Seeking Advice From Older Christians (of All Ages) -- on How to Not Get Old.

[Lynx]

Lol Wendy Bagwell, he was a trip. I always loved the relationship between George Younce of the Cathedrals and Glen Payne. I was able to see them several times in person. George would always tell a joke and then say "I love old people", and he was in his 70s. lol

Oh. So THAT explains it.

I have a comedy album in my collection where famous gospel singers sit around telling funny tales. Rex Nelon, Wendy Bagwell, Joel Hemphill, etc.

One of them said that line at the end of someone else's story. "I love old people!"

I didn't know it was a customary tagline.

 

[Magenta]

You know you're getting older when Ecclesiastes starts making sense.

Ecclesiastes1-17-18

 

[zeroturbulence]

Hey Everyone,

First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.

I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."

On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.

Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)

I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.

Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.

When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)

More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.

By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.

What about all of you?

* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?

* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?

* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?

I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.

I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!

I used to mountain bike through steep canyons, run 3 miles a day, lift weights and go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. The running stopped for several years due to knee injuries and I was never really able to get back to running like I did. Everytime I tried to, my knees would act up again. I stopped mountain biking years ago too because a couple of people were killed by mountain lions where I used to bike, and covid lockdowns stopped me from going to the gym. Now I feel old. Really old.

 

[Magenta]

I stopped mountain biking years ago too because a couple of people were killed by mountain lions where I used to bike

Yikes! .. My condolences... what a terrible way to go!

 

[seoulsearch]

I used to mountain bike through steep canyons, run 3 miles a day, lift weights and go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. The running stopped for several years due to knee injuries and I was never really able to get back to running like I did. Everytime I tried to, my knees would act up again. I stopped mountain biking years ago too because a couple of people were killed by mountain lions where I used to bike, and covid lockdowns stopped me from going to the gym. Now I feel old. Really old.

Thank you so much for posting this, Zero.

Everyone and their mother talks about the benefits of exercise, but I don't hear anyone talking about the very real possibilities (and frequent experiences) with injuries and how long (and not to mention expensive) it can be to recover. I also never see anyone talk of how to ease back into a new or more realistic level of activity once someone has adjusted to their new range of mobility.

I was following a YouTuber who was getting back into marathon running, and I was impressed with his dedication, enthusiasm, and progress. He would post about running routines, nutrition plans, and how he was in his 40's but now in the best shape of his life. He had also lost 50 pounds. I found his story very motivating to get me to step up my weights and the treadmill.

However, about 6 months later, the truth came tumbling out. He was struggling with serious injuries and was now facing an MRI and possible surgery. And a big part of his weight loss was due to battling alcoholism and cutting back most of his drinking (which I give him nothing but kudos for) but this was a big part of his progress that I couldn't relate to. I was also very disheartened at how wonderful he had made all the benefits sound without ever realistically mentioning all the damage this was actually causing his body at the same time.

I wish there was more info on how to exercise safely and that it's ok when you find your limits and have to stick to them. I used to try to work out about 4-5 times a week but now usually have to cut it down to 1-3, depending on how I'm doing, and sometimes take an entire week to rest my hip joints and a shoulder I popped years ago while moving heavy boxes at work.

I want to prevent tearing anything or causing any serious injuries as much as possible, because what good does it do your body if you're needlessly breaking it down instead of building it up?

I understand that having to stop activities we were so used to doing feels like it's taking part of our identity away.

I really hope you're able to find something that works for your Zero, even if it's just a little at a time.

 

[zeroturbulence]

Yikes! .. My condolences... what a terrible way to go!

Thanks, Magenta. Its not all that bad. I could still lift weights but my mom doesn't want me to go back into the gym yet because she's still worried about covid. I can run on the treadmill at home for about 30 minutes without a problem but I have to jog, not go all out.

 

[Cameron143]

Peter told us how to stay young...2nd star to the right and straight on til morning.

How many thought initially it was the Apostle Peter?

 

[zeroturbulence]

Thank you so much for posting this, Zero.

