Let's be honest.
How many times have you heard the phrase "Poor so and so is getting so old he probably doesn't have much of a life"? Because everyone needs to get straightened out on this one.
Since when does the word "old" mean "having no life"? Since when do we equate "more experienced in years" as being useless in society? Their wisdom and serenity is so soothing to someone who is going through a hard time.
Heck, no! And that's a BIG no, too! Sure the bones might be getting a little more brittle than they used to be and maybe a few of the muscles and joints aren't quite as smooth as they used to be, but the experience and wisdom that comes with those years of experience? Priceless! And I really mean that.
Have you ever noticed something about the family get together or maybe the potluck at the Community Center? When there is a group of people crowded around an individual at these outings, who is usually in the middle of that crowd? Correct, it's an older person who has the crowd spellbound by a story being crafted by someone who didn't just read that history book, but actually lived it.
Who is the best person to go running to when Mom and/or Dad are busy? You got it, Grandma or Grandpa.
They didn't coddle you, but they always had the time to listen to you and make you feel that you were important.
You take a night class at the local school one night a week.
Who's the popular person in that class? Yep, the older person who has a personality that lights up the class with their quick and insightful comments and makes the class laugh with enjoyment.
How about when you're picking up a few items at the neighborhood grocery store and, walking right there in front of you, is a mature couple strolling along holding hands and in a world of their own.
It's like a Hallmark Card where everyone wipes their eyes and tell each other "that's what I want".
I doubt I'm the only one who sees that a more mature person has the confidence in themselves to be able to adapt to almost any situation.
Older people have more "people sense" than anyone else I've come across and they realize that it doesn't take away from their "self" to give more to others, to share themselves so other people can learn from them.
Today's mature individuals realize that the old commonly held belief that "you're getting older and there's nothing you can do about it" is a bunch of bunk! Today's mature individuals are more active than ever before by taking walks (I love seeing a whole group of older folk get together for their walk fests), some go to the gym, some take dance lessons, some take up yoga or Pilates, and others just do their best to stay away from the easy chair until the end of their day.
Older folk today are going on more cruises, taking more flights, and being more active with low impact sports and activities than ever before.
They are also more informed on what it takes to keep their bodies healthier by watching what their eat and taking supplements, if needed.
Today's mature individuals know that by taking care of themselves physically, they can maintain a positive outlook in life which keeps their attitude about loving life at an all time high.
Getting old? Naw! Just more years of experience.
And that experience? Priceless!