Growing old is very strange

[Kelby]

Two things I find annoying about aging is that elders tend to become invisible to younger people, often ignored or treated as though they no longer matter which brings me to the second annoyance -- all of the young people who felt it was ok to let elders die during the pandemic as a way to clean house, make room and make the road easier for them. Every time I heard that lament I thought how delicious it would be during a catastrophic power outage when elders could communicate in cursive and take over the world

I'm still not used to being called "Sir" by those whippersnappers.

 

[ModernDiogenes]

I couldn't a good forum for this thread, but I thought that it might result in some philosophical musings, so here it is in this forum.

As I was taking my morning walk in my neighborhood the other day, I thought about the fact that I had lived in this particular area for around 25 years. And then I realized that the odds are very great that I will not live here for another 25 years since I am 79 years old. That just seemed very strange to me, a realization that myself and fellow "baby boomers" are "next" in terms of dying off in large numbers, just as our parents were 30 and 40 years ago or so. It doesn't frighten me at all, it's just strange to confront it.
In another instance, I recently planted a small tree in my backyard, and I later realized that it is no doubt a "legacy tree". In other words, I will not be around to see it as a mature and fully-grown tree, but rather that will fall to whomever purchases this house when the time comes.
Yup, boomers, we're next.

However, on another note, I am struck by how little dying is going on among, for instance, my high school class. We had our 50th reunion 10 years ago, and there were probably 40-50 of us, but only one or two has passed since then. We are all getting along in age, but hardly anyone is dying. That will probably change as we enter our 80s in the next couple of year.

I think it depends on lot of things.

I was a product of the working class. My associates, peers, and most of the folks I know are middle class folk who rose from working class roots. We are employee health insured. We can afford employer health insured medicine.

Our longevity has actually decreased by a year or so on average and the number of folks I know dropping dead corresponds with this.

I’m a retired cop. I know a lot of other retired cops. We die younger than national average. My experience there corresponds with that data.

My point is it seems to depends on where you sit on the sliding scale.

I’m truly glad for anyone older than I still getting around and prospering. (I’m 70 and physically limited, but my mind still works well).

Side note: The one thing I have noticed change in is that I don’t want to die.

I not afraid. That’s not it.

Up until recently I thought, “I’ve lived a successful life in terms of my station and rising within it. I’m comfortable enough. I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. I’ve done what I wanted. One day is pretty much like the next. It’s OK to go at this point.”

I suppose that’s still the case, but I’ve decided I like being around. Even though I lot of what I’m witnessing now I find a tad lacking in common sense I still want to be a witness to it.

I hurt, but I manage it well so it’s not sufficient to cause me to want to shuffle off. I’m not ready. I was, but I’m not any longer. That could change. Especially if my wife were to pass on (her health is worse than mine - that does scares me, I’ll be honest). But for now…

 

[SoccerCoach]

I find myself weighing my age against purchases of larger ticket items and having an internal convo about whether the purchase is practical considering I might not live long enough to get my money's worth. It is a habit I'm trying to break because I think it's dumb to measure my existence against a price tag yet on the other hand recognize that it's one way that I'm coming to terms with my mortality.

I'm unafraid of being dead but I don't relish the dying. Fortunately I live in an assisted suicide state that I can take advantage of if my death is preceded by a an illness that qualifies me to use the service. When my time comes I hope I'm able to do it after throwing one helluva good-bye party.

We dont end when our bodies die. Memories and emotions continue. There is an afterlife I have experienced it

 

[medi]

I sure hope you won't arrest me for just quoting that one short sentence.

That could change.

As we are living in a democratic nation (well, we are native to it; I'm not actually on the soil of my home nation) - - - BUT we live in what is supposed to be a democratic government thingy; and maybe we can apply some of that to right here, we might request a right to vote on that attitude change.

The loss of a spouse is something that can be hardcore tough/mean, for sure; BUT I propose you not quite change your present "I wanna live." style thought process; IF such an awful event were to occur.

This life thing is super weird. You may give up completely for any number of reasons, BUT some slim thread keeps you alive and then one day you do something for somebody else that is life changing for them, maybe even life saving, and suddenly you realize that you being alive was actually a darn good thing for another human. Maybe even a total stranger, UNTIL that life changing/saving thing happened.

