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“Oh, I’m too old for that “.
Spoken by someone 80?
Spoken by a young man. He was too old to learn to snowboard.
So often aging fosters an ageism attitude against living life in crescendo.
It creates the perspective that there is a ‘proper’ age for pursuing a life pleasure.
Even a simple life pleasure.
Like pierced ears.
Unlike babies today who get theirs pierced at six months, I had gotten mine done at the age of twelve. As so often happens (apparently), the holes kept closing up, as I stopped wearing them while caring for my young sons. Glittering gold in a mother’s ears tempts babies to touch and to pull.
When I occasionally attempted to wear pierced earrings, each time I painfully re-pierced them. Finally, I gave up, boxing my mostly gifted, pierced earrings.
I reasoned that I was too old to bother having my ears re-pierced.
Yet, if a child of ten said ,”My earholes are closing up, but, I won’t bother, I’m too old to get my ears re-pierced“, we’d laugh.
Too old?
Surely a ridiculous concept for a ten year old.
Yet, when a man or woman of 60+ says this, people typically nod in agreement.
Getting ears re-pierced is not a big deal nor is it expensive.
Yet, ageism held me back.
Where do we get the concept that we are too old?
Exactly what age is too old for challenges?
Exactly what age is too old for learning?
Exactly what age is too old for adventure?
Aging may effect both body and mind.
It need not affect aging well in spirit.
An eighty year old I know bought season tickets for this upcoming fall theatre, which commences in six months.
Therein lies the spirit of aging well.
Living life in crescendo means aging without ageism.
For me, aging well commenced with re-pierced ears.
Live Life in Crescendo 
Well, they say you’re only as old as you feel. So I guess a lot of the time we are making ourselves feel old, aren’t we? Doesn’t make much sense though, does it?
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Makes no sense not to age well. Rather, it makes sense to live as one feels in spirit, which more often than not, is a whole lot younger than one’s chronological age.
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That’s true. My mom, in her 70’s, does stuff and then figures out she shouldn’t have. She told me “But I don’t feel old in my head!” The only problem is her body can’t always keep up!
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I agree that everyone should not consider NOT doing something based strictly on age. I love an adventursome spirit in all ages, But you know me…I look at things from all angles…I think we need to evaluate our limitations of our bodies at all ages. People with bad hips need to do non-impact sports, people that have really poor night vision need to drive in daylight and there comes a time people need to not drive at all. SO….age shouldn’t dicate what we do and when we do it but rather we need to keep abreast to the limitations of our bodiies. I still believe we can live our lives fully, find our joy, and celebrate our strengths even as some of our strengths change as we age.
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As I said, aging effects both body and mind but, it need not affect aging well in spirit.I agree Cheryl with your points. I too have physical limitations. Yet, I don’t want my age to impact what I can still do, just because there is some outside source that implies I am too old to do something. And there are many ways that is implied all the time. I want to age well, living life vibrantly with whatever aging limits, truly limits, in my body or mind. That for me is living a life well. I think we all want that, no matter what age.
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Well said! I will remember your words as I celebrate my 50th birthday next month! 😉
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Hopefully with full of life beautifully coloured balloons! Happy(soon to be) 50th!
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I dont know much about your culture but in my country its the customs / traditions which at times binds you but i think there shouldnt be anything age dependent with one exception that your body must support you. secondly its the peer pressure which forbids us to do something which we want to do
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Yes, and amazingly there is still peer pressure evident at all ages. In fact, that is where ageism comes in, the idea that your peers, or society, think you are not of the right age for something. This works at all ages,from young people not being ‘old enough’ to old people being ‘too old’. Enough of that. We all need to simply live life ,and age well.
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No matter what your age, newborn to ultra senior, you only have today, so make it a great day!
Granny
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Each and every day!
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I’m 20 and have been feeling so ‘old’ lately!
thank you for making me see how many opportunities i’m wasting before its too late! such an inspiring piece.
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I’m glad you said you are 20 because sometimes people think that only OLD people feel old. I too remember feeling ‘old’ when I was much younger. We all struggle with age limitations, but yes, there are so many opportunities to enjoy in life, no matter what the age. it is always time to follow one’s passion and enjoy life. Glad you were inspired!
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Reblogged this on AccomMobility and commented:
Having a stroke does not make you older than you are! We all should be working toward aging well & enjoying life as best we can.
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Wow, I appreciate you re-blogging the post. I could’t agree with you more. While many people have commented that age brings physical limitations, and surely for many it does, I agree with you that having a stroke does not make you old, in and of itself. As is obvious from your blog, it is your attitude that made the difference after your stroke. At all points, we can aim to age well, as best as we can. Love your gravatar of the scooter and older lady, having fun!
