Enjoying the Passage of Time

A new beginning! This is the start of a new chapter in my life. I don’t miss opportunities to see the big picture, I don’t take things for granted, and I know who I am.

I turn 60 in June this year, and my friends and family are divided about what to call me. Do they call me a senior citizen, an elderly person, an old person, and other names I’d rather not mention?

When does someone become old? How do you address someone who has, we assume, crossed middle age? Yes, I understand the progression, and as we always say, “young, middle-aged, and old.”

Who are we?

We are the 60s who come with the most diverse life experiences of any age group and do not conform to myths and societal expectations.

In my opinion, the best term for us is “older adults.” I don’t mind being called “old,” but it has insensitive connotations that make us sound like extraterrestrials.

Turning 60 is another significant milestone in my life, and these are pivotal years for me to restart and re-evaluate my life and priorities. When I was in my mid-50s, I devised my Plan B for how to live my life as an older adult. If you must know, I also have Plans C and D for each decade in case I cross it.

I’m glad that over the last few years, I made choices and have begun to craft the kind of happy and meaningful life I want to live. I gained some much-needed perspective, and with each passing year, life got more exciting. I see the core of strength within myself and can explore opportunities to create a positive life for myself and others.

Every morning, I am filled with gratitude for waking up to see another day. My knees and joints pop and crackle as if to awaken me from my slumber. I’m sure they’ll only get louder. “Bring them on,” I say.

I don’t question anything that comes with the territory of aging. But I’m going to try not to let them mess with my head. To be honest, it can be difficult at times, especially when my body hurts and my mind wanders. I just sit down and take a deep breath.

My mind is constantly on overdrive. I invariably discover new things that pique my interest, and my heart pounds, and my mind explodes with excitement. It’s difficult for me to be quiet, but both mental and physical exhaustion eventually catch up with me. Although my mind is alert, my body reminds me that I am no longer in my 30s, 40s, or even 50s.

I’m not burying my face in the sand just yet. This stage of my life is full of opportunities and comes with a lot of perks.  Yeah, you heard me right!

After spending my entire life following the “golden rules” of etiquette that no longer apply to me, I’m hoping I can get away with almost anything without being judged. I’m not slowing down or backing up.

Are you “rolling your eyes?” Don’t, because I’m about to show you a glimpse of what happens as you ripen with age.

I’m not sure how you’ll turn out when you’re my age, but this is what’s happening to me on this amazing journey. The most incredible realization has been seeing who I’ve become. Aging has slowed me down but not silenced me!

I’m now brutally honest because I’m not obligated to say or do things to please others; I talk to myself in public; my mouth sometimes works faster than my brain, and I don’t have to be on my best behaviour because no one expects me to set a good example at my age.

I don’t waste time whining about insignificant issues, I’m more mellow, more tolerant, and less reactive. I try to see the good in others and I’m more forgiving, but I won’t forget. So, be warned: you’re on my radar, and my vengeance will be swift.

I’ve also demonstrated that I’m a reasonably reflective individual who is more than capable of spewing a few words of “wisdom.”

Allow me to be goofy, to have a constant smile on my face, laugh hysterically, blabber endlessly, and do whatever else you might think is weird for someone my age. Before you disown me, let me assure you that I also have a “Prim & Proper” side to me.

I enjoy spending time with people, but only those who truly matter to me. I no longer feel compelled to interact with people who add nothing to my life. I have friends in their thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties. We learn and share so much from one another.

I have a lot of awkward moments that can be annoying, but thankfully, I’ve found new ways to deal with them.

My phone is frequently misplaced. Worse, the brown suede cover blends in with the rest of my wooden furniture. I hear a beep and dash around, exhausting myself. Finally, I simply wait for a call and then follow the ring. I’m seriously thinking about wearing it around my neck. Why not have a ringing phone pendant if we can have toddler shoes that light up and beep? Just an idea. I could start a trend!

Other times, I’ll walk into a room to get something and then completely forget why I’m there. Name recall has always been a challenge, and it has only gotten worse. My home is colourful, with sticky notes strewn about to keep me from forgetting important stuff.

I enjoy challenges, and when I successfully figure out or do whatever it is, my happiness knows no bounds. At first, it can be intimidating and frustrating. My migraine may flare up, or I may have a sleepless night, but I am ready to give it another shot the following day because I don’t want to look back and regret not trying.

For my small victories in life, I say, “Cheers and raise a toast.” I know the best is yet to come, so my wine cellar is stocked up.

Take steps at every stage of your life to learn new skills, pursue hobbies and interests, and set new goals and dreams. Continue to reinvent yourself. We will find ourselves spending more time alone at home as we get older. You can’t spend the entire day sipping wine, so get out there and do something you enjoy. You’ve earned it!

Be wild, have a good time, and do whatever it takes to keep you happy. This is the youngest you’ll ever be again!