pleasant/comfortable
3) being slightly eccentric seems to be more acceptable. 🙂

The Senior discount when you can get it.....

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capnjack | @capnjack | Nov 29 9:08am

1. I've lived through, and participated in, so much history!
2. I'm the patriarch, family centers get-togethers around me (although I'm not sure I deserve it, and sometimes withdraw)
3. At a glance, I can identify the make and year model of almost any '50's auto.
4. Younger women? Hell, they're ALL younger women! Ain't life great?

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sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 29 9:12am

I can text pics of little dog in his Halloween costume to family and,friends and not one of them thinks I "need to get help."😂😂

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captboat | @captboat | Nov 29 5:17pm

My three positive things:
1. Jesus is my friend.
2. I tell my wife she is not Wonder Woman but she is a “WONDERFUL WOMAN “!
We have been married 56 years.
3. My goal in life is to be open, honest, and loving!

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