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Thank you so very much! Love your blog 🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind words. Still learning the “blog ropes” and just discovered this section that shows reblogging comments, LOL! Please don’t think I was ignoring you. Enjoy life as it comes, Marie!
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Pingback: Aging Well | AccomMobility
One is never too old to be Freshly Pressed. Congratulations 🙂
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Yes,thankfully one is never too old to be freshly pressed. Hum.Now you have me wondering, just how old the oldest blogger is on WordPress?
Oh, wait. Does it matter? Thanks for the smile!
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Nice post — and congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
I live in an apartment building filled with people in their 70s and 80s — a few decades older than I. One of them had (!) a male stripper at her 80th. birthday party. Love it. They dress well, enjoy their lives and offer me powerful role models for aging. One woman moved in at 95, and just died at 99 — and her grandson told me she was ice-skating into her 80s when she broke her hip.
Age may limit our bodies to some things, but not our spirits of adventure. My father, at 84, is still traveling and thriving on new experiences. I hope to emulate him.
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How wonderful that you have a father who is modelling aging well. Age may, and often does, limit physical activities. But, it surely need never limit the spirit of one’s heart.
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I think it is the norm that people still feel young in their heads, but the body just won’t cooperate all of the time. I know I don’t feel old at all in my head, but there are things now that my body just does not want to do any more. Its frustrating and I really think that most people grow “old” because they let their body dictate what they should or shouldn’t do. I think that if we talk about these types of things and find out all the information we can on how to keep our bodies in tune with our heads, then we may be able to stave off growing “old” for a good few years to come. I have a blog where we discuss all these types of issues, on many different levels. Check it out at http://youlesswrinkled.wordpress.com/
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Yes, age can and often does bring body limitations.But, so often, it is not so much the weakened body but the mind ageism that one is ‘too old’ that prevents aging well.
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“Where do we get the concept that we are too old?”
By listening to people who aren’t as smart as we are, and twice as scared.
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And by listening to ageism assumptions and not stopping to analyze them for what they are- assumptions, not fact.
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Age should only be a factor in doing things if it effects your ability to do them. You shouldn’t limit your activities based solely on your age. As for getting your ears pierced, if you enjoy wearing earrings and it’s not detrimental to your health then I say go for it! I personally hope that I’m still doing things I enjoy at a later age.
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I agreed. Limiting oneself simply on the basis of age is to ignore the spirt of aging well. I’m sure you will enjoy your life passions no matter what age you are, as you have already embraced that spirit !
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Beautifully expressed, and with such spirit. I hope to embody some of the same.
I have so enjoyed reading the work of fellow bloggers freshly-pressed on this day – there are interesting threads that run through the work… Be well~
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Thank you. I hope to continue modelling a spirit of aging well. May you also.
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Age IS merely a number. It stands as testament to all one’s life experiences and it needn’t inhibit those with big numbers pinned to them in doing what they feel they need to yet experience. Throw caution to the wind and to Hell with what others’ blinkered or myopic perceptions may be… That’s what I’d say. Age is just a number after all. A healthy attitude to life, and what you yet have to do with your life, is far more positive and possibly much to the envy of those in their youth who are still terrified of living and loving and letting go….
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Age is just chronological number. Yet, so often when we see those upbeat quotes on a healthy attitude towards life, it does not seem to apply to older people. Yet, as you put it, these are myopic perceptions. Aging well can happen for everyone, no matter their age, as long they have a healthy attitude.
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I know a lady that plays tennis several times a week at 95-years old. She leaves and then enjoys cocktail hour. Can you imagine that? My friends want to be like her and so do I.
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While I have challenges that prevent me from playing tennis,even at my ‘youthful’ age, I admire that lady. I posted blog on a woman who was at the gym with her oxygen tank. If that ends up being me, I hope that I too will continue on with my gym routine. It is terrific to see inspirational older, and I use that term advisedly, people who simply enjoy life.
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Well written. After all, what is the alternative? To just give up and die?
No thank you.
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Thanks. There is no reason for anyone to give up on what they’d like to do before they die, simply because some ageism idea thinks they are too old. Everyone can and should be free to age well, doing what interests them.
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I completely agree with you. Age is only a number. My grandma was walking everywhere when she was 80, now that she’s 91 she’s decided that she’s just too old. I guess at some point age becomes less of a number and more of a way of life.
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My mother walked everywhere, including the day before she died. She never felt she was ‘too old’ for anything. I guess this is in part where my life perspective comes from. Perhaps you grandma is just feeling a tad lonely? I would agree with you, for many, age becomes a way of life, too often with far too many life limitations.
