I loved your story about not being able to hit the baseball. In my 20s I averaged 175 bowling score and several times bowled over 200. I bowled a few games in my sixties and struggled to break 50. When we don’t practice a skill, we lose it. I think what surprises me the most about aging is how active my mind is. I am eagerly learning new ideas and skills.
Glad to hear I'm not to only one to see a dramatic loss in physical skills, Harley. And thanks for the reminder that we can compensate in so many other ways.
Thanks Mardy. One day I began to forgive myself for not managing some everyday tasks very well - I then slowly thought this through and was surprised and pleased, not to say relieved, that I had realised this and actually internalised it. It has been much more pleasant and relaxing day to day since then. I honestly don’t know where it came from (or can’t remember!). All the best, John.
Insight is a great concept - I have long striven to provide it for others, but had my doubts about being able to. I think the materials you have provided for so long allow people to find their own in whatever resonates with them. At this end of the road I don’t much mind what one calls it, I’m just grateful. Thanks again
And I remember how, first time I heard it from him, it really shifted my perspective on aging. I’d just had my first son and they, recently retired, came to visit/help.
What continually surprises me is repeatedly facing the question, "Am I sick? That is, do I have some pathological condition that a doctor could correct; or is this just how old age is?" (or is it the hangover?)
Also, I am surprised at how intensely I long to do what I used to do as a runner, running with younger friends. I continue to try, with lamentable results, but that--as of now-- is better than not trying. So another part of the surprise is NOT growing old gracefully--not acceding to the new physical reality. I always assumed I would grow old gracefully, because anything else would be unreasonable, but so far that is not happening.
Wonderful email today and fascinating comments. I never had children and I think that may have given me the sense that I live in a sort of generation limbo. For instance, I can't believe that friends I went to school with are now grandparents. We aren't old enough for that!!!
Aging is opportunistic, relentless and incessant, but if growing old has taught me one thing, it's that gravity always wins. I still struggle with the thought that whatever it has taken from my body or mind isn't coming back. That doesn't explain my mental self-image: I'm not yet 30, apparently a common feeling.
I think the biggest surprise was realizing that if I passed away today at age 75, no one would say, "It's such a shame he died so young."
Well said, Larry. And so true.
I loved your story about not being able to hit the baseball. In my 20s I averaged 175 bowling score and several times bowled over 200. I bowled a few games in my sixties and struggled to break 50. When we don’t practice a skill, we lose it. I think what surprises me the most about aging is how active my mind is. I am eagerly learning new ideas and skills.
I agree. We now seem to have the time to deeply unravel things and throw deep sustained thought power at them.
Glad to hear I'm not to only one to see a dramatic loss in physical skills, Harley. And thanks for the reminder that we can compensate in so many other ways.
Thanks Mardy. One day I began to forgive myself for not managing some everyday tasks very well - I then slowly thought this through and was surprised and pleased, not to say relieved, that I had realised this and actually internalised it. It has been much more pleasant and relaxing day to day since then. I honestly don’t know where it came from (or can’t remember!). All the best, John.
Thanks, John, that was a very beneficial realization--or maybe we should call it an insight!
Insight is a great concept - I have long striven to provide it for others, but had my doubts about being able to. I think the materials you have provided for so long allow people to find their own in whatever resonates with them. At this end of the road I don’t much mind what one calls it, I’m just grateful. Thanks again
I well remember my recently retired (ex-) father-in-law when he, younger than I am now, said: “I’m a 30 year old man in a 65 year old body.”
I've heard variations on that saying many times, Dennis, and every time, I instantly understand what is being said.
And I remember how, first time I heard it from him, it really shifted my perspective on aging. I’d just had my first son and they, recently retired, came to visit/help.
What continually surprises me is repeatedly facing the question, "Am I sick? That is, do I have some pathological condition that a doctor could correct; or is this just how old age is?" (or is it the hangover?)
Thanks for sharing the thought, Tom. I think all of us oldies have had that thought!
Also, I am surprised at how intensely I long to do what I used to do as a runner, running with younger friends. I continue to try, with lamentable results, but that--as of now-- is better than not trying. So another part of the surprise is NOT growing old gracefully--not acceding to the new physical reality. I always assumed I would grow old gracefully, because anything else would be unreasonable, but so far that is not happening.
P.S. Loved the line about age sneaking up on IQ
Thanks for those additional thoughts, Tom. I believe you speak for a lot of people. I too loved that IQ line!
I am surprised how delusional I remain about becoming good at things I haven’t been good at for the first 78 years of my life.
Extremely well said, Duane. I could easily imagine that line in a stand-up comedy routine.
Wonderful email today and fascinating comments. I never had children and I think that may have given me the sense that I live in a sort of generation limbo. For instance, I can't believe that friends I went to school with are now grandparents. We aren't old enough for that!!!
Thanks, Barbara. Obviously, they have aged much faster than you!
Aging is opportunistic, relentless and incessant, but if growing old has taught me one thing, it's that gravity always wins. I still struggle with the thought that whatever it has taken from my body or mind isn't coming back. That doesn't explain my mental self-image: I'm not yet 30, apparently a common feeling.
Thanks for weighing in on this week's theme, Joel. I like the way your mind works,