Dang! Don't you hate that?
Conversations change. Your peers mostly have grey or greying hair, except for the ones who keep colouring. Perms that everyone used to have are now the hallmark of a woman who simply hasn’t realized they’re passé.
You watch the obituary page in your local newspaper, and say how shocking it is that Mary has gone. After all, she was only 68. You Inwardly congratulate yourself though. After all, you’ve made it through to 78 with little trouble, all things considered. But there is a feeling like each night might be your last, so what nightie should you wear?
Some conversation topics predominate
There's a certain helplessness too in knowing your mind is that of a delayed 18 year old, but the body simply continues on its path of destruction.
Insurance is another topic. People congratulating themselves on having plenty, People having anxiety attacks because they don't. Pressures to buy this kind or that. It's all about marketing and money.
Money becomes a big thing too. Will you have enough when the ravages of time wreak their worst on you? Will you become a burden to your children, who have a whole lot of concerns with their own families? Will you end up in a nursing home, and can you afford that?
At that time you weren’t really thinking too much about cruises and trips to exotic places. Paying off the mortgage was a big one. People actually had mortgage burning ( real document!) parties. Then they settled down to being grandparents, helping the kids (who now have your grown up grandkids) and living in a comfy home until they died.
You know the way you get emotionally charged up by greedy politicians who swear they’re going to change senior things for the better? How that flicker of hope inside you just refuses to die, no matter how many times you hear the nonsense?
Well, you come to realize a very similar feeling flares up when you contemplate the idea of taking a vacation - just you and someone of your choice - to some exotic destination.
First consideration is the bed. Second, the toilet facilities. Somehow the bladder or even sphincter muscles don’t always work the same way as they used to.
So ahead of taking a vacation you need to decide on the following:
Can you afford it? How much are you willing to pay for memories? Late though they may be?
Are you traveling solo? Most accommodation deals favour two bodies in a room. However many bus tours have several single seniors aboard!
When do you want to go? Wherever you plan, the shoulder months are good to consider.
You can tell a lot of things by the weather too. I used to love the heat. Couldn't get enough of it, baking in the sun, slathered in coconut oil. Those were the good old days, before the protection of sun block lotion. Now, thanks to that, we have become really good clients for the dermatologists.
I find most of the time I'm pretty content these days. I'm fortunate to be healthy, not to have any grey hairs, not to worry about makeup, just moisturiser and sunscreen. (We do learn from our mistakes!)
Who are you?
Your actions at this time of life will determine how you are regarded by your fellow agers and others.
Will you spend too much time griping incessantly about change, or will you find joy and embrace the richness that change can bring?
Stepping out and spreading your acquired wisdom can be regarded as value by other generations. But do it kindly, and without criticism. No one said you can only have friends within your own, and new friends bring new joy. But always remember, too much re hashing of old stories is boring. Very.
Giving a listening ear is perhaps one of the greatest ways you can serve others, and in turn reap great joy in the aging phase of life. People love to talk about themselves. If you become a great listener you’re golden. Your focused listening ear becomes a magnet. Hearing aids have nothing to do with this ability. It’s all about generosity of giving something only you can afford.
Wacky adds interest!
Maybe each day we live should be a day of gratitude that we are still here, able to do the very best for ourselves and others. You can consider it as an adventure towards patience. Aging actually may have its benefits. I can't remember thinking like this in my younger years.
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They are brightly coloured, hardy and very attractive, not only to the bugs!
They must be kept damp with regular watering. It works to put a container underneath the one they grow in. The only way to kill them is to use any fertilizer. Their only nourishment is the bugs they catch.