I celebrated my 59th birthday in June. Before going out to dinner to celebrate, my husband and I took a long walk along Shore Parkway and stopped for a photo by the Verrazano Narrows Bridge that connects the New York City borough of Brooklyn with the borough of Staten Island.
At my age there is no denying it any longer--the road ahead of me will be shorter than the road behind me. How do I feel about getting old?
The Pfizer GetOld web site asks this question and allows us to choose one response out of four. Do I feel optimistic, angry, prepared or uneasy about getting older? It is interesting to see the percentages of the responses and the comments from people of all ages.
What was my response? I feel optimistic! There is a wonderful satisfaction at my age to know I have accomplished many of my life's goals: that my children are raised, educated and married, that I have survived long enough to see two grandchildren be born.
My husband and I have been preparing ourselves for many years to pay down our bills and save for the future, so we feel confident we will have sufficient funds with which to retire.
Physically, we try to take care of ourselves, eat healthily, and exercise to maintain our health. Mentally, we stay active in our community with volunteer work, socialization with friends and family and hobbies.
Writing a blog for the last five years has encouraged me to go to more places and do more enjoyable things in my local community. I've learned so much from, and have been inspired by, many other bloggers.
There is a saying that made a great deal of impact upon me when I turned fifty, nine years ago. It was: "Do not resent growing old. It is a privilege denied to many "(source unknown).
I was very aware of the validity of this fact, as I have lost important people in my life who did not live to the life expectancy they hoped for. This made me realize that enjoying each day and feeling gratitude for the simplest things in life was very important; that is what I have tried to do this last nine years of my life, and I hope to continue to do so. I do not want any regrets.
As my husband approaches retirement in a few years, we have many plans, hopes, and dreams for days ahead of us.
In all likelihood, we will be moving West to be closer to our children and grandchildren. Leaving Brooklyn, New York, where I was born and have lived my entire life will be both a big adventure and an adjustment for me, but I look forward to exploring our future new community, joining new groups and making new friends.
I want to become more active physically, travel throughout the wonderful National Parks in the West, learn more about photography, challenge myself to ride a horse, hike and ski, do more creative activities, and most of all enjoy my grandchildren! I am actually looking forward to growing older and doing all these things for as long as I can.
Why not go over to the Pfizer GetOld.com website and participate in the survey and read the sticky notes from others who have left comments? You can leave your own story, photo or video about your experiences. Perhaps we can all learn from this conversation about growing old.
As full disclosure, I am being compensated for this post by BlogHer and Pfizer, but all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Contest closed
Posts
42 comments:
I like that quote, and I don't resent growing older. I'm older than either of my grandmothers got to be! We had a real 'heads up' when my husband became ill and had to retire early. I'm still working, but look forward to the day when I will have time to do the things that I'd really love to be doing. Growing older is really a privilege!
It sounds like you are well prepared to head into retirement! I do not feel so prepared for that. It has been a hard economy in the past few years and we have taken a huge hit, like so many have!! But I am blessed to have my health, and my family's health. This is the most important thing to me. I don't mind getting older. It didn't bother me to turn 50, and now at 52, I feel happier, and more content than I ever have in my entire life. Life is good. I am blessed.
You look great btw.
: ) Kris
I feel scared about getting older, maybe because my life is not so in order as it should be at this stage:)
you're very lucky to live in a beautiful city like NYC! And if I had the chence to getting old in this city, well, I'd be happy! So..in that case, I'd not be scared (:
As cliche as it sounds, getting older is a state of mind :) You can control it to the extent of still being able to enjoy it, even if you aren't able to do some of the things you could as a younger person. Plus, with age comes wisdom, which is priceless!
I always say the same thing when my friends point out that we're getting older...it beats the alternative. The hardest part of getting older for me has been watching my parents get older too. When you have to step in and be the parent, it's heartbreaking. Watching your children get older is difficult too but it's fun to watch them grow into little men and little women. I definitely try to not be scared about getting old though.
Pat, as I have said to you earlier today, you are up for this challenge and all the things you hope to accomplish. I just hope you continue to blog from wherever life takes you next! xo
Sometimes I forget how old I am and take on projects that I have always done with ease in the past, only to discover that I am no longer able to do the work. Mentally, I still feel pretty young--a LOT younger than my mother did at this age.