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Nice essay! I agree, we should constantly try new things and stay involved no matter how old we are.
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Thanks. Trying new things is easy today, because there is so much yet to learn, no matter what age. Staying involved keeps us thinking, which makes us want to try new things. Isn’t that thee way it tends to go?
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I’ve felt “too old” since I was 39. Is that ridiculous or what? Now I’d feel young if I were that age. Time to stop telling myself “I can’t” and start asking, “Why not?”
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I am smiling. Yes, looking back on our ‘youthful’ days, when we felt that a certain age, like you stated 39, was too old for something, seems a tad ridiculous when one is long past that age.
I hope you have a terrific time saying, Why not! What adventures do you have in store for you?
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Pingback: Aging Well | The Aging Impasse
This is a great post! I’ve always believe that our souls are not so nonetheless one must take care and maximize our body’s’ full potential.
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Agreed. We need to maximize all facets of our life, body soul and spirit, while living and aging well.
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Maybe I should try to get mine pierced again. I had the same problem. My grandmother got her ears pierced when she was 70 years old. She really enjoyed wearing pierced earrings after that.
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Just as I have enjoyed being able to once again wear mine. Hopefully,my piercing will last this time until I am well passed 70. But, if not, I will follow your grandmother’s wonderful example. How about You?
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It’s scary. But maybe I should take the plunge again.
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I know the feeling. Go for it!
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Very true. All too often I hear people say “I’m too old for that” and it breaks my heart a little. We place too many limitations on ourselves. A 75 year old man ran a 135 mile ultra marathon, yet I hear people my age (31) say they are too old to start running. It’s amazing what we can actually accomplish when we let go of self imposed limits including those related to age.
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There are so many examples of people learning something new at what would previously be considered ‘old age’. For example, Bert Powell began Taekwondo at 67 and got his first degree black belt eighteen months later. Both Boris Paternak, who wrote Dr. Zhivago and Laura Wilder Ingalls, of Little House on the Praire fame, began their writing careers after the age of 65. There are too many people to list that achieved their university degrees later in life, like Barbara Buttmann-Gee did in her 70s,and who later went on to complete her MA at age 81. It is indeed amazing what is accomplished when age-imposed limits are discarded.
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I think you’re only as old as you feel. The number of years you are (old) is just a measurement of time
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You know sometimes as we age, we do ‘feel’ old, but still push on passed that feeling. Aging well doesn’t mean that aging is without challenges. It means continuing to enjoy doing what we love, at all ages.
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I feel young therefor I am young. You are only as old as you feel, right?
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You are as old as your thoughts dictate your behaviour. Aging well is to live in the spirit of following your passions and purpose without taking age into account. Age in and of itself need not be the determining factor.
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Definetly!
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My mom left earth in 2010 but her spirit lives on. She visited me in her sixties and I had a huge bing cherry tree in the back yard at the time. Was afraid to go up and clean the remaining cherries off. She said she would. I warned her not to. Well, you know the rest. Yup. Mama up the tree, cleaned it off, climbed back down and looked at me like it was nothing. To her, it probably wasn’t. Attitude and don’t stop moving, that’s all I know for sure as I now approach sixties myself. Am told I look decades younger but I think I just got lucky in many ways 🙂 Oh. She also read books like most people take meals. Many per week until she could do no more. Oh, how I miss her.
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I too have a mother whose spirit lives on. She had to retrain at age 50, and did so. We taught her the computer, and she used it. She walked and walked , yet died suddenly from a stroke. But, she was , and yes, she still is, an inspiration to me, and I miss her every single day. I hope my children will feel the same about me .
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~ Our mindset has a lot to do with aging. Yes, we are never too old to learn a new thing or to do something we really like to do. Aging is just in our minds and we have to believe ande feel that we’re young bec. age is nothing but a number! Congrats on being FP! May you always pierce/re-pierce your ears! Btw, I love piercings and I have 7 piercings now and counting. More power! – Bliss, The Lurker’s List
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Yes,our own mindset and society’s idea of what is consider ‘proper’ for a certain age. I will never again consider NOt doing something just because I am a ‘certain’ age.
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~ so what’s next after re-piercing your ears? 🙂 i hope i’ll be crossing another challenging task on my bucket list this year. you take care always! (:
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Hum..well I did start this writing thing called a blog. lol. Loved your 101 things about you. Make me laugh. Not sure I could compile that many, even though I am a list person as well. You take care, too!