Everyone and their mother talks about the benefits of exercise, but I don't hear anyone talking about the very real possibilities (and frequent experiences) with injuries and how long (and not to mention expensive) it can be to recover. I also never see anyone talk of how to ease back into a new or more realistic level of activity once someone has adjusted to their new range of mobility.

I was following a YouTuber who was getting back into marathon running, and I was impressed with his dedication, enthusiasm, and progress. He would post about running routines, nutrition plans, and how he was in his 40's but now in the best shape of his life. He had also lost 50 pounds. I found his story very motivating to get me to step up my weights and the treadmill.

However, about 6 months later, the truth came tumbling out. He was struggling with serious injuries and was now facing an MRI and possible surgery. And a big part of his weight loss was due to battling alcoholism and cutting back most of his drinking (which I give him nothing but kudos for) but this was a big part of his progress that I couldn't relate to. I was also very disheartened at how wonderful he had made all the benefits sound without ever realistically mentioning all the damage this was actually causing his body at the same time.

I wish there was more info on how to exercise safely and that it's ok when you find your limits and have to stick to them. I used to try to work out about 4-5 times a week but now usually have to cut it down to 1-3, depending on how I'm doing, and sometimes take an entire week to rest my hip joints and a shoulder I popped years ago while moving heavy boxes at work.

I want to prevent tearing anything or causing any serious injuries as much as possible, because what good does it do your body if you're needlessly breaking it down instead of building it up?

I understand that having to stop activities we were so used to doing feels like it's taking part of our identity away.

I really hope you're able to find something that works for your Zero, even if it's just a little at a time.

Thanks, Kim. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. My injuries and lack of recovery were actually my own fault. I twisted my knees and tore ligaments in both knees. I wouldve been fine if I went to a doctor and got braces for my knees but instead I decided to keep running because I noticed that after 20 minutes the pain would go away so I figured it was getting better but it wasn't. The pain would often be worse the next day and I could barely walk but I knew from my pharmacy courses that pain and inflammation means that area is healing so I didn't pay much attention to it because I knew 20 minutes of running would make the pain stop. Well a few years went by and the pain was still there. I finally took a long time off from running and the pain went away but if I try to run for more than 30 minutes now the pain comes back.

 

[MsMediator]

I think age is just a number most of the time. Older people are generally more responsible though. However, I know people around my age who are risk averse and don't have the adventure bug, and older people who learn and try new things and are overall optimistic. These older people I speak of are still jaded in their own way but are optimistic and pushing forward. For instance, my coworker who is approaching 60 can be pretty cynical at times but that doesn't stop her from being optimistic about life, making travel plans, still cares about fashion, etc. Being jaded a bit just comes with age and that is part of life and disappointments.

It is best to look at the glass half full and find joy in the small things. I still remember, but awhile ago someone was pointing to me a shape in the cloud which amused her, and she was much older than me.

Right now I really have no strong opinion/emotions on aging; I just think it is part of life. I just want to look good for my age, rather than trying to look like someone younger, etc. Also, trying to stay healthy is important.

 

[MsMediator]

I still like travel but may prefer group travel now. I did plenty of solo trips when I was younger and still do (usually a few extra days alone after a work trip). I feel a bit less excited about places now (sounds a bit jaded but I find many places to be similar due to mix of cultures/people, globalization, similar food, etc.) that now I also value meeting people and having conversation. I would be open to organized group tour.

 

[Lanolin]

Walking is good exercise (in fresh air). I wouldnt recommend running. I only run when Im scared.
and if joints are a problem consider eating more fatty fish or olive oil in your diet (to lubricate them)

Some times medications or chemicals people are inadvertantly injesting can make them feel old.

Tai chi or line dancing can be good for older people as it is gentle movement. Many play bowls or golf.

The way to get a handle on obesity or whatever is to stop eating when you feel full. And be thankful for your food. Im not sure I really understand the whole gym freak thing. It never really suited my body type to be always pushing it to limits or punishing it by making it go on a treadmill....