I also hope you don't arrest me for my pigheaded thought process there in asking you keep always the "I wanna live." as the primary beam of the palace of your life.

 

[ModernDiogenes]

I sure hope you won't arrest me for just quoting that one short sentence.

Thanks for the upbeat thoughts.

Don't fret, my arresting anyone days are a bit past me at this point. In fact late last year I released my professional certifications and licensing for the private investigation and security contracting business I use to own after I retired from the public sector. I am not generally a fan of allowing certifications of skills to elapse but I had to acknowledge, after I was approached for some work and turned it down, what am I keeping this around for anymore. I am never going to use it again.

I wish you well...

 

[Parrish]

I'm the youngest of 3. Our parents, my big brother and older sister are gone. My older brother is divorced and has 3 children. I'm the keeper of our people, genealogy, the pictures, letters, the stories, histories, recipes and videos. It's my job to make sure we all remember that we were here, that we all mattered and left our mark.

 

[medi]

I did a search using the site's search engine (for this thread only) - "skin" - and no results.

Just that it is slowly starting to sink in that I have to be a lot more careful about bumping into things, slamming into thing, and getting cuts. Seems that "You have a thick skin." idea no longer applies to me. Seems my skin allows itself to be harmed more easily these days. I will give my brain instructions for the section that gives out instructions to other systems in my person to instruct the skin to thicken up, but I have doubts if the skin bosses will pay attention to instructions from my brain. Actually, my communications with my brain seem to be suffering sometimes, too.

Wonder if there is a market for a 'skin suit' that appears as if it isn't even there, but adds a good strong layer to where the old natural layer(s) used to be? Maybe a 'spray on' application type thing. A skin shower. Go in, spray on an extra layer of skin, put your clothes back on and go play a game of rugby.

 

[Daisy]

 

[Revelation]

LOL Daisy, dig a little deeper and find out what the purpose was for national enquirer. when you happen on the Truth, it will make gray hair turn white.

 

[Rumpel]

I couldn't a good forum for this thread, but I thought that it might result in some philosophical musings, so here it is in this forum.

As I was taking my morning walk in my neighborhood the other day, I thought about the fact that I had lived in this particular area for around 25 years. And then I realized that the odds are very great that I will not live here for another 25 years since I am 79 years old. That just seemed very strange to me, a realization that myself and fellow "baby boomers" are "next" in terms of dying off in large numbers, just as our parents were 30 and 40 years ago or so. It doesn't frighten me at all, it's just strange to confront it.
In another instance, I recently planted a small tree in my backyard, and I later realized that it is no doubt a "legacy tree". In other words, I will not be around to see it as a mature and fully-grown tree, but rather that will fall to whomever purchases this house when the time comes.
Yup, boomers, we're next.

However, on another note, I am struck by how little dying is going on among, for instance, my high school class. We had our 50th reunion 10 years ago, and there were probably 40-50 of us, but only one or two has passed since then. We are all getting along in age, but hardly anyone is dying. That will probably change as we enter our 80s in the next couple of year.

true

 

[Grogu]

I find myself weighing my age against purchases of larger ticket items and having an internal convo about whether the purchase is practical considering I might not live long enough to get my money's worth. It is a habit I'm trying to break because I think it's dumb to measure my existence against a price tag yet on the other hand recognize that it's one way that I'm coming to terms with my mortality.

I'm unafraid of being dead but I don't relish the dying. Fortunately I live in an assisted suicide state that I can take advantage of if my death is preceded by a an illness that qualifies me to use the service. When my time comes I hope I'm able to do it after throwing one helluva good-bye party.

Many of us have those same, fleeting thoughts. As far as money (purchases) and age is concerned, I’ve gotten to or past the point where now I just say, “**** it, I’m going to enjoy myself.”

I bought a new luxury SUV a couple of weeks ago, and while a really small part of me was tugging and telling me to be sensible and save a few thousand dollars, I treated myself anyway. YOLO, and that was that. I don’t regret it a bit, and it helps a great deal that I’m not worried about money, either. There will still be plenty to go around when I leave this earth.

As for the dying part, I just wish to not be a burden to anyone. It’s kind of a lofty goal, but I may as well hope for it.

