I find myself saying this out loud or to myself more and more lately. The aches and pains—minor at this point, thank goodness—and occasional loss of the exact word I’m looking for aside, being older definitely has its advantages. I am happy that I’ve successfully aged past the years of being a responsible, fully employed adult, and into blissful, often irresponsible, and less-than-productive retirement.
In no particular order, here are just a few reasons I celebrate being old:
- I am grateful that I grew up without the scourge of social media. I didn’t have to worry about getting likes, the latest social media trend, or that something dumb I did would be captured on video and go viral.
- I’m not overly concerned about what others think of me. That doesn’t mean that I don’t consider others or don’t want to be liked; I just don’t lose sleep worrying about someone else’s opinion of me.
- I am concerned about the state of my country and the world, including social justice and the impact of climate change. I do what I can to support the causes I believe in but, at my age, I’m somewhat insulated and will probably be gone before things get too bad. I hope the younger generations are smarter than we were.
- I’m happy with my tribe of peers. I find myself surrounded by thoughtful, intelligent, engaged, interesting friends. I’ve known some since I was very young, and others have been more recent additions. All are treasures.
- AI wasn’t a thing when I was young. While I was working, most jobs were performed by actual human beings. At no time during my career was I concerned about being replaced by a computer program. I don’t think anyone really knows where AI will lead us, but I know several younger workers who are worried.
- My husband and I recently got the latest COVID booster. Being over 65 means that we are “privileged” to be in the approved group. Also, because I grew up when I did, I received all the vaccines available as a child.
- The elementary, junior high, and high schools I attended weren’t surrounded by barricades. I didn’t have to worry that my life was an acceptable cost of protecting the right of others to arm themselves with AK-47s.
- Of course, the best part of growing old is the privilege of being old. Not everyone is so lucky. That I successfully dodged the consequences of more than a few stupid decisions, survived a couple of serious health challenges, and managed to make it this far is a bit of a miracle.
How about you? Are you happy to be the age you are, or would you like to time travel to a different age? If you are older like me, what benefits are you enjoying?
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Hi Janis, love this post, I love the subject of course and I also love my age. I’m excited to let this year unfold organically. I have much to be grateful for and many things to look forward to. Life is so unpredictable and often unexpectedly delightful. I’m enjoying the benefits of health, lots of life experience to rely on, and a chance to experience life through my grandchildren’s eyes. So good. Hugs, C
I have long felt that I am living in the “sweet spot” of my life – retired, healthy, financially comfortable enough to not have to worry, lots of interests to explore, etc. I have zero interest in going back in time to capture some of my youth. I don’t have grandchildren but I know that most people who do, love the experience. Enjoy!
Of course, the best bit about being old is that it’s better than the other option. I was reminded of this when my boss, just as we were winding up his business, discovered that his wife not only had cancer, but was terminal. I have many things I don’t like about my aging body, but I am grateful to be here.
It must be hugely difficult to see the world of education in the US – especially as you so eloquently put it about not having to worry that your life was an acceptable cost of protecting the right of others to arm themselves with AK-47s. We have many things wrong here in the UK, but I am so grateful that is not one. There is so much to worry about the world we are leaving to the next generations.
I had a couple of years in my fifties when I went back to living like I was in my twenties, so am very grateful that there doesn’t appear to be photographic evidence of those things I got up to on the internet. At least, if they are, they’re on the dark web which I don’t know how to access!
I’ve heard too many stories about people who don’t live much past their retirement. How sad to work hard and save money, then not be able to live your dreams. I am so grateful to have already enjoyed twelve year of retirement, and I intend to enjoy many more.
It’s crazy how many things we’ve grown to accept in this country. I think people are starting to wake up, but we’ll see. I think people are also realizing how destructive social media can be but I wonder if that’s too late. Thank goodness there aren’t any pictures of my questionable, youthful decisions. 🙃
I am also so so glad i did not grow up with the social media they have now.
I enjoyed your post, for a few reasons, and one of them is your contentment and another is your non-competing attitude or vibe. If that makes sense. You have such a beautiful energy that has an inclusive tone and I thought of you on Jan 6th and hope you had a great b-day.
and love this line from your oem:
“But here I be
Oh, lucky me
much more than just okay”
What a lovely compliment! Thank you. I had a wonderful birthday… a relaxing two-day “staycation” nearby and a special High Tea luncheon with dear friends. It can’t get much better than that!
that does sound like a great way to celebrate!
and cheers to January rolling on – gosh, the month is going fast for me
At seventy-six, with a serious chronic ailment (multiple myeloma) for almost twenty-seven years, how could I respond with anything but DITTO.
I’m sorry that you are dealing with that. I have a dear friend with the same condition, although it’s only been a few years for her. Every day is a blessing, good days are treasured. 💕