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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!"

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tatiana987 | @tatiana987 | Nov 28, 2025
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, 2025
In reply to @binw "Hi! Happy Thanksgiving! I am 81 and some of my favorite things about aging are: 1...." + (show)
Profile picture for binw @binw

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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025

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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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Nov 29, 2025
In reply to @captboat "My three positive things: 1. Jesus is my friend. 2. I tell my wife she is..." + (show)
Profile picture for captboat @captboat

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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@captboat 56 years is amazing!

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kathymj | @kathymj | Nov 30, 2025
In reply to @captboat "My three positive things: 1. Jesus is my friend. 2. I tell my wife she is..." + (show)
Profile picture for captboat @captboat

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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@captboat you are a precious man💕

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