I do realize, however, that time is moving faster now that I am older. I hope after we move, I will be able to spend a lot of time with our younger grandchildren, so they will have good memories of us when we are gone.
Thanks for the comment on my post, Pat.
I dream of being able to retire and I hope that by the time I reach retirement that I'm still feeling excited and energetic about going places and doing things!
My husband and I had this conversation earlier this year. We have entered the Fall of our lives. My husband didn't want to hear it - denial. For me I'd rather do the realization now in order to maximize the moments. Guess we all need to do that anyway.
I will be 59 this year and I am very optimistic about getting older. I am active, love what I am doing and feel more comfortable in my skin than I did in my 30's.
I don't think it is fun But it is life and without it it is not so good.I also find I can not do what I did, I do it but it takes more time. I just went back to try and skate and I'm doing it (getting ready for New York Rockafella center skating. ) I think if you have money to do a few things it sure helps. I'm 66 and very content with my life if you feel good you have everything !! It is nice not to worry about kids and let the parents take care of things. It is also nice to use the word " NO "
Well you certainly have a marvelous attitude. I'm going to be 65 in Nov and trying to organized all the health choices for Medicare. I'd love to take a cruise, maybe finish a book I've been working on also. Blogging has been a wonderful experience for me too. Have a good week.
Ann
Having just moved our youngest to Colorado I have to admit I am jealous thinking of you moving closer to your family. It was so very hard to come home....and really not so much leaving her. We have a peace about her out there but I LOVE Colorado...one town in particular. I am having to process a lot being back home.
I would choose optimistic....we have weathered much and look forward in anticipation to much joy.
Leave Brooklyn?!?!?! Really!!??Awwwww!! Pat!! But you know one door shuts, a window opens - or something like that!!
Oh and no way are you 59, no way!!! Look at you - all sprightly and adorable!
It'll be great to be closer to your grandchildren though wouldn't it? I think you and hubby have such exciting times ahead! I say, never look back - that road's been done - you have many more ahead of you!
Take care
x
Pondside had it right about growing older being a privilege, and we are a younger older than our parents or grandparents were, and tend to be more active. It sounds like you are going along well with your goals for retirement plans!
That quote really hit home with me today . . . change is good, I'm sure you and your husband will have a blast!
I am sooo excited for your moving closer to your grandchildren, Pat!! Woo hoo!
I'm adjusting to aging. I'm not going to lie. It hasn't all been easy. I resented having to give up running and that my body won't do all that it used to... but, I am very blessed and beginning to adjust. ;)
I'm glad to say I'm not scared about growing older. Because I'm also growing wiser and stronger and able to give guidance to my kids. I'm loving every minute of it.
I admire your attitude and your dreams for the future. I have enjoyed retirement more than I thought, I want to stay as fit as possible so that I can continue doing the things I love like travelling, gardening, playing tennis and bush walking. However, I am uneasy about getting older as I remember watching my dad die a slow death from cancer and watching my mum suffer with dementia. It scares me that one day it will be my turn. I am not eligible to enter sweepstakes living on the other side of the world.
What a positive and upbeat attitude I found from you as I read through this post. It encouraged my heart. Getting older is a true gift and I feel like each extra day I am given, I will be so thankful for. My dad was a young, vibrant 63 years old when he suddenly passed away. That fact encourages me even more to look ahead, to try new things, and to keep my heart on my God.
I do not care to be in the giveaway. I feel like reading your beautifully written post was enough of a giveaway for me. Whether you live out west or in New York, I enjoy reading your informative and interesting posts. Thank you Pat!
What a positive and upbeat attitude I found from you as I read through this post. It encouraged my heart. Getting older is a true gift and I feel like each extra day I am given, I will be so thankful for. My dad was a young, vibrant 63 years old when he suddenly passed away. That fact encourages me even more to look ahead, to try new things, and to keep my heart on my God.
I do not care to be in the giveaway. I feel like reading your beautifully written post was enough of a giveaway for me. Whether you live out west or in New York, I enjoy reading your informative and interesting posts. Thank you Pat!
Happy belated birthday Pat.
As my FIL used to say (who almost made it to 100) about aging - it's better than the alternative.
I still have a hard time believing I'm a senior, but each year seems to be better, especially if you keep a good attitude. But when parts slow down or stop working, you began to know "old age ain't for sissies."
