Kelly and I just returned from a 19-day cruise. We had a lot of time to linger and talk. I turned 70 in July, she is a very young 63. We talked a lot about our path forward and what we anticipate. As a pastor, I have a lot of interaction with folks that are aging and facing end-of-life issues, It always breaks my heart when I hear, "I'm too old for that." or "There's not much left for me." I know we all struggle with health issues and we certainly have our limitations, more than in the past. I'm reasonably healthy, but there are things my body just can't do the way it used to. LOL! Even bending over to pick up something I dropped is more of a chore than it used to be. So, we have to be realistic. But we don't have to throw in the towel.
I put up a video of Bruce Springsteen a few days ago, not to beat his drum (although I've been a fan since he was playing bars on the Jersey Shore), but to say, "Look what you can do at 73 years old. John's post below, showing the 90-year-old guy making pancakes, is another example. We may be older, but we still have potential. In a culture that has a tendency to dismiss the aged, we have to be careful not to dismiss ourselves. If nothing else, we have experience and the kind of wisdom that can only come from walking around on this globe for several decades. Each of us has something to offer, something valuable...to someone.
I am acutely aware that very few of us will stand on stage before thousands. Very few of us can afford trainers and coaches like rock stars can. Few of us will ever put up a stand in a market and produce delicacies for hundreds to eat. But, for most of us, it ain't over yet. Let's let Bruce and the pancake guy be an encouragement. Working within our personal limitations and sometimes limited capabilities, we can show the world how to age and how to remain vital. We have a lot to offer. Are you with me?
...at 58, I'm with ya John. Always pragmatic, however, I'm keenly aware that my "best days" are behind me. I do what I can, when I can...and the only person I have to be better than.... is who I am right now. And of course, "Where there's a will, there's a way," will always be true.
John, your post is very true. As we age, we will have some limitations, but there is still a lot we can do. Do what you can to lead a healthy and happy life. I am 73 and starting to look for a new car, and am only looking at sports cars and the new Mustang coupe. My wife, Ming, is about my age and still teaches ballet.
Well said JK. I’m likely older than most of you but as long as illness does not strike you, it is quite possible to do most things. I still have no trouble getting in and out of low cars and do so daily. The only irritation is road view blocked by all those trucks and SUVs. Carpa Diem should be the motto we all live by. None of that couch potato stiff if you can avoid it.
Thanks John. I'm 82 and while I can't do all of the things I did when I was younger, I'm still willing to try. I personally do all of the work on my 1/1 collector cars to keep them running and in show condition. As to low sporty cars I still have my 1961 Corvette of fifty years and the getting in and getting out isin't real pretty anymore. You've got to keep moving if you can.
John, your sentiments are so true. At the age of 64, I still move like I'm 40. Out playing basketball with the kids or soccer, riding my bike and running up and down the highway at 90mph. Fortunately I had 4 kids late in life, so they keep me young. With my oldest being 27 and my youngest 16, we have great times together and my wife of 28 years who is only 50 keeps me going as well. I am always ready to try something new. She keeps ragging me that I will die before her, but I keep telling her that I will out live with a good life. I plan on making it past 100, at least in my head. I look at people like William Shatner now 90, but still doing what he likes. I am still excited to see what my journey will be moving forward. Right now it is back to a model I started awhile back that I put off to the side when I started my new job this past July.
Thank you, John, for introducing this topic. I've been reading the good comments that followed, and I have a lot of agreement. Last spring I had #83, with some health issues, but my wife is still putting up with me, I work in the yard (spent most of yesterday moving leaves around), and I enjoy my allied collections of old toys and 1/43 model cars. As is sometimes evident on Forum 43, I build some of the many 1/43 kits that I have accumulated, and I enjoy the activity because there's no pressure. Of course with my skills level, there's also no market! But it's fun since I have no time pressure to finish. Right now I'm in my second week on a 2004 Ford GT by Xin Yu (China). I may finish it tomorrow but more likely it will be another week or so. It's nice to feel no rush.
My acquisition of new 1/43 models has slowed considerably, partially because of the emphasis on American cars of the 60's and later. I owned and drove quite a few of those and somehow I tend to favor the older ones as models. There's also the reality that no one else in my family has any interest. I'm actually, very slowly, starting to dispose of some of my collections. I'm not worried about my children having any problems with that slowly growing account of my sales profits.
My best buddies are the few of the Carolina Toy Collectors who still gather once a month (over thirty years now) for dinner and showing off new acquisitions or re-discovered old ones. The waitresses get a kick out of us also, especially since I'm by far from being the oldest in the group. I'm also grateful for the good spirits and willing comments on this site; it means a lot to me and I'm on it several times a day. I thank you, one and all.
So tomorrow it's time to clean up the goldfish pond in the yard, move a few leaves around, maybe wash a car. . no, they can wait for better weather.. and just maybe put a little work into that plastic model car. Have a good evening, gentlemen, and a good life.
Thanks John and all you guys with these great comments about getting older. Sept. 23 I turned 78 and do all my house upkeep and yardwork and enjoy biking with my 9 year old grandson. I also walk 2-3 miles every day. (that's Dean in that little pic) I'm in and out of that Corvette with no problems.
Mom was nearly 97 when she passed so maybe I have some of her dna. I'm very grateful for my good health and am inspired by guys like Gene Winfield whos still busy building cars at 95!
what a wonderful post and responses, thanks John for kicking it off. I just wont accept I'm 72 and the supposed restrictions that go with being 72, nope stuff it, I just will not accept it! I'm aiming to bench press 1460 kgs in a set before my 73rd birthday in January, 1460 being twice my age. This morning only 1000kg but last Friday I got to 1450. 29 reps at 50kg. I do weights 3-4 times a week without fail. I continue to study and am about to complete a Masters at a local university, when that finishes I'll do another Grad Cert. I've survived 2 cancers, the first, from 11 years ago, has a survival rate of less than 5%, the second while not as severe, badly affected my voice and because of it, and only because of it, I chose to stop working. I'm a very committed volunteer at the hospital where I was saved, doing whatever I can to support the amazing staff who saved me, and doing all I can to support my fellow cancer patients. And like John N, keeping up with young people is a great inspiration. Oh yeah as I've mentioned a few times around here, I am surprised that my dexterity has improved at 72, so like John N and David H, I'll go back to the model I'm working on! Thanks to all who have participated in this wonderful thread.
It seems to me that, regardless of how old we are getting or how many years we are each granted in our lives, the main objective is to appreciate daily what we have compared to most other people on this planet, focus on being kind and loving to others, stay as active and engaged as possible and maintain a really good sense of humor. It's easy to lose focus on this type of attitude in these somewhat troubled times and be consumed by the media hype and focus on negativity, but there are wonderful experiences to enjoy "out there" daily if we maintain our focus on the positive. I am very aware that the vast majority of people are really great....especially if you provide them with the opening to show you. An example of this is the opening JK has just provided here for all of these uplifting responses. Thank you all!
I really don`t know John....but it is easy to see how people might benefit from your sermons......you are a natural empathetic performer
.............obligatory age reveal 71 😐 😑 😶 (photo from last year)
Jeez JB, you don't look 71. That khaki suit and hat are very sporty.... very slimming. Nice to see you and Alice are still enjoying your vintage Ranchero. I hope the giant dude next door is a good neighbor....he sure seems curious.