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~ the list is just for fun, hahaha. one of the funny reasons why i created that list is bec. lots of friends (and some new ones) ask random stuff so i decided to list things about me so i won’t have to narrate to them. lazy me, right?! tnx for the replies. do you mind if we correspond? may i know your e-mail? mine is nooffensemeant@gmail.com. once again, congrats on being FP! tc 😀
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Thanks, this is inspiring!
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Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it !
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such a simple post yet so much to ponder. it is the spirit and the attitude which determines the age and not the other way around. well said. congratulations on being freshly pressed.
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thanks for the congrats. I am enjoying being freshly pressed mostly because I have heard so many great stories about people who are aging well, with spirit and a zest for life attitude.
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I have recently found out that the grandmother of one of my acquiantaces, 90 something years old, drives a convertible and has an Iphone!!!
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Wouldn’t be surprised you may have even read one of her ‘tweets’!
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Reblogged this on portraitofmythoughts.
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Thank you. I feel honoured.
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Go for it! There’s a world of earrings out there! 😀
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And lots of places to go to with them on!
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double yay! 😀
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Sometimes I think i am a little bit late to learn dancing, but i have decide I must learn it no matter what or else I will regret later…
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Too late? Banish that thought. I know a women who just started French ,and she is 80. Just think of all the fun you’ll have dancing…go for it!
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I’m only … hang on, while I finger-tot it up … 62. (Have to always rework it pout as I;ve never counted the years with birthday parties.)
I’ don;t feel “too old” for any damned thing the world can throw at me, or offer me.
But because of a bad bout of health problems in the past, I’m made to feel “too old” to go to rock concerts, to visit a hair dresser, to go out to movies or a pub/club, to get a full-time or even part-time job. That pressure comes from a husband who’s scared by how nearly he lost me. I love him for caring. I hate hom for wrapping me in cotton wool and blaming the need to be “careful” on age!
Mind you, sneaky little grey hairs don’t help! LOL
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Grey hair is in, haven’t you seen the much younger woman with dyed grey hair? I have some life health limitations as well, so I know that aging well is challenging with contingent health issues. But, remember , this is about attitude and perspective. Do what you are able to do to enjoy yourself at this age, with your personal limits. And yes, you are ‘only’, with that emphasis, only 62! Enjoy!
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well beautybeyondfifty says: no matter what your age is..continue what you think and your body can do. Enjoy living!
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Yes, agreed. Enjoy living and live it with zest.
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You go, Girl!
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And you too!
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Have run 3 marathons since starting to run 7 years ago at age 43. Got my ears pierced at 48 for my daughters wedding. Fiftieth birthday, sat on bottom of pool in deep end for 1st time. I never want to stop getting young as I grow older.
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What a wonderful model you are for your daughter!
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I never thought of it at the time as setting an example – but people since have said that. I just want to be the best me I can be.
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I SO enjoyed your post- I’m finding the older I get the more easily & readily I embrace change. It’s almost as though I’m settling into myself & finding I’ve more to offer. Seems my body, mind & spirit fit together better than they ever have & even better, I’m not the only one. More & more women I’ve talked with have experienced the same thing…this is good.
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Yes, it does seem that as we age we discover more of ourselves, our real passions, especially if we age well. This is indeed good, no, Great!
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I work at a senior center and I’ve heard 70+ year old people say, “I’m not old enough to go there.” People are in denial and afraid of aging in our society because they have been taught it’s a bad thing since childhood. Everywhere in the media they hear anti-aging-this and anti-aging-that. Ageism is the last accepted form of discrimination in the country. It’s in healthcare, the workforce, emergency services, elder abuse, nursing homes, marketing and media. The message to everyone is “don’t grow old!” My personal quote is, “People are polished, perfected and refined by age.”
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I have also worked with people 70+ and even when I discourage the ageism, it is so embedded into their minds. This is the time to counter ageism in society. I like that quote,although I am not sure I will be perfected!
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Pingback: Aging Well | WeWorld
Make choices based on what you want to do not based on your age. Its all a state of mind. If age does not occur to you in making choices about what you can or can not do, then it is of no consequence. Just do it.
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Couldn’t agree with you more.
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I love this prospective that my grandma Marion lived by until her dying days, you are only as old as you feel, it that your are young at heart. My grandmother loved life and lived it to her fullest. In fact she always said she was 39 and holding. This year would be my last birthday in my grandmother’s eyes. So a promise I will make is to live by her motto.
Wonderful post, I enjoyed it and look forward to more posts.
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How blessed you must feel to have a grandmother who lived life to the full. What a wonderful model and motto to emulate.
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Why age defines what we do and cant do? People age differently, depending on lifestyle etc etc..
I think regardless of age, if you can and want to do and its appropriate.. You should just do it! After all.. Life is too short! 🙂
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Age itself should not be defining what we can or can not do. Sadly, too often it does. But, as you said, life is too short to let ageism interfere with doing what you can do, and want to do, to enjoy life.
