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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!"

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

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adr | @adr | Dec 22, 2025
In reply to @sunshine402 "1. No longer have to go to work... 2. Can sleep late when I choose to......" + (show)
Profile picture for sunshine402 @sunshine402

1. No longer have to go to work...
2. Can sleep late when I choose to...
3. Can watch all the football games with all my cats...

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@sunshine402

you have earned that. enjoy! Who do you root for?

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adr | @adr | Dec 22, 2025
In reply to @gerrieme "I am 91 and I am in phone booth country...Laughing And becoming everyday aware ..of the..." + (show)
Profile picture for gerrieme @gerrieme

I am 91 and I am in phone booth country...Laughing
And becoming everyday aware ..of the everyday
I have left in this dimension.
GerrieH

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@gerrieme You are a rock star!

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 22, 2025
In reply to @adr "@gerrieme You are a rock star!" + (show)
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@gerrieme You are a rock star!

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@adr My daughters and husband have taught me that simplifying traditions so we can enjoy our time together on holidays is OK.
The Christmas tree is a 3 foot one my grandsons can put up with me, they arrange the rest of the decorations.
Christmas Eve is an eclectic collection of favorite dishes, we read stories, then gifts - material ones are small, adventures and experiences preferred, and finally silly games.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Dec 22, 2025
In reply to @adr "@sillyblone so true are your words. We have earned this privilege, we honor ourselves, and those..." + (show)
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@sillyblone so true are your words. We have earned this privilege, we honor ourselves, and those who are worthy of that honor. A blessed Christmas, and a blessed season's greetings to all.

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@adr Thank you. I realized I had some typos and I don't care. My hands shake when I least expect it.🙂

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babbsjoy | @babbsjoy | Dec 23, 2025
In reply to @sillyblone "@adr You just said what I feel as well. I think as we get older we..." + (show)
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@adr
You just said what I feel as well. I think as we get older we tend to be feel free of cumbersome thoughts. We can write them down or just go on! I love the fact that through my 70 plus years I have learned so many things and still feel young. Life has changed as we get older..but uf the phone rings, you don't have to answer it ! If someone is being obnoxious, you can tune them out or leave their presence. I can be alone and always find something to do!! That being said, being alone for me is peaceful. A time to pray for things that burden me or for thanking God for the blessings that have come my way. I am a caregiver, wife, mother, daughter and friendships that mean so much. We have children and grandchildren we love dearly. I hope that everyone has a beautiful Christmas this year. Especially since I missed the wonderful comments if Thanksgiving. 🫂💞

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@sillyblone
I’m not that much younger than you, but I want to be like you when I grow up! I am praying to be like you right now! Thank you thank you for your positive outlook, faith and hope and for posting! I am screenshotting it so I can remind myself!

(I am caregiver to my dear father who, I think because of many losses including loved ones and personal health and independence, has become so very negative and self pitying with constant complaining, that I struggle to keep my mind on higher things! Your post inspires me that it is possible!). Blessings!

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Dec 23, 2025
In reply to @babbsjoy "@sillyblone I’m not that much younger than you, but I want to be like you when..." + (show)
Profile picture for babbsjoy @babbsjoy

@sillyblone
I’m not that much younger than you, but I want to be like you when I grow up! I am praying to be like you right now! Thank you thank you for your positive outlook, faith and hope and for posting! I am screenshotting it so I can remind myself!

(I am caregiver to my dear father who, I think because of many losses including loved ones and personal health and independence, has become so very negative and self pitying with constant complaining, that I struggle to keep my mind on higher things! Your post inspires me that it is possible!). Blessings!

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@babbsjoy How very kind of you! I am not perfect by any means. I have been pessimistic in my lifetime. We can all.. at times go through hard times and say that bad things should not be happening to me! Believe me when I say this. Life has a way of being so many emotions. Take care and hold your head up. Thank you again. Merry Christmas !

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adr | @adr | Dec 23, 2025
In reply to @sillyblone "@adr Thank you. I realized I had some typos and I don't care. My hands shake..." + (show)
Profile picture for sillyblone @sillyblone

@adr Thank you. I realized I had some typos and I don't care. My hands shake when I least expect it.🙂

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@sillyblone Not to worry! It's the typos that make life interesting.

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adr | @adr | Dec 23, 2025
In reply to @sueinmn "@adr My daughters and husband have taught me that simplifying traditions so we can enjoy our..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@adr My daughters and husband have taught me that simplifying traditions so we can enjoy our time together on holidays is OK.
The Christmas tree is a 3 foot one my grandsons can put up with me, they arrange the rest of the decorations.
Christmas Eve is an eclectic collection of favorite dishes, we read stories, then gifts - material ones are small, adventures and experiences preferred, and finally silly games.

Jump to this post

@sueinmn

I think sometimes we can get caught in the hub bub of it all, but I think its great that you focus on what really matters. Family, friends, and community. In other words humanity, simple pleasure that bring such great joy. Silly games are a must.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Dec 23, 2025
In reply to @adr "@sillyblone Not to worry! It's the typos that make life interesting." + (show)
Profile picture for adr @adr

@sillyblone Not to worry! It's the typos that make life interesting.

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@adr Yes. Actually I was laughing at myself.🙂

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Dec 24, 2025
In reply to @adr "@sillyblone Not to worry! It's the typos that make life interesting." + (show)
Profile picture for adr @adr

@sillyblone Not to worry! It's the typos that make life interesting.

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@adr typos beat auto-correct, which has gotten quite weird !

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