Aging Gracefully May Not Be Popular But It’s So Much Easier

I feel privileged to be able to grow old. I’ve had my life threatened twice, once with cancer and once with a cardiac event. I’ve chosen to consider those events turning points in my life. I no longer allow myself to worry about ‘what if’ when it comes to my health. If it’s my time, I hope I’ve left behind a legacy where I am remembered with love. I hope people will smile when they think of who I was. But I’m not ready to leave just yet.

I do what I can to preserve my youth in different ways. I choose my foods carefully. I exercise regularly, I study to keep up on my passion, I focus on teaching others to grow old with energy and in good health. I don’t color my hair, my wrinkles are there for all to see, I can’t see squat without my glasses and can’t wear contacts because I have chronic dry eye. I’m shaped like an hourglass with all the sand in the bottom. I bear scars from the surgery and treatment I had for breast cancer. I also have a lot of energy and nothing on me hurts.

I have a very rich life. I have a husband who feels lucky to be married to me and I feel the same way. I raised two strong women who are on their own. I no longer have to deal with the corporate world but can now pursue what I love so passionately and help people in the process. I avoid any drama, family or otherwise, which sometimes means I don’t get to see people I love, but I fiercely protect my peace. I’m a WomenHeart Champion-Community Educator, I am the senior warden of my church vestry, I recently earned my Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership ribbons at Toastmasters. I get to do what I want when I want.

When I talk to people before they retire who don’t know what they want to do upon retirement, it boggles my mind. What did they think would happen? Did they expect to die in the saddle? What a sad thing…to die slumped over your work, having never had the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor. I was so excited to retire to pursue my passion but I know people who retired when I did and are back to work because they were bored. Not me! I can’t remember  the last time I got bored.

So many people are not afforded the privilege of growing old. My mother died when I was 16 at the ripe old age of 41. She never met the seven wonderful grandchildren and six great-grandchildren she would have had. She never saw her own children become five successful adults. I feel very blessed that I have reached an age where I can enjoy the remainder of my life doing what I love and get to spend time with people I love. I’m proud to be able to take advantage of the senior discounts wherever I go and to be considered an elder. I don’t miss the male attention I once attracted when I was young. It was uncomfortable then and now would just seem ridiculous to me. I have suffered unimaginable grief, losing my mother at such a young age and seeing many contemporaries die earlier than they should. I have been so very fortunate to be part of a large close and supportive family. I don’t know where I would be without them. As I said…I have a very rich life. I hope you do also.