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At sixty I’m more willing to try those things I feared when younger. I can’t wait to skydive, surf and climb that 14nr.
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I find that I too have been more willing to try things I would never do when younger. I did a post on an 104yr old who went paragliding(.May 2012 Archives) I confess, I am unwilling to do that but, hey, if you do skydive, I hope someone videotapes it, so you can send it to me!
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Why in blazes would you want to have your ears pierced having outgrown childhood mutilation?
As to what we want to do…age is no barrier once we discard societal pressures.
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Yes, once we discard societal ageism assumptions, there is no barrier to what we can do.
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Age is just a number, we are as young as we choose to be!
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Nice read. Here and now … that’s all we have.
Be happy, no matter how old you are.
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Very well written…the spirit is important otherwise even a 30 year old would feel old.
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My spirit is ageless but the mirror tells the truth…”When you have your health, you have your wealth.” My mom use to say that, she was right as right could be. “Keep on Truckin”.
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Congratulations for earning a listing on Freshly Pressed.
“Age” is an illusion. If you are physically able to do it, and want to do it, then DOIT!
At 79 years of age, I have finally given up on trying to figure out what to be when I grow up – and decided to simply skip growing up.
Works for me.
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yikes! I am guilty of saying this at times….not any more though!!
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well written!! I firmly believe each year is a true gift so we should embrace them,be fearless and have a blast! I’m 49 (just) and cannot wait till the big 50..fireworks and a actual b day party!
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I think age is in our heads … while yes we get older and less agile but that doesn’t mean we can’t tale the time to learn something. I think i really isn’t a matter of age but a matter of willingness to try and many loss that.
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Its quite sad how many people use age as a reason for not aspiring to amazing things or chasing adventures. My husband is 19 years older than me so alot of people think that our lives will slow down now that he is past middle aged…but the opposite is the case – we have commited to chasing and living an amazing life regardless of age and keep each other on track if we try to settle into a lifeless existence lol. Great post!
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I love this crescendo thing. My thoughts sometimes go up to a crescendo. I’m following you. Ah I’m 50plus. That’s all I’ll say.
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Reblogged this on everything you can imagine is real and commented:
Aging for me, is that my disease worsens. I worry about what I might become, where things will lead. I don’t want to age, and I guess it’s without choice we age. Wellness is what I strive for today, but how well will I be as I age.
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Aging with an illness can be so challenging and life limiting. I know. I’m living it. But, still, no matter how ill or healthy we are, the perspective holds- to not let ageism itself be what holds us back from enjoying life. Thank you for reblogging the post, I appreciate it!
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Thank you. Age is inevitable, but you are right, it shouldn’t get in the way of living your life. Great blog. Cheers
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Pingback: Aging Well « cutemunie's diary (inspirational)
Thought provoking! Really good read! Btw, spelling error in the last few paragraphs “Therein lies the spirit of ageing well.” 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed the post. Appreciate the edit and have corrected it.
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Reblogged this on The Daily Advocate By Painspeaks.
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I like the term ageing well. same as growing old gracefully! https://demhalejdel03.wordpress.com/#!/read/blog/id/52281722/
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I feel a tattoo coming on 🙂 lol, damn I wish my body could keep up. Not old in the head, not chronologically old either, but the body … it’s done in!
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A tattoo eh…well, if that is your ‘pierced ears’… lol. I think no one’s body came keep up with all we can imagine!
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Very true! The tat is an interesting story. My 22 year old daughter said to me one day, “mom, I want to get a matching tat with you.” I felt very honoured, most kids don’t want anything to do with their parents let alone matchy matchy stuff. I said to her, “ok what do you have in mind,” hoping it’s nothing too ostentatious. She revealed that she wanted but one word, “Siempre,” Spanish for always/forever. So with the S designed as an infinity sign, we await the perfect moment. I was so touched. Nope, not too old for this!
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Nor will you ever be to old for that . A touching story.
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You’re never too old for anything! I say embrace the inner child at all times.
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We all have an inner child and an older adult within us. The spirit of aging well is to embrace what bring you joy, passion and purpose.
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I like your sentiment. Aging well? I like to say “I’m aging gracefully – or at least attempting to do so!”
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I like to think I am aging gracefully too.
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Good questions, and I agree with the spirit of seizing the day, but you have to acknowledge that age naturally comes with different priorities and a different focus.
