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Please Share 3 Things You Appreciate about Being Old
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!"
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Even with my medical issues, I'm alive.
Having more time expanding my faith in the Lord, Bible study.
Trying out new recipes as I enjoy cooking.
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3 ReactionsI have so much I am grateful for—loved ones in my life, great medical providers, and comfortable home.
I love being able to make my own choices.
I also love having no debt of any kind. It’s very freeing.
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3 ReactionsHere is a prayer from old France that seems appropriate to old age with a touch of light-heartedness.
Lord grant me
Life for a long time
Love from time to time
Work but not too often
Good wine all the time.
Seigneur donne-moi
La vie pour longtemps
De l’amour de temps en temps
Du travail pas trop souvent
Du bon vin tout le temps.
That seems about the right balance to me.
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4 ReactionsAs I approach 84, I have begun to think that "Life Begins At 84!" and I have started the wheels turning for a birthday party to celebrate 86! One of my children is an event planner as part of her job.
The first item is being able to have a "nothing" day. I can stay in my PJs, play games on the computer and remember much of my past occasionally writing some of it down.
The second item is my family and extended family. What can I say, my first great grandchild is a heart-stealer!
The third is some of my friends, not all of them just the BEST ones.
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9 ReactionsOne thing I am grateful for is finding a book which has given me a better view of aging: In Later Years - Finding Meaning and Spirit in Aging, by Bruce T. Marshall, a Unitarian chaplain in a large, senior living facility in the eastern US. Check for copies at your library or go to Bookfinder.com to find "good condition" used copies for very little $ ($4 which includes shipping instead of list price).
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5 Reactions@nycmusic I love this!!
1) Being sober. I will have 10 years next month. (Slow to get there).
2) Finding several good friends later in life.
3) Managing on my own after a difficult marriage; though not without it's struggles. Divorced in 2024.
I am 66 though health issues over the last several years have shown me how fragile life is and how determination is manifested.
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10 Reactions1. Mindfulness.
2. More gratitude.
3. Taking time to learn every day.
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10 ReactionsMy health
Still working and love it'
My health care team: Primary, physical therapist, physiatrist, personal trainer
Still dancing Argentine tango
Love of learning
Friends
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5 ReactionsI just retired 12/01/2025 before that I was injured in a car accident while on the job. The last two and a half years I have had a couple surgeries and a lot of Physical Therapy. I’m pretty much at my maximum medical improvement now. I’m 62 have three awesome grandkids I see a lot of . now I get to enjoy my life with them and my friends as well. I’m trying to enjoy every day I have left I see so many friends and coworkers pass away that also gives me a reason to live every day like it will be my last one day it will be. Anyway thank you all for sharing.
Frank Cat
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3 Reactions