Camper at Night 2

Camper at Night 2

Monday, May 28, 2012

Perks of Getting Older


Young people think that old age probably begins at 45 and that life goes totally downhill from that point.  They are so wrong.  I am constantly finding things I really enjoy about life as I get older.  I’ve listed some of these below, but maybe not in order of importance.
1.        Grandchildren
The joy of having a grandchild compares to nothing else.   Until you become a grandparent, you will not understand what is so special about it.
2.       Discounts
I love the fact that as a senior citizen, we qualify for a variety of discounts.  The most impressive ones so far have been at campgrounds.  Did you know that you can stay at many campgrounds for as little as $10-$12 per night?  You can keep your trailer as cold as you want without worrying about your electricity bill.
3.       Pedicures
I know that a lot of young women enjoy these also, but it is a habit that I have acquired in the last couple of years that I really enjoy.  I can even view them as a necessity because I find that it is harder to reach my toes these days.
4.       Tanning Beds
In 2006, I signed up to “lay” for a month before a trip that Bubba and I planned.  I loved the tan and I loved the relaxed feeling I felt as I lay there in peaceful contemplation for the required 20 minutes.  I did this for one month every year since then until this year.  With my new ten hour schedule at work, I just don’t have time.  But I did enjoy this unhealthy habit for a while.
5.       Flip Flops
When I was a teenager, I tried to wear flip flops and deemed that they were rubbing the skin raw between my toes and I never wore them again.  At age 60, I decided to give them another try especially since my toes were looking pretty good with my new pedicure habit.  Flip flops have become my shoe of choice.  I love them!  They are so comfortable.  I’m acquiring a pretty good collection of them.  When I retire, I may wear nothing else.  What happened?  Did they improve the part between the toes or what?  Whatever happened, they are now my favorite shoe.
6.       Servants
No, I don’t have a maid.  I have discovered that the people I work with must think I’m old and feeble.  Everyone wants to help me.  If I’ve been standing a long time, they want me to sit down and they offer to bring me food and something to drink.  If I need to turn in my keys at the Control Room, someone offers to do it for me.  I was waiting outside Target with my cart the other day and it was raining.  A young man I’ve known for years, pulled up and wanted to go get my car for me so I wouldn’t get wet.  (Bubba had already gone for the car.)  I thought that was so sweet that he was willing to get soaked so I could stay dry.
7.       Memory Loss
Most people probably think this is one of the negatives about getting old.  You have to learn to use it to your advantage.  I’m reading a Nicholas Sparks book now that I know I read before.  A dog ran through the hedge into the good-looking neighbor’s yard.  That’s all I remember from the first time.  It’s like reading it for the first time!  I don’t have a clue about what is going to happen next.  I’ve found that even mysteries  I’ve read before become new again after a few months.  I really can’t remember “who done it”.  The same thing is true for movies and TV shows.  Just  think how easy I am to entertain.  I can just re-read a book or watch a re-run and I’m content.
8.       Impaired Vision
Not mine.  I hate squinting to read the fine print.  Bubba’s impaired vision is what I’m enjoying.  I never leave for work or any other function that he doesn’t compliment me on how I look.  He doesn’t seem to see me any older or any less attractive than I ever was.  That’s why I think his vision is not what it should be, but I am certainly not going to rush him in for an eye exam.
9.       Freedom
I’m looking forward to my retirement in 1 ½ years and I’m already enjoying Bubba’s.  Until recent years, I’ve always felt like my life was controlled by circumstances and responsibilities that I had no control over.  I love my job, but I want the freedom to go and come as I please.  I want to be able to go camping and stay an extra day if I’m having a good time.  I want more time to spend with Amelia.  I want to go fishing and to the beach.  I want to go to Montana.  I’m not waiting for life to begin with retirement, I trying to do as much as I can now.  Thankfully, Bubba has made that possible by taking on the household responsibilities during the week so that we can have every weekend free to do as we please.
10.   Naps
Remember how when your children were little, you could never seem to find time to take a nap?  No matter how tired you were you just could not take a nap and leave them to their own devices.  Well, now there is time for a nap! 
11.   Recognition
I’m not speaking about fame here – just the simple acknowledgement from your children that just maybe you knew what you were talking about when they were growing up.
12.   Alternative
We all know what the alternative to getting older is so we might as well be thankful for every day we’re given.  The older I get, the more I count my blessings. 

Sixty-five is just around the corner for me and I’m looking forward to it (and you should too).

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