 

[Grogu]

I'm the youngest of 3. Our parents, my big brother and older sister are gone. My older brother is divorced and has 3 children. I'm the keeper of our people, genealogy, the pictures, letters, the stories, histories, recipes and videos. It's my job to make sure we all remember that we were here, that we all mattered and left our mark.

I got a big dose of guilt reading your post, Parrish. I applaud your efforts to be the keeper for all of your family memories, because that’s a really big job. At the same time, reflecting on my family history, a whole lot of information went out the window when my mother passed away a year and a half ago.

She could look at an old photo or a family antique and tell the colorful stories behind them, including the names and relationships the people had. The backs of some photos have a few stories and names written on them, but not enough of them do. It was one of those things that I was always asking my Mom to do, including giving her a recording app to use on her phone, but she shunned those. There was never enough time.

I know my Dad has his side’s crazy genealogy documented, and I believe my Mom does, too, somewhere. I’m sure we’ll come across them in good time, but so much else has been lost in translation between my parent’s generation and mine.

 

[Parrish]

I got a big dose of guilt reading your post, Parrish. I applaud your efforts to be the keeper for all of your family memories, because that’s a really big job. At the same time, reflecting on my family history, a whole lot of information went out the window when my mother passed away a year and a half ago.

She could look at an old photo or a family antique and tell the colorful stories behind them, including the names and relationships the people had. The backs of some photos have a few stories and names written on them, but not enough of them do. It was one of those things that I was always asking my Mom to do, including giving her a recording app to use on her phone, but she shunned those. There was never enough time.

I know my Dad has his side’s crazy genealogy documented, and I believe my Mom does, too, somewhere. I’m sure we’ll come across them in good time, but so much else has been lost in translation between my parent’s generation and mine.

My youngest son and his wife are taking up the mantle for their dad's side, along with my late brother's daughter and sons for our side.

 

[Daisy]

 

[VySky]

I couldn't a good forum for this thread, but I thought that it might result in some philosophical musings, so here it is in this forum.

As I was taking my morning walk in my neighborhood the other day, I thought about the fact that I had lived in this particular area for around 25 years. And then I realized that the odds are very great that I will not live here for another 25 years since I am 79 years old. That just seemed very strange to me, a realization that myself and fellow "baby boomers" are "next" in terms of dying off in large numbers, just as our parents were 30 and 40 years ago or so. It doesn't frighten me at all, it's just strange to confront it.
In another instance, I recently planted a small tree in my backyard, and I later realized that it is no doubt a "legacy tree". In other words, I will not be around to see it as a mature and fully-grown tree, but rather that will fall to whomever purchases this house when the time comes.
Yup, boomers, we're next.

However, on another note, I am struck by how little dying is going on among, for instance, my high school class. We had our 50th reunion 10 years ago, and there were probably 40-50 of us, but only one or two has passed since then. We are all getting along in age, but hardly anyone is dying. That will probably change as we enter our 80s in the next couple of year.

I just made 65 and was hard on my body for 4 decades. I can identify with what you’re saying.

Life is but a vapor.

 

[ataraxia]

I couldn't a good forum for this thread, but I thought that it might result in some philosophical musings, so here it is in this forum.

As I was taking my morning walk in my neighborhood the other day, I thought about the fact that I had lived in this particular area for around 25 years. And then I realized that the odds are very great that I will not live here for another 25 years since I am 79 years old. That just seemed very strange to me, a realization that myself and fellow "baby boomers" are "next" in terms of dying off in large numbers, just as our parents were 30 and 40 years ago or so. It doesn't frighten me at all, it's just strange to confront it.
In another instance, I recently planted a small tree in my backyard, and I later realized that it is no doubt a "legacy tree". In other words, I will not be around to see it as a mature and fully-grown tree, but rather that will fall to whomever purchases this house when the time comes.
Yup, boomers, we're next.

However, on another note, I am struck by how little dying is going on among, for instance, my high school class. We had our 50th reunion 10 years ago, and there were probably 40-50 of us, but only one or two has passed since then. We are all getting along in age, but hardly anyone is dying. That will probably change as we enter our 80s in the next couple of year.

Long tradition in philosophy about this topic.

 

[stevecanuck]

lol...stiff as a board usually...

There's a comedian who calls that early onset rigor mortis.

 

[Daisy]

There's a comedian who calls that early onset rigor mortis.

Couldn't agree with him more...