Sam
Getting older doesn't scare me...much. I hope it means I'm making fewer mistakes than I did in my 20s, and I'm probably in the best physical condition I've ever been in. I'm not going down without a fight! On a totally separate note, I love those bridge photos.
There is a freeing feeling of a sort in getting older, at least when you have your health and don't have to punch in at a time clock every day. But sharing it with someone you love is really the best reward. Some are not so lucky to have that love in the "autumn years," but even so, it's important to never stop learning and exploring. Each day can bring an unexpected gift.
I like your attitude Pat there are a lot of positives to being older and some may say advantages. Spending time with your loved ones being the most important.
I could only be optimistic...I continue to marvel at all that comes my way, good, bad, indifferent, joy, tears, laughter...all of it. It is the little things that enrich our lives and right now, the little thing I am delighted with is the senior citizens discount at my local Goodwill each Tuesday. Finding treasure on the half shell or 25% off is pure delight.
I will be 59 next April and I am thankful for each day. I love teaching pre-k children, spending time with my family, taking photos, going to auctions, blogging, and all the other hundreds of things that I do . i plan to retire in 5 years and I look forward to that adventure as well. My best girl friend and I take a celebration of life trip each year, to do just that! Life is an adventure.....enjoy!
I see my Dad still vibrant and happy at age 86 and I hope to be exactly like him!
VERY exciting about you ideas for moving to Colorado, Pat! I think we need to keep adventure alive as we grow older... Adventures aren't just for the young alone! ;o) I will be 40 in December, and my husband TJ just turned 50. So we're getting to a stage where we think a lot about the future and starting to make some ideas and plans for it. I am optimistic. I figure as long as our health (mental & physical) remains good and financIally we're OK... the sky's the limit! :o) Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))
If you move you will miss NYC..
My Daughter always says that as did my Mother.
As far as being 75, I have layers upon layers of memories, some wonderful and some Sad. But I am still here and had a full life.
A mistake with the race horses, but traveling was great. The few business adventure's were just that.
When you are young the future is full of dreams. Life is a sort of test, or trial I think, to see who makes it work for them. SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE DOING JUST GREAT.
Signing off for now. Be well,
best wishes to you and family.
yvonne
I would love for people to say that I have eased into my old age with such grace and dignity, but there are days when I am pretty sure that life in my fifties is represented better with a very good sense of humor. Aging is not for the faint of heart!! My husband fell off a ladder last week, while doing something routine (cleaning out the gutters on the house)...he broke 2 ribs. The doctor told him that people over 50 should not be climbing ladders...so much for the graceful part of aging.
♥, Susan
What inspiring words. I would say that I am uneasy at this stage because so much is incomplete.
Great new goals- you will have a ball learning to ride and ski. :-)
I feel the same way you do, Pat. As you know, I just had my decade birthday of sixty. And, it is all good. It might take me a little longer to work out the kinks each morning, but I'm still getting there.
Thank you for your birthday wishes.♥ You always have a smile to share with me.
You have some great changes ahead of you. What adventure awaits (as well as cutie-pie grandsons!). Good luck with the changes.
I'm not too terribly concerned about getting older. I'm optimistic, I suppose, despite how difficult the past few years have been (having nothing to do with age).
HB belated to you Pat! I am going to be 59 in December. I look forward to growing gracefully older with my hubby. I pray we continue to have good health. We try to remain as active as we can and sometime take on things we can not do as easily. My husband makes me laugh and it helps keep me young . We also still love the same kind of music we grew up with and we listen to what the kids like today so I think we are very young at heart! My mom was very active into her 70s. My dad passed away too young, at 73. We both try to keep heart healthy too!
I look forward to the day we can meet face to face. It will be nice to have you close. I know your kids will love it too but always tough leaving your roots and the place where you grew up! Love and HUgs Anne
Looking forward to retiring and seeing the world :)
My husband and I are within a decade of being able to retire and I am so looking forward to it. We daydream about playing all day and taking regular bike rides and just having fun and enjoying life. I hope the both of us lead long, full lives.
I feel very uneasy about getting older - not much I can do about it though!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I am a bit apprehensive about getting old.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
I'm apprehensive in the sense that I worry that my physical condition will deteriorate so that I'm unable to take care of myself and that I won't be able to pay the bills.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
i feel good about it. as long as i am getting old, it means im still living, and to me ::wink: thats a good thing
Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Post a Comment