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As I’ve said in other comments, I do indeed acknowledge that aging does mean change, often physical limitation changes. There are indeed different priorities and focus at different ages. The whole spirit of aging well is that one does not let one’s age be the determining factor in choosing those priorities or focus. Aging well means aging well for you, with your life challenges and goals and passions. We will all do that in different ways. My hope is that neither ageism nor age itself will limit one’s passion or purpose.
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Reblogged this on Tour D'Elegance and commented:
Again well is definitely an elegant concept.
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Well, I definitely know what kind of “old” I want to be. 😀 They say (for good reason) that retirees that have things to look forward to (like the theatre patron you mentioned, or a grandchild’s birthday or whatever) and things to do (i.e., learn a new athletic thing, a new language, a new craft) have longer, healthier lives (as well as happier, and with a more alert/active mind).
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I love the subtext on your blog : an Exploration on How to be an Elegant Lady in an Modern World. Yes, aging well is most definitely an elegant concept!
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Great post. I have found in talking to the older generation that they never feel as old inside as they are on the outside. My son loves to show me examples of older people doing physical things way past what is considered the norm. Normal is what feels right to the individual, no matter the age.
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I doubt any ‘older’ person feels old inside, unless they are very ill. Loved your post on your son learning to unicycle. Normal is following one’s passion and purpose. That normal is the spirit of aging well. I think your son just may keep both of you on track!
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Thanks Wendy, he does keep me on my toes.
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Love. love!. loveeee this write & the message..I’ve got a milestone bday coming up on the 4th of July..The BIG 5 0..and it is indeed a major big one for me. I’ve been counting days till 50 for almost a year..In anticipation/With baited breath/Butterfly in my tummy kind of feeling..NOT just for the big birthday party(the 1st! that wasn’t linked with 4th of July; but a real elegant styled party just for lil ole me) but because up until and after I’m celebrating LIFE. Once dreaded 50 and honestly didn’t think I’d make it to 50; now? I’ve come to the realization that 50 IS the age one knows , without a doubt(not even a shred) not only the direction they’re headed but also well onto meeting their God given potential..Or least thats the way I see IT. And my 2 cents on aging well and limitations? I bought a hula hoop this year as one of my New Year Resolutions..I’m UP to 15 minutes rocking in on my hips and working towards more time..Brings back sweeet memories of the good ole days and? Its a fabulous form of exercise! Stay UPlifted and blessed . Looking forwarding to reading more of your thoughts
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Oh really…I’ve thought of the hula hoop as well, as it is so good for flexibility. The big 50 party without those ugly ‘black’ balloons,where did that idea originate? In someone’s ageism mind. Here’s to your 50th birthday….and your next three decades of celebrating LIFE!
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I don’t know WHO in the heck thought of those black balloons for 50th bday..but that’s the ONE thing I told my party planning crew I did NOT want. NO black allowed..and though its semi-formal I’m hoping folks where lovely colorful outfits..Took me 6 months but I finally found “the” dress..And I think one of the pictures with me wearing the dress? Will be my first ever picture of me that I’m going to post on WordPress…Yay! IF pink/silver combination isn’t the colors for a 50th celebration party; they should be! And thanks so much for your well wishes and likewise. Hugs!
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Pingback: Aging Well « Ray Africa Consultants
Reblogged this on .
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Beautifully written! To me, age is just a number, its all about being true to your heart and passions. 🙂 Following you now from http://www.dancinmoma.wordpress.com 🙂
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Yes, age simply marks the chronological passage of time . Aging well means to maintain one’s passions and being true to your own goals. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Excellent. You used a simple example – getting the ears pierced (or not) – and yet it drove home the message of ageism so clearly.
I feel that sometimes, it’s not just the mentality that promotes ageism but the design of the society as well. Just look around the places you frequent on a daily basis. Just how much of it is elderly-friendly? No matter how developed a country is, it still has a long way to go in creating social spaces that are inclusive.
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Glad you enjoyed the pierced ears example. Yes, it is the design of society as well. Ageism is a mentality that we in society can reject, just like any other ‘ism’. We are society and I believe we can change the design and facilitate making aging well the norm .Hopefully, there will be posts in the future that clearly show those changes are happening!
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Reblogged this on Reason & Existenz.
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Thanks for reblogging. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
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Most definitely. Keep up the great work.
Namaste _/|\_
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Pingback: Aging Well | Creative Gem Balancing
I really liked this .
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Reblogged this on FKgames.
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I love this. Most of the women in my family age amazingly well and I’m planning to be there with them! When I think of my mother, now 68, I think, wow, she has 25 more years to go, so she needs to enjoy them….get in shape and make it good. If you give up so young you have so many years left of doing nothing. I set goals to try something new a few times/year, usually something I have always said I never wanted to do…..nothing too risky, but just enough to keep learning and be proud of the accomplishment. Anyway, thanks for your post!
