Seven Reasons why Getting Old is Cool
I had to visit the local office to renew my driver's license the other day. Pretty routine stuff. There was a form to fill out so no problem right. Wrong. Try as I might I could not read the small print. Logically I knew that the form had to start with name but I was guessing after that. I saw a couple people looking at me like I needed some assistance. I certainly was not going to ask anyone to read or fill out the form for me. Never happen. So I got out my phone, put on the camera function which blows up the print. With that I was able to muddle through.
I was cursing myself for not accepting that I was not as young as I used to and that I had not yet got those glasses which the optometrist said I should. So as mummy used to say, 'who can't hear will feel' as I did in the office earlier. It got me thinking however about Seniors and another niche idea but more about that later. I realized that we, and yes I have to admit that I am a Senior (albeit Junior Senior) that life can actually get better with the coming years. Why? Well let me tell you......
1) That ARP Card and other cool discounts
As soon as I hit 50 I immediately applied for my ARP card. It gives a heap load of discounts on almost everything which allows me to have a little extra to focus on some other important things in my life.
2) People really value my experience.
I have been a rebel doing all kinds of things that would make your head spin. Thank God there was no social media in those days. I have been through first love, fights with the parents, a helluva time at University, marriage, child birth, bringing up kids, all kinds of jobs, not knowing sometimes where the money was coming from, travel and much more. All of this makes me a unique. I certainly have not done it all but a lot of people, don’t ask me why, are always asking how to do this or that or what was that experience like. Feels good to be appreciated sometimes.
3) Priority Service, Best Seating and No Line UP
Don’t you just hate those long lines at the bank or at the airport check in. NOT! As a senior we get lines just for us and everyone is normally extra helpful. Going to GATE 9 on the other side of the airport no problem mam let me get you a mobility scooter. Just sit down and lefts whiz on over.
4) The Biggie - The Kids are out of the House
I have lived through nappies, the crying session at the dentist, homework assignments, breaking my precious stuff, wearing my clothes, sneak outs, crashing the car a couple times, experimentation and first love heart breaks. I have seen it all. Thank God they are now out of the house away at school and in their own place. Gives me time with the Mrs. to enjoy the peace, quiet and all the other things I wasn’t able to get to.
5) Paying Off Debt - oh how sweet this is!
It may have taken 15 years to settle all my student loans and I am almost finish with my mortgage but it sure feels good to be almost debt free. I can’t tell you how often I have cringed at having to face that house payment when I was already up to my eyeballs in other debt.
6) I accept you as you are
I used to care a lot about convincing my friends about what I was passionate about. I remember having vigorous and heated quarrels over all kinds of subjects on politics, business and romance. I still do but I am not bothered whether you are swayed to my opinion, or not. If I find you too far right, or left of my view, you can stay in your corner or I just value them for what they are.
7) Retirement babyyyy!
It just doesn’t get any better than this. I can sit back and do all the things that I have always wanted to do and just didn’t have the time. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, indoor sky-diving, that trip to Buenos Aires, seeing not running with the bulls, horsing around with my lady and so much more.
Next time you see me and other seniors be nice because you too will be one some day soon.
If I brought you a Sunday smile don't forget to like and leave a comment.
Hugh
Recent Comments
76
You have read my mind, Hugh. I am approaching retirement at full speed. Just some few years ago, it seemed that retirement was a long way ahead. Not so.
I am remembering most of the events that have led me where I am today and cannot fathom how fast time has passed by.
But to me, that means that I have lived my life almost to the fullest, and I have no intention to slow down.
My father reaches the age of 84 this coming summer, and I intend to be like him at the same age. Full speed ahead, never a dull moment 😃.
Thank you for sharing, Hugh.
Roy
I hope too that I will have everything working as it should past 50 and way into the 80s hopefully. You and I will be flying around in buggies by then remembering the good old days of WA
Well Hugh,
It seems you said it ALL. Yet I have a few comments.
I remember the day when my mom was bemoaning the
fact she was aging. I determined that I wanted to age
gracefully...without complaint. Guess how old she was'....
30.
Now I have reached the upper end of age. I think I have
earned the right to lay claim to "Bragging Rights!"
Still, just this week, my daughter and family went to Colorado for a family ski vaca. I always wanted to go skiing, and never had the opportunity. I stayed home. Why? have not had my annual dexa scan. My level of activity causes me to wonder if I am a good
candidate for a broken bone. I decided not to volunteer.
SH1
Hey Shirley I have always wanted to ski and hopefully will one day soon. Pity you were not able to go. I have always wondered what ways Seniors could be on the slopes safely without having to worry about breaks and sprains. But better safe than sorry because there is a whole much more in life still to enjoy. Stay safe.
Hugh
My dad broke his ankle the first/last time he went skiing. I was married and away, so did not get to go. Until I know the status of my bones bones at age 73, I won't go. I have not taken Dexa scan in years. I thin I will ask at next doctor's appt. I live where there are at least three ski resorts.
People who break a hip often die within a year (I think). SH!
Love this blog, Hugh. There is much for us to be grateful for. One thing I would change if I could, if my body could only do what it did when I was younger, you know, without all the hard work, aches and pains :-)
Thank you for the reminders.
Blessings
Louise
I remember when I joined the forces thinking 20 years seemed like such a long time and it would be forever before I got there.
Well, I ended up doing 27 years before pulling the plug and accepting the fact that I am a veteran. I just never (and still don't) saw myself as that. thought veterans were, well - old. Sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone. I just always pictured those elderly guys at Legion, not me. And come December I will have to face that birthday that says I am getting old, 60 Uggghhhh How in the world did that happen? Where did the time go? Oh, there are perks as you clearly stated in your article and I will gladly accept them all. For me, the best is having my wife by my side through it all and playing with the grandkids every chance we get.
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First congratulations on your Ambassadorship.
I love this post, boy it speaks to us folks who are OLD SCHOOL!
You managed to touch on all the areas, that we look forward to as
GETTING UP THERE, as they say. lol
You put much thought and information into this post.
Much success moving forward here at WA. This is a great place to be.
HAVE A GREAT AND HAPPY WEEKEND.
Carla
I am elated that you would say this Carla. After taking care of my 92 year old uncle for a couple years lets say I know a thing or two. If there is anything that I can assuage Seniors I am all for it. Thanks for popping in on me.
Hugh