I spoke about this couple I met around 3 weeks ago. She is 83 and he is 91. And these aren't ordinary seniors. They are both active. He drives this little brand new SUV. And she drives a Subaru outback. They are planning their next cruise that will take them to a couple of islands in the Pacific. Here's the weird thing the conversation I had with them wasn't like speaking to two old folks that were resigned to staying in their rocking chairs. These guys were thinking about going places and still doing things. Now they are mindful that they can't walk that fast any more but they both a "willingness" to beat the typical age boundaries.
I am convinced that older folks are breaking the mold of what the little storybooks showed of the little old couple on the front porch. It's like my opinion of these Harley Davidson fanatics.
What ?
They are wearing these outfits and riding motorcycles. Hell yes there are. And now I am thinking more power to them. They love it. They love the freedom. They love the youthfulness they still hold on tight to. So I am no longer complaining about them. I am actually proud that they are attempting to break the age barrier.
Right now corporations, companies and so called thought leaders know that the age wave is rushing to shore. So why not make the last part of your life magnificent. Toyota is experimenting in building houses that are more ergonomic. I am sure that manufacturers like Nike, Apple, Rubbermaid or whomever are looking now at more serious ways to catch the eyes of older markets with universal design.
There is a redefinition of age streaming forward and it is thrilling to see it. All these new books on the shelves redefining the possibilities of the brain with its constant neuroplasticity and ability to change.
The biggest ticket to this show looks like it has to do with adopting the attitude. The willingness to believe. Yes it takes courage, to create better things for yourself. But it is becoming more of a reality that you can still achieve very cool things no matter hold old you are. For me getting older has gotten way cooler. See ya up ahead.
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Well it's about time you cut us Harley riders a little slack
ReplyDeleteIt has never been about not wanting to grow up or living dangerously. It is the freedom of the wind surrounding you as you travel down the road, to actually feel the beauty while winding through the mountains or the hill country. When I am mountain biking with my friends (all of us are hovering 50) I feel as young and vibrant as I did in my 20’s. I will always roll around in the waves with my granddaughters as I did with my children and run down the beach chasing seagulls.
Our generation is experiencing the benefits of making knowledgeable choices about our nutrition, physical health and financial well being. The few times in life that I have felt “older” are moments when I have forgotten the joy of living, moments when depression or heart ache have fogged my mind. Now, I take a walk, breath and keep it clear.
I read a study yesterday about drinking and life expectancy. Long story, short – people who drink moderately live longer. Cheers!
We are raising the bar for future generations… our parents aged gracefully. I intend to live passionately! I will drink every drop of the daily nectar and look at each day as an adventure, travel often and love generously.
My mother received her bachelor's degree in her 50's. She then received her master's degree in her 60's and her PHD at 72. My grandmother married the guy across the hall at the retirement home at 82. They wanted to save money on getting 2 rooms instead of one when they went on car trips. My daughter was then 6 months old so there were 4 generations at her wedding.
ReplyDeletePoint is, I'm not about to think of myself as even close to old at 64. I still exercise, have always needed 8 hours of sleep, certainly still work and travel doing so. I have sold my house with a yard to live in a town home with no yard, but that really wasn't because I couldn't take care of it anymore. It was because I got re-married at 63 and wanted to live more sparsely so my husband and I could lock the door and travel for as long as we wanted.
The great thing is that no one finds any of this so unusual. When is old? When you think you are.
it takes courage to grow up and be the person you're meant to be.
ReplyDelete-e e cummings