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Great comment! Yes, aging well does not mean doing something risky. It simply means not letting age limit your goals, passions or purpose.
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Pingback: Aging Well | ahealthiermerightnow
Pingback: Aging Well | georgiacoach
Reblogged this on georgiacoach and commented:
When Are You Too Old To Do Something New?
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Thanks for the re-blog. And the answer to that question you posed is -never!
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Reblogged this on WHAT'S UP WITH ME AND STUFF.
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Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
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Reblogged this on Archaic Sugar and commented:
From Freshly Pressed. Good thinking…
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Appreciate the re-blog. Thanks!
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Thank-you! 🙂
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I am feeling aged out of this western expression of things (US) since being laid off. Finding out I’m over qualified translates into, “Sorry too many years at this.” And as someone who is late life trying to date seriously, I am finding I have one more reason men who find me attractive stand back. Alotta of discrimination in the minds of people for “older,” about and I already have one element being black.
Americans I extremely informed by the media or what they know from their own circle, so in order to maintain a healthy attitude about myself, I am finding that I have to literally ignore the narrative apparent within the masses. It’s seriously everywhere.
And I think ageism is a bad as homophobia or say sexism. It is there and no one wants to meet it. But this was a really encouraging post. Really lovely thinking.
All the best to you. x
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All ‘isms’ tend to put a group of people into a box and say, this is the way it is for this group. Ageism is no different. I believe that just like with any other ‘ism’ , we, who are society, can impact that attitude. Aging well is living well. Glad you enjoyed the post and were encouraged.
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I believe we can too.
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As a 43 yr old, I still feel (and act) fairly teenage-brained in many ways, but I do get looked at and judged sometimes, which is a bummer. 😀
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I think we all act ‘teenage-brained’ sometimes, for we are all still learning, no matter what our age. Live life well in a way that you judge is best for you. Really, that is all that any of us can do.
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Absolutely 😀
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4 years ago I read the book Younger Next Year for Women. It changed by life. Many 5K’s a few 10K’s a couple of half marathons; several triathlons, and finally a full marathon in February just before my 50th birthday this year. All have made me realize that we are never too old to accomplish just about anything. The blog thing is pretty new, started to journal through my 50th year. I got started and then let it drop, hoping to get back on board and finish out my year blogging. Thanks for this great inspirational post. This is my first attempt at at looking in freshly pressed, so it was meant for me to find this post!
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Well, I am glad you are inspired! You are obviously living the intent of this post, for you are ‘aging well’. Congrats on completing marathons!Have not read that particular book so will give it a read. Enjoyed your line on your blog that says: Did you path cross another’s path today that made you want to stick your toe outside the circle or jump outside the circle?” Good thought.I am staying tuned now for more!
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We are never too old once we are old enough to understand we don’t have to be anything other than who we are….
Your blog looks interesting, I’m now a “follower”
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Ah yes. It is so wonderful to reach the ‘age’ when we feel the freedom to be who we are. Welcome!
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I often forget how old I am and when health allows it ( health issues are not from age) I have fun. I find I say what I mean and mean what I say now. Have been wondering (not that it is important to me anymore what other people think of me…except I do like to be a good person) what do people think on a personal level about getting a procedure done like say a facelift? I used to think NO WAY grow old gracefully….but now I am wondering if I may change my mind on that. Who knows what may happen tomorrow.
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Ah, an intriguing question. I think that is up to the person, how they feel about their face. I think this is true with any plastic surgery. For you to decide, as it is indeed so personal.
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Great blog. Following.
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Thank you, glad you enjoyed post. Welcome!
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Thanks, wish you a wonderful day!
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That was a good post, thank you. I’ve been volunteering in nursing homes with my dog, doing pet therapy, for the last two years. The residents exhibit a broad spectrum of emotion and world views: happiness, wonderment, apathy, anger and loneliness.
Age is somewhat irrelevant; younger residents with negative worldviews seem to me to be in worse condition than those who are far older. Some of the oldest patients are willing to try new things like playing wii, games, and meeting new people. Maybe not getting their ears pierced, but you get the idea.
Those people seem far more at peace and happy.
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Have you read A Dog Walks into A Nursing Home: Lessons in the Good Life from An Unlikely Teacher By Sue Halper? It so clearly dispels not only the ageism perspective but how much we can learn from those who are in these homes. I have visited many and totally concur with you that many residents are eager to learn new things. It is indeed often the oldest who are more eager to explore new things. They have never lost their sense of play and adventure, which makes them more content. Pet therapy is a wonderful volunteer position. Dogs also visits those in hospice, to the delight of many there are well. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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No but I definitely will read it. Thank you for the recommendation.
