How old is old? How much a part does genetics play in longevity? What part does attitude play in our longevity?
When I was a girl, I remember there were two ages of adults. If they weren’t gray, they were old. If they were gray, they were really old. Now that I’m … not so young any longer, I have a new perspective on age. Wow, do I ever!
In fact, a friend who is my age and I were discussing that this morning. We wondered how many more years we had to write. I figure I’ll write as long as my fingers move and I can string together at least semi-coherent sentences. My husband’s cousin died sitting at his desk with his fingers on the keyboard. Now, that’s the way to go.
On the other hand, a friend lived to 105. When she was 90, her doctor told her she had less than three months to live. She outlived the doctor who gave her that news. In fact, she had a new home built at 90, where she lived the rest of her life. (Word to the wise: she had cancer insurance and had home hospice every day for her last few years.) Several of her siblings lived to be in their late 90s.
We all know similar stories. There’s no figuring the guy who is a health nut and dies at 40 and the chubby, sedentary person who lives to be 95. No one said life was fair, right?
So what are we to do?
My personal opinion is that we should live every day to the fullest. Do something kind for someone else. Look on the bright side. Every day is a gift. Give thanks for each day because it’s a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. No I didn’t come up with that, but it’s true.
As Joan says, the take-away truth is: Attitude may not add years to your life, but it will add life to your years.
Go forth and make today a day worth living.
You're only as old as you feel! Some days I feel like I'm 100, and other days I'm as young as the day I met my husband. It's all relative :)
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised daily that being old isn't the horror show I thought it was going to be. I enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather lived to 100 so the word OLD is relative. He was active until he was about 96 when his vision wasn't so great so he had to shorten his long walks. He was mentally alert, no sign of dementia at all.
ReplyDeleteTime passes regardless, so I have embraced my gray hair and my age. When I think about the age of my parents in passing and that I could have 20 more years ahead, I do wish I had taken better care of myself.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Every day is a gift.
ReplyDelete