With sports.. I know even ballet dancers get all sorts of freaky problems with their toes crammed in en pointe shoes, rugby players get cauliflower ears, netball players have knee problems, and tennis players have tennis elbows.... exercise is basically another word for training so think of it a different way

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

Oh. So THAT explains it.

I have a comedy album in my collection where famous gospel singers sit around telling funny tales. Rex Nelon, Wendy Bagwell, Joel Hemphill, etc.

One of them said that line at the end of someone else's story. "I love old people!"

I didn't know it was a customary tagline.

Lol glad I could fill that in for you. Yes, that was George's line and he said it often. It got more funny as time went on and he and Glen were pretty much the same age and then they would have two young guys with them. One of the young men became his son in law, so he was there for quite a few years. So many of the good ones passed away now.

Not to name drop, but I will, rofl we had Ronnie Hinson at our home church once. Ronnie wrote the beautiful song " The Lighthouse" and "When he was on Cross" and many others for those who don't know him but may know the songs. Our pastor had to be away and asked if we as a family would take him out to eat after the service. Oh my land! This guy was still telling stories at 3am. And we just didn't want to leave we were just crying laughing.

One story he told was one day he was in a hurry to get somewhere. He said he was just singing and didn't realize he was a bit too far over the speed limit. Well a cop pulled him over and when he got to his window he said " Hey, you're Ronnie Hinson"!! Ronnie said he smiled and said "yes that's me". The cop said " You wrote the Lighthouse"!! Ronnie agreed that it was he who wrote the song. Cop said that he was a big fan and his wife just loved him. Then Ronnie said he asked if he would mind giving him his autograph for his wife. Ronnie obliged then he said the cop went to turn away and then turned back and said " Oh this is for you" and gave him a ticket!!! rofl Too funny.

 

[Lynx]

Lol glad I could fill that in for you. Yes, that was George's line and he said it often. It got more funny as time went on and he and Glen were pretty much the same age and then they would have two young guys with them. One of the young men became his son in law, so he was there for quite a few years. So many of the good ones passed away now.

Not to name drop, but I will, rofl we had Ronnie Hinson at our home church once. Ronnie wrote the beautiful song " The Lighthouse" and "When he was on Cross" and many others for those who don't know him but may know the songs. Our pastor had to be away and asked if we as a family would take him out to eat after the service. Oh my land! This guy was still telling stories at 3am. And we just didn't want to leave we were just crying laughing.

One story he told was one day he was in a hurry to get somewhere. He said he was just singing and didn't realize he was a bit too far over the speed limit. Well a cop pulled him over and when he got to his window he said " Hey, you're Ronnie Hinson"!! Ronnie said he smiled and said "yes that's me". The cop said " You wrote the Lighthouse"!! Ronnie agreed that it was he who wrote the song. Cop said that he was a big fan and his wife just loved him. Then Ronnie said he asked if he would mind giving him his autograph for his wife. Ronnie obliged then he said the cop went to turn away and then turned back and said " Oh this is for you" and gave him a ticket!!! rofl Too funny.

Ah, The Lighthouse...

Every generation has one song that any group who sings anything close to that style must put on a record. For my generation it was "through the fire." For my mother's generation it was the lighthouse.

My music collection has NINE different groups singing the lighthouse. I kept all of them, because each group sings it a little bit different.

The version I found by the hinsons was on a live album, and they introduced it as, "I want you to listen as brother Kenny sings a brand new song, the lighthouse." My hands were shaking a little bit when I took that record off. I was afraid I might breathe on it and accidentally shatter that old platter.

Fortunately I was transcribing it to computer, to save as a digital copy, so I was able to put the record back in storage so nothing will happen to it.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

Ah, The Lighthouse...

Every generation has one song that any group who sings anything close to that style must put on a record. For my generation it was "through the fire." For my mother's generation it was the lighthouse.

My music collection has NINE different groups singing the lighthouse. I kept all of them, because each group sings it a little bit different.