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Reblogged this on The Aging Impasse.
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Thanks for re-blogging it. I appreciated your post on top ten reasons to step up to the plate and care for your loved ones .
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Thanks to my father who informed me on the topic of this webpage, this
weblog is in fact amazing.
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Well, thank you, and your father, too. I had quite an interesting time on your site Ajnabee. As you state, it is an interesting and beautiful way to say ‘stranger’-‘Ajnabee’ in Urdu. I think you, like me, are a person who enjoys the actual way words sound.
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Beautifully written. We are only as old as we allow ourselves to be. Congratulations on the re-pierced ears 🙂
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Pingback: Aging Well | austrage MEDIA
Pingback: Aging Well | longtermhealth
Thanks for re-posting Aging Well. There are so many facets of aging well, and planning for it is vital. Your blog discusses the vital aspect of planning ahead to handle life’s limitations. Aging happens to us all, and the more one plans, the more likelihood one will be aging well, whatever challenges that aging brings.
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I am aging well but there are times when I feel I am too old for something, the older we get the less we like to change or try new things
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Yes, it can be challenging as one ages to be wiling to try new things. And yet, often enough, when we do, we find out how much we enjoy it. I prefer to change or try simple new things. I love the tag line of your blog: Remember, Life’s too short to be miserable. So true!
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I ran in Mud Hero – even though I was too old and out of shape. And I LOVED it! I got a tattoo too and yet still wonder if my hair is too long for someone my age…? 🙂
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You ran in Mud Hero? That is terrific. Love it? Now that IS amazing. lol. Funny you should say that about your hair. I also have long hair. It use to be that once a woman was a ‘certain’ age, she should cut her hair. Where oh where did that rule come from? If it looks good and more importantly, if it feels right to the wearer (that is you and me), wear it long. Or short. Or midway. After all, who are we pleasing? Btw, I love those green sassy books as your muse 😉
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Very very very nice 🙂
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Laxman, I appreciate you stopping by my blog. Aging well is rather a passion of mine. I love all the positive goal setting posts you have,especially the SMART acronym to achieving goals. I’m looking forward to reading more.
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Thanks a lot.. 🙂
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bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!
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As a sixty-nine year old man who is frequently told “you’ve got this aging thing down,” I’d like to say I don’t believe aging is made easier by slogans like “you’re only as old as you feel.” For me, aging well is feeling older and going on anyway instead of fighting it with slogans. And trying to mindful in every moment. And whoever said, “Sixty is the new forty must have been forty and hoping it will be true.”
Belated congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
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Aging Well isn’t definitely not about following or promoting slogans. It is about doing what you enjoy in life, and doing it with passion and exuberance. Age, In and of itself, should not be a factor that determines one’s passions. I agree that sixty is NOT the new forty, for who everyone ‘feels’ older as we age. But, aging well means Living Life as one wants to, as it appears you do from what I’ve read on your interesting blog. Our mutual blog friend Cheryl and I have been having quite a discussion on this ageism topic.I hope to have a page on Aging Well soon to engage all of us in the blogging community on the topic of aging well, at every age, as best as we can. Ageism is something to stomp out of our society. Living well, whatever our challenges, whether they be physical, mental, or financial is the goal of every one of us, at any age.
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Yes, this is a good one…i am 57 and started learning jazz guitar 6 months ago–the hardest of tasks–but the teacher, bless him, says, you have to be a little kid to learn this–and i say, yes i AM a kid, because otherwise it just won’t work–only the mindset of a joyful youth can guide me thought the eye of the needle that is learning jazz guitar – luckily i hav the mindset – as anyone can since we were all there once and it is still in our thougt/feeling system, we need only allow it to be free to live on in the present
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I played guitar/violin/cello as my early teens. Unfortunately, I headed into other avenues in life in my later teens. I would need to begin all over again. So, I am highly impressed with your ‘joyful mindset’ to begin jazz guitar. I so agree with you that, ‘we only need to be free to live on in the present’, for really that is all anyone has. I can just imagine that one day you’ll be a proficient jazz guitarist featured on YouTube 😉 Best wishes on your lessons, for obviously you too wish to live your life in crescendo.
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most kind words, you made my day:) I can dare to dream I may be featured on youtube jazz, and that is the way to go, and if I do or don’t get there is not the point, for I must dream it to get anywhere at all – even to be featured at my neighbor’s bbq ha ha ha
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Lovely blog !
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You are never too old to start again 🙂
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Absolutely. Living every single year of life with enthusiasm has the potential to make one’s life exhilarating.
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