It was long ago when my wise old mother said, “The worst part of getting old is losing things.”
“What do you mean Mom?” I asked.
“You will lose things important to you like eyesight, hearing, balance, and energy. Then there is flexibility, memory, resiliency,and stability. Add skin tone, teeth, and hair. But don’t worry now Sugar Plum. You are still young. When you turn 60, it’s all downhill from there.”
News Flash Mom: I am already on that slippery downhill slope (but fighting the concept all the way)!
Eyes. Ha! I can still see straight (after cataract surgery) and
the Hearing is fine (if there’s not too much background noise).
Never did have good Balance (and no rhythm either) so what else is new? Remember that Arthur Murray dance instructor who told me to “forgeddabout it?”
Flexibility? Maybe a stretching class or yoga would solve that little problem if I can get over muscle cramping during Downward Dog.
As for Energy, “What’s so wrong with a nap or two during a grueling day? It’s called Beauty Sleep after all.”
Memory:
They say your brain stores up every little thing until it stores so much material (and you are so brilliant) that it takes a bit more time to recall what you were doing or why you entered that room in the first place, or even what you wanted to say. What was that word again?
Aha! “Brilliance!”
Brilliance is the upside of aging!
Resiliency – So I don’t make quick exits from easy chairs and muscle fever sets in after gardening. Such things happen at any age. Perhaps practice would help – or a hip replacement. There are miracles in modern medicine these days.
Skin tone can be managed with various scraping techniques, concealers and makeup. A million thanks to Cleopatra who I heard invented cosmetics and foundation.
Hair Loss. They have special repair kits now with tiny fibers that stick to the one or two remaining living strands (for volume) and coloring kits to dab on the scalp in a superb imitation of existing hair color. Who knew?
Stability. A grab bar or two or three in the shower will work.
I suppose Mom was right about the downhill slope but on the way down I am discovering the secret to eternal youth.
Are you ready?
- Bypass any annoying stumbling blocks.
- Ignore negative signs like wrinkles (avoid mirrors, lakes or anything chrome).
- Sleep a lot.
- Utilize modern technology for positive results.
- Employ the art of self deception. Lie (to others and yourself).
- Keep clawing your way back up. Agony is synonymous with Cell Renewal.
- I’ll meet you on the way!
If my mother was alive now. She was always working to look young whether it was stylish clothes or hairdos. She kept her mind young and active. She would have loved some of the options we have today. She would have gladly upgraded her Pond’s cream.
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Oh, how funny and how true!! For me the shocker was getting the once-over in a grocery store from some old guy and then realizing, to my horror, that he was probably my age! Inside I’m still Stevie Nicks, dash it!!!
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This works for me!!! Did you see that twenty some year old dating the eighty yeart old woman in the news yesterday?
Maybe this could be added to your list?
Actually that 80+ year old is seriously crazy. Why on earth would she want to date a twenty year old guy? She’ll have to parent him. Maybe add marry a nice guy and age together to your list. That REALLY helps you age happily
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Or maybe just marry a nice person and age together……
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Love it! My favorite on the list is #2, LOL! Great post. 🙂
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I’m with you! Let’s go!! 😉
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Great advice; I will take it under advisement (as my Dad used to say!).
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Ponds is still “in” I think… history tends to repeat itself. So, your Mom would be on the right track if she stuck to her Ponds. I’m stuck on soap and water which could explain why I avoid mirrors.
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Yep, inside I’m still this young sweet thing. But lucky you getting the once-over! What is your secret?
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That’s what I did Cindy! Married a nice guy and we are aging together (mostly happily)! 🙂 No wonder I look and feel so young! Ahem.
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Whatever works….. 🙂
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He was old! All things being relative, I’m invisible to the cute young guys. Oh well, accepting that reality is another step in the process:-):-)
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I may be invisible in general, so you have my greatest admiration. 🙂
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This is so perfect Dorann, it’s funny beyond ~ I’m feeling every bit of THE age! I definitely like your list.
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I am much younger inside than my kids actually think I am 😀
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LOL! I forgot to add laughter to the list. 🙂
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This is a good thing… a secret youth inside. I’ll bet the kids recognize it some of the time though. 🙂
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Oh how funny! (I THINK it’s funny anyway…just a few more years to age 60…) I started doing crossword puzzles again this week. That forgetfulness needs to be met head-on with some more brain exercises!
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Getting around the blog-us-fear seems to offer me enough brain exercise, but I admire you and the crossword puzzles. I try but fail to finish most of ’em. 🙂
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Blog-us-fear! Oh you crack me up.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Sigh.
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That says it all in one perfect word. 🙂
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Brilliant observations. Here’s my strategy on how to never get old: celebrate the anniversary of your 39th birthday. Hey! If it worked for Jack Benny, it should work for us. Love your humor, Doran.
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Ahem! I vaguely remember Jack Benny – but only vaguely. Maybe I only imagined him as I am only 39. 🙂
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I must have caught his reruns on Nick at Nite. Yeah! That’s the ticket. Reruns. 😉
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