The version I found by the hinsons was on a live album, and they introduced it as, "I want you to listen as brother Kenny sings a brand new song, the lighthouse." My hands were shaking a little bit when I took that record off. I was afraid I might breathe on it and accidentally shatter that old platter.

Fortunately I was transcribing it to computer, to save as a digital copy, so I was able to put the record back in storage so nothing will happen to it.

Well said, I grew up on my parents music and it's what I love best. But there are those songs that just seem ageless. I recall I was in a church where the pastor thought the hymnal was dated and they began singing those songs where they repeat, repeat, repeat, like a parrot. I was just not getting anything from them. At that time the Gaither videos were big and it had all the old folks and old songs. Kenny was still alive then and I heard them sing The Lighthouse, which I had heard before, but that their version. I don't know if it was the song, the spirit in the video or there with me but I wept and wept as I put the song on repeat. I love the old songs.

In the interest of not derailing my sister thread, Ronnie gave his testimony in that service we attended. He was in a really bad motorcycle accident. He was told he would never walk again he had so many broken bones. Not only did he walk again, but he is still in ministry and since I last saw him, he was married. I think growing old is so much about our attitude.

Hubby and I met a friend of the family at the Walmart a couple days ago. He's still building homes and said he had to turn down six people. He always says he's going to retire. He said " Well, I keep tryin'!" Hubby patted him on the back and said " how old are you now Robert?" He's turning 79 in the fall!! smh You would not know it by looking at him. Always a smile on his face and talking about how good God is. You can't help but be happy around him. I sure hope, if the Lord tarries, I will have that kind of attitude at his age.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.

My mind is young while my body seems older than my years. I try to live each day to the fullest. I don't have a lot of energy so my fullest may be pretty dull to most people. I go for a 5 mile jog most days and take a nap most days. I spend time getting groceries and doing whatever chores need doing. I love aging because I know every day brings me closer to being in the presence of Jesus. Aches and pains abound but that's okay, I can live with that.

 

[Lynx]

Well said, I grew up on my parents music and it's what I love best. But there are those songs that just seem ageless. I recall I was in a church where the pastor thought the hymnal was dated and they began singing those songs where they repeat, repeat, repeat, like a parrot. I was just not getting anything from them. At that time the Gaither videos were big and it had all the old folks and old songs. Kenny was still alive then and I heard them sing The Lighthouse, which I had heard before, but that their version. I don't know if it was the song, the spirit in the video or there with me but I wept and wept as I put the song on repeat. I love the old songs.

In the interest of not derailing my sister thread, Ronnie gave his testimony in that service we attended. He was in a really bad motorcycle accident. He was told he would never walk again he had so many broken bones. Not only did he walk again, but he is still in ministry and since I last saw him, he was married. I think growing old is so much about our attitude.

Hubby and I met a friend of the family at the Walmart a couple days ago. He's still building homes and said he had to turn down six people. He always says he's going to retire. He said " Well, I keep tryin'!" Hubby patted him on the back and said " how old are you now Robert?" He's turning 79 in the fall!! smh You would not know it by looking at him. Always a smile on his face and talking about how good God is. You can't help but be happy around him. I sure hope, if the Lord tarries, I will have that kind of attitude at his age.

What's derailed? This ain't off topic. For me it's being a music geek that keeps me young.

Of course it might add a few years on the poor people who have to listen to me prattle about music for hours...

 

[Gojira]

Hey Everyone,

First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.

I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."

On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.

Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)

I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.

Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.

When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)

More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.

By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.

What about all of you?

* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?

* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?

* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?

I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.

I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!

I hate getting old. Hate hate hate. Oh, did I fail to mention that I HATE it?!?

But, unlike some Christians, I don't think we're supposed to be cheerful about it. It's part of the curse. We were never designed to decay and slowly die over time this way, and I refuse to say there's anything good in that.

I have been blessed thus far. 59 is not elderly, but it is getting 'up there', and I have younger friends tell me that they're impressed with how much I don't 'seem' 59. Skin's still smooth, I got youthful energy, etc. Although, I do have a gray goatee.

