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Mentor

Please Share 3 Things You Appreciate about Being Old

Posted by Miriam, Volunteer Mentor @mir123, Nov 27, 2025

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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myoga | @myoga | 6 days ago
In reply to @kayejen "@edsutton Aww, keep that LOVE with your dog forever. Dogs are such amazing 4-legged people that..." + (show)
Profile picture for kayejen @kayejen

@edsutton Aww, keep that LOVE with your dog forever. Dogs are such amazing 4-legged people that God gave to us. I have a cat to love on but at times he can be a very persnickety about things, but I still love him. If I had my "rather" I would have a sweet dog.

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@kayejen
You’re a dog person just like me. Still I befriended a cat and enjoyed its company until one day it disappeared. I’d rather have a dog.

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myoga | @myoga | 6 days ago
In reply to @kayejen "I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS. Every answer is such a beautiful thought of the mind. And, at..." + (show)
Profile picture for kayejen @kayejen

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS. Every answer is such a beautiful thought of the mind. And, at 87 I hope that I'm eligible to put in my (3) cents worth in: #1 I love my Lord so very much and I know that I'm deeply loved in return. #2 My children are my next grateful greatness of love. #3 I'm grateful that I live in AMERICA - even with all of it faults America is absolutely the greatest country ever.... GOD bless America!

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@kayejen
Can’t agree more. God bless America!

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myoga | @myoga | 6 days ago
In reply to @slowrunner1 "Like the song, 1. stayin alive, 2. stayin alive and 3. reading the obituaries of guys..." + (show)
Profile picture for slowrunner1 @slowrunner1

Like the song,
1. stayin alive,
2. stayin alive and
3. reading the obituaries of guys who were mean a--holes in high school.

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@slowrunner1
Remind me of a quote from Clarence Darrow “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure”

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centre | @centre | 6 days ago

Sounds insensitive to say it, but the internet and COVID brought a lot of positive changes to life as a senior that I’m grateful for:
-being able to order groceries online for delivery or pick-up- no more struggling with long distances pushing the cart, time in standing, heaving bags into the trunk
-being able to setup so many bills to online banking and auto-pay (credit card or ACH withdrawal),, makes life so much easier and safer
-being able to use the patient portal to make appointments, send brief questions to my PCP, no more waiting and waiting on hold for someone to answer phone

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1995victoria | @1995victoria | 6 days ago
In reply to @dianestjohn "@day0718 At 77, I totally agree, thank you. I have learned that I cannot love anyone..." + (show)
Profile picture for dianestjohn @dianestjohn

@day0718 At 77, I totally agree, thank you. I have learned that I cannot love anyone if I do not love myself; a tad sad it took me so long. And I also, no longer am concerned about what other people think of me. For me, living alone (and yes, liking it) I have found:
* Fear destroys Joy
* Fear destroys Hope, and...
* Fear destroys Courage
Thank you once again, and have a GREAT day.

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@dianestjohn Fear kills Dreams

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | 5 days ago
In reply to @kayejen "I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS. Every answer is such a beautiful thought of the mind. And, at..." + (show)
Profile picture for kayejen @kayejen

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS. Every answer is such a beautiful thought of the mind. And, at 87 I hope that I'm eligible to put in my (3) cents worth in: #1 I love my Lord so very much and I know that I'm deeply loved in return. #2 My children are my next grateful greatness of love. #3 I'm grateful that I live in AMERICA - even with all of it faults America is absolutely the greatest country ever.... GOD bless America!

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I agree!

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chesley | @chesley | 2 days ago

(1) I'm fortunate I can do what I like when I like to do it I'm somewhat of a loner. I simply don't like most people a misogynist I guess.
(2) like others I dress however I want I like clothes so sometimes I kind of dress up whether I have anything to do or not
(3) like many others I only pay attention to those I admire my friends my doctors a person or two who doesn't fit in any category.

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chesley | @chesley | 2 days ago
In reply to @chesley "(1) I'm fortunate I can do what I like when I like to do it I'm..." + (show)
Profile picture for chesley @chesley

(1) I'm fortunate I can do what I like when I like to do it I'm somewhat of a loner. I simply don't like most people a misogynist I guess.
(2) like others I dress however I want I like clothes so sometimes I kind of dress up whether I have anything to do or not
(3) like many others I only pay attention to those I admire my friends my doctors a person or two who doesn't fit in any category.

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@chesley Oops I used misogynist incorrectly. What do you call someone who hates almost everybody? A hermit? A recluse?

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1 reply
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chesley | @chesley | 2 days ago
In reply to @chesley "@chesley Oops I used misogynist incorrectly. What do you call someone who hates almost everybody? A..." + (show)
Profile picture for chesley @chesley

@chesley Oops I used misogynist incorrectly. What do you call someone who hates almost everybody? A hermit? A recluse?

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@chesley The correct word is "misanthrope."

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edsutton | @edsutton | 1 day ago
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 posted here 9 months ago, but I like this discussion, so I'll post again.
1) The marigolds which withered away during the drought have burst to life with the rain, dancing in our front porch planters.
2) I'm still learning about music, having new, deeper understanding.
3) I have deep relationships with some people. It's often sad, but tender, as we all age and realize time is very short for some of us.
4) My dog and I are still learning about each other. I can feel our neurons smiling together.

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