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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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 I remember a man who, younger than me, by far, put the insults on me, at my job. I was told I could press charges. But, I didn’t want to. Wasn’t long till I saw his obituary. No, I wasn’t glad. But, he wasn’t the invincible one he seemed to think.

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1. I like being able to get up whenever I want to.
2. If I don't feel great, I don't have to worry about getting to work.
3. Getting texts from my Grandchildren really brightens my day.

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Profile picture for dederickve @dederickve

@slowrunner1 I remember a man who, younger than me, by far, put the insults on me, at my job. I was told I could press charges. But, I didn’t want to. Wasn’t long till I saw his obituary. No, I wasn’t glad. But, he wasn’t the invincible one he seemed to think.

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@dederickve In high scool I was 5'2" 120 lbs four eyes with coke bottles, but loved to dance with tall girls but rarely got the chance.

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1. I finally like myself.
2. I stopped worrying about what other people think of me
3. I am blessed to be the age I have reached so far.

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1-I can sleep when I want, late morning, afternoon, early evening
2-I can eat breakfast at night, and chicken with veggies for breakfast
3-I can wear my nightgown all day if I want

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I am better off than most of the people I see in ER or Clinic.

I am still curious when I see something I don't understand.

I have hopes of a better tomorrow or adjust to a new normal.

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It's so great to read ALL these responses to getting older.
We all made it (I'm 87). We earned the right to ENJOY and cherish every moment.

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Profile picture for day0718 @day0718

1. I finally like myself.
2. I stopped worrying about what other people think of me
3. I am blessed to be the age I have reached so far.

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@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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Profile picture for dederickve @dederickve

@slowrunner1 I remember a man who, younger than me, by far, put the insults on me, at my job. I was told I could press charges. But, I didn’t want to. Wasn’t long till I saw his obituary. No, I wasn’t glad. But, he wasn’t the invincible one he seemed to think.

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@dederickve
I think we all know people like this, unfortunately! They can make others feel inadequate and doubt their abilities.

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This could take some time 🤔🤔🤔🫣

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