How I'm dealing with it is this way...

a) I exercise when I can. I hit the gym regularly. (I could do without some of the scantily-clad ladies, but I practice to avert my eyes and focus on what I'm doing.)

b) I pray for what I see in the OT. There is a small account in the OT of a man who prayed a rather bold prayer, that God would essentially give him a prosperous and problem-free life. I am paraphrasing because I cannot find the passage, but it says that God answered His prayer! Well shoot. Why don't I pray the same thing?? So, I do so and include aging. I ask God to age me as little as pleases Him. I'm thinking Joshua, but if God wants to do better, who am I to argue?

Other than this, I can only hope. Because, you see, life is like a gorilla. It throws crap at you, and some things we have no control over. That pending stroke or onset of a cancer that doesn't even run in your family... anything can happen. Our bodies are designed to fail over time. But, not everyone experiences this to extreme degrees. Partly, this is because they take good care of themselves, and part of it is God's blessing on them.

I am trying to do the former (though you wouldn't know it to see me without my shirt... ugh), and I am praying for the latter.

And, I try to hold on to the hope of the resurrected, incorruptible body.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

* How do you define "Getting Old"
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!

I'm gonna tell a story on myself today and then I should probably leave the singles alone. Even though you all are so much fun.

I decided to tackle my boxwood bushes today. They suffered damage this winter so I let them go hoping they would grow out on their own. They were planted before we moved in to the house. I'm no gardener,I'm trying to learn. So I started out to trim the hedges and it would not work. It kept getting caught in the leaves and I was getting more upset by the minute. I was trying to help my hubby out and thought he'd be surprised when he came home and saw the boxwoods trimmed and yard looking tidy.

I decided to go inside and Google boxwoods. I watched a few videos and learned you have to cut out the dead leaves and branches because it needs the sunlight to get to the roots and grow new foliage. And I suddenly got super spiritual and it made me think of how we let sin entangle us until God's light is no longer reaching us. We need to let Him prune those things out of our lives. Then I thought " that'll preach"! So I got on Facebook and thought I would share. Then I went back to clipping dead leaves and branches out of the bushes.

It got hot really and so I decided to go inside and cool off and maybe get back to work later. I left all my tools out but hubby came home early. He called up from downstairs and said " Babe, were you using the chainsaw today?" I said "no" thinking what an odd question, why would I need a chainsaw?! He waited a moment to let it sink in and said " Babe were you trying to trim the hedges with the chainsaw?" "Nnnoo--" Well doggone it!! That's why it wasn't working!! I have no idea why it didn't hit me. I'm claiming an early senior moment. smh A couple of my neighbors were out and here I was feelin' all proud of myself and they're saying " look at that nutcase of a women, out there trimming hedges with a chainsaw!!" Talk about a humbling moment. Not sure about the spiritual lesson on using a chainsaw for hedges, but if I think long enough it will hit me. Now I have to go back to Facebook and come clean. I learned another lesson today, learning to be humble!

 

[Sculpt]

Hey Everyone,

First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.

I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."

On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.

Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)

I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.

Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.

When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)

More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.

By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.

What about all of you?

* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?

* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?

* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?

I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.

I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!

I tend to agree with your general definition of staying youthful: try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining, being playful and curious.

Another tenant, or perhaps the other tenant, you allude to when you say, "I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction." I would say that tenant is understanding we aren't going to live forever (in our current bodies), that our time is limited, and coming to terms with how that must manifest in the choices we make from today till the end.

Really, we knew those things from an early age, we know we can die at any moment regardless of age, but numbers push us to become uncomfortable... and then on to comfortable with our understanding of the end of life as the number shrinks.

We want a good relationship with God, to do his will, be grateful, try to understand our values enough to make the time we have left worthwhile.

How do we do that and stay young at heart? I think spending some quiet time to evaluate these things, apprehend what's important to us. And then make some decisions to act on them.

 

[Noel25]

I think not being afraid of trying new things is a good way to stay young!