1. < Aging Well

The very old and the very young - not so very different

Posted by Rod @rek, Jul 11 2:22pm

More and more it occurs to me that the older we get the more close we also get to that curve experienced in our youth, but we're descending just as they are ascending. Every day is a new day for a child. They're growing and getting stronger. Vision is improving. Their minds are expanding rapidly with amazing memories and cognitive leaps. Strength, balance, flexibility are all beginning to come into play. Everything is new and interesting. And I'm not even to the point of addressing young libidos. All of those things are changing for us too, but in the opposite direction. Even if we are in good shape and take care of ourselves, the clock is winding down. Somehow in some strange way, that makes sense to me, like putting everything in its place. Maybe it's just so obvious to everybody and I've finally come to accept it. I suppose that could be.

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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Jul 11 3:26pm

I'm 70, and very fortunate and blessed to have a five year old granddaughter who lives in the same county as we do. She spends every Saturday with us, and Thursday afternoons--when kindergarten is in session I pick her up (walking distance!). When we were in COVID lockdown she was 1, and I became an essential worker in my son-in-law's business doing childcare. So, just to say--I think the old and young are perfect for each other. I find myself collecting wildflowers, playing endless pretend, telling knock knock jokes. I'm not bored or distracted or even all that responsible. I'm just...here. I'm slower and vaguer than I was at 40, to be sure, but I can easily share her world. If I wasn't a grandma I'd make sure to do some volunteering with babies or little kids. I adored my mom's parents and spent every Friday night at their house. They groaned when they had to get up from a chair and barely spoke English--but they were a huge influence for the good. Enjoyed your thoughts--thanks!

REPLY
1 reply
Scott R L | @scottrl | Jul 11 8:04pm

Those of us who are older can experience much of the same joy and wonder that kids have -- the beauty of a discovery; a sunset; the smell of a flower; a fresh-baked cookie; a warm hug.

But children see it looking forward. We see it in the rear-view mirror, alas.

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hallyho | @hallyho | Aug 29 4:46pm

I totally agree. To me it has always seemed that for many older people the years 80-90 very much reflect the years 0-10 in young children - every year brings distinct changes.

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thisismarilynb | @thisismarilynb | Aug 30 8:08am

I am going to be 90 next month. So far I have experienced very few of the changes mentioned in the various posts. Best and foremost of all I am healthy. I do not take all those drugs. I firmly believe that they drag people down. I am able to live independently. I drive. I do not have dementia. I follow what is happening in the world. In other words, I am fully engaged. I think changes might start to happen as I get deeper into my 90's. Probably won't be buying green bananas.

REPLY
brandysparks | @brandysparks | Aug 31 6:16am
In reply to @mir123 "I'm 70, and very fortunate and blessed to have a five year old granddaughter who lives..." + (show)
@mir123

I'm 70, and very fortunate and blessed to have a five year old granddaughter who lives in the same county as we do. She spends every Saturday with us, and Thursday afternoons--when kindergarten is in session I pick her up (walking distance!). When we were in COVID lockdown she was 1, and I became an essential worker in my son-in-law's business doing childcare. So, just to say--I think the old and young are perfect for each other. I find myself collecting wildflowers, playing endless pretend, telling knock knock jokes. I'm not bored or distracted or even all that responsible. I'm just...here. I'm slower and vaguer than I was at 40, to be sure, but I can easily share her world. If I wasn't a grandma I'd make sure to do some volunteering with babies or little kids. I adored my mom's parents and spent every Friday night at their house. They groaned when they had to get up from a chair and barely spoke English--but they were a huge influence for the good. Enjoyed your thoughts--thanks!

Jump to this post

@mir123 - This is, just, lovely!

I give educational, informal tours at our local historic fort, and enjoy seeing "the Littles" excited to see and touch the things we have for (all) visitors, and - especially for them - try on the period clothing we have just in their size! Photo Opp! And family/friends/everyone enjoys the experience!

I have no children, and really appreciate the patience and attention it takes to properly care for them, even for a brief while. But these Fort visits for young and old, in which I try to gauge their level of interest and time available, are all around pleasant, informative (we all learn something new), and often find we have family or geographic roots in common, and so we each feel that much more connected, which is a blessing these days.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Aug 31 9:34am
In reply to @brandysparks "@mir123 - This is, just, lovely! I give educational, informal tours at our local historic fort,..." + (show)
@brandysparks

@mir123 - This is, just, lovely!

I give educational, informal tours at our local historic fort, and enjoy seeing "the Littles" excited to see and touch the things we have for (all) visitors, and - especially for them - try on the period clothing we have just in their size! Photo Opp! And family/friends/everyone enjoys the experience!

I have no children, and really appreciate the patience and attention it takes to properly care for them, even for a brief while. But these Fort visits for young and old, in which I try to gauge their level of interest and time available, are all around pleasant, informative (we all learn something new), and often find we have family or geographic roots in common, and so we each feel that much more connected, which is a blessing these days.

Jump to this post

I love historic sites, and I can see how it would put you in touch with both people of the past and those today! I think caring about history, nature, really the world around us, helps make children more compassionate. At least I hope so! Thanks for your post--enjoyed it.

REPLY
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