my dad is 81, he is frail yes but his mind is anything but. i'll add to the definition; refined, experienced, knowledgeable, intelligent, analytical and worthy of our love and respect.
Jack LaLanne is 96 and works out two hours every single day of his life. I love that he is so sharp mentally. He is proof that diet and exercise and ATTITUDE is what makes a difference.
At just shy of 80, I would add one more word to the deffinition of "old". MOTIVATED" I am always trying to do more than my body is capable of. Out of neccesity I put up & climbed the tall extension ladder & went up & patched the shingles on our roof after the Monsoon winds. I hope not to have to do it again, but I know I can if I have to. I still do Aquaroebics 2 days a week after my Dr. cut me back from 4 days a week. I drive vision impaired to whatever they need & deliver meals on Wheels one day a week so you see, I don't think of myself as "old" but unfortunately, my spine does LOL.
I am 60 years old and I feel great. I do need to lose weight. I agree your age is just a number. I think if you think postive thoughts and try to be around postive people that helps a person feel good about themselves and life in general. I think the boomers are the new old. Life is what you make it. I love my life.
BABSS46
10/12/2010 5:54:36 PM
I don't like the definition that Julie found for 'OLD' at all! Although at 64, somedays, I feel 'old'! Most days, I feel 'not so old'! I wish that I had taken better care of my self when I was younger. I'm glad that I found this website, by following Sparkpeople's advice, I hope to feel alot younger soon! I still work at a busy retail store, I think that helps too. I have to keep up with all those younger associates. Maybe we all can help change the definition of 'OLD' in her dictionary. Keep up the good work!
So glad to read this article! I'll be 66 in a couple of months, and I am feeling really good! I ride horses, garden, work out at the gym, am starting a small business with my daughter, generally race around like a house afire. Sure, I get tired, but it's a deep, delicious sort of fatigue, one that's easily cured by a good night's sleep. Age is what we make of it, and, for me, life is truly fine!
Age is only a number and you are only as old as you feel. That said, some days I feel 20 years younger and other days 20 years older! Getting into shape is the best way to stay feeling young.
PARACLETETOO
4/11/2010 2:42:55 PM
It was inspiring to me to read your Senior Olympics article written by a former Olympics winner. I'm 75. I think you are right on in inspiring others with their stories. You'll see a set of letters by my name, as last year I too made an achievement. I became a Diplomate through American Psychotherapy Association. Throughout the Depression I have been working. My service is Professional Counseling through LivePerson.com. So, while my home office I am able to counsel and re-empower people all over the world, all ages 18 and over. Keep going, Spark! Donna Gray-Davis, Therapist
I really appreciate these positive comments about age, and aging. I will be 70 years old on my next birthday in December. I have always been healthy although a bit overweight over the years. I know taking off the excess weight would be very good for me mentally and physically, because I am always thinking about it. But somehow no matter how much I pledge to eat sensible and exercise regularly, as soon as I make an error, I just go completely off track, and stay off track, and my excuse is," why bother, I am almost 70 years old". I am quite active, but I just cant find the "sticktoitiveness" I need.
HAPPY2152
3/26/2010 9:13:56 AM
I am 64 soon to be 65 and I am in my last semester of school. I went to school to become a Massage Therapist and no, I didn't realize that I would have to spend 2 years of my life doing this, along with a family, a husband and a full-time job. The kids that I go to school with, don't realize how old I am. I certainly don't act my age, but neither do I act their age. Most are in their 20s or 30s, do drugs, drink (not socially), swear like sailors and have no clue what it is like in the real world. I would have liked to have this career when I was younger (maybe 40), but I wasn't ready and the career wasn't available when I was 40. My Mom's favorite saying was "you can do anything you set your mind to do."
I guess I don't understand when a 55 year old started being considered a "senior citizen'... what is that about? ...just 6 years ago, the person was in their 40's and now they are seniors?... what does that mean? what does that look like?... It's ridiculous that someone in their 30's, 40's should feel old... but it's a societal thing and youth sells... I really admire men and women who stay true to themselves throughout their lives... I know a lady at work who is 57, married and her and her husband are bikers, like in motorcycles... how cool is that?... they travel as much as they can and camp out under the stars... enjoying their life together... but I overheard another co-worker, I think she was in her 30's, make a comment that she was w-a-a-a-y too OLD to be a "biker chick"... really... and what is this 40 is the new 30... and 50 is the new 40 anyway?... Age is, what it is... To me, it's mainly a state of mind,... I agree with the old adage, "you are only as old as you feel"...
Funny, I just posted a blog yesterday about how being in my 40s is great and not nearly as old as I thought it was. It's good to see that this thinking will continue as I get older.
At 74 I certainly don't feel old (most days!) I stay active and involved with community and church. Currently starting with this Spark group is like going back to school. I'm excited and invigorated by all it offers. The book is a goldmine and I'm combining it with books on Gratitude for even more inspiration. My mother passed at 97 and father at 92, so I have many more years, hopefully, to enjoy and contribute to this world.
At 74 I certainly don't feel old (most days!) I stay active and involved with community and church. Currently starting with this Spark group is like going back to school. I'm excited and invigorated by all it offers. The book is a goldmine and I'm combining it with books on Gratitude for even more inspiration. My mother passed at 97 and father at 92, so I have many more years, hopefully, to enjoy and contribute to this world.
I have a dear friend who is 95. We became neighbours 7 years ago when we moved into our "new" home. Gord got involved with our massive renovations, offering advice and encouragement. Had he not had to deal with a colostomy pouch, he would have had hammer in hand and been on the roof with my partner, Bob!
His memory is better than mine, his mind is as sharp as a tack and he has a quietly raunchy sense of humour. He moved into a retirement home last summer, and I miss him. We visited back and forth regularly and EVERY time we parted, I had a smile on my face. He was a gift who made me realize that we can age any way we want!
