In my thirties, I decided that I was never going to "act" like a senior once I became one. Obviously, physical constraints permitting, I was not going to age gracefully. When there was a trend of forty is the new thirty, I thought that we are heading in the right direction. I am not a senior but it has been a long time since I have done something like sledding or snowball fighting with other adults. I am a goofball at home, but when did everyone get so serious? The last time I went impromptu sledding was when someone borrowed food trays from a cafeteria and down a hill we went. We were all laughing so hard, steering was optional.
I came across this video recently of two Canadian women trying out all winter Olympic sports with a good dose of humor.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LtwjMsJoOZc
When did life get so serious that one forgets to have that type of stress-relieving fun?
I often have Younger folks tell me they don't consider me Old becoz I don't "Act Old", I never much thought about it that way. I do think our Spirit can remain Youthful even as Aging is Mandatory, Growing Up is rather Optional. I'm Aging Disgracefully... no apologies for that.
ReplyDeleteGood. And a good way of putting it. Older doesn't always mean wiser if the wisdom isn't learned over a lifetime. Don't think it's less grown up to also just have some harmless silly fun.
DeleteCodex above.
DeleteThat video is great! I love how much fun they're having. We don't get snow where I live so I'll never get the chance to try those things myself and I'm probably too old for some of them.
ReplyDeleteCodex: Same. They're actually quite fit, but I can see how luging would be hilarious to try. You never know, River, if it's a gentle slope that isn't to steep? Lack of snow would be problematic.
DeleteLuging, maybe, skiing definitely not, I value my knees and ankles too much.
DeleteWhen my mother turned 60 she declared she was old now and didn't have to do anything anymore and sat her butt on the couch. Didn't take long for her to be unable to do anything. Of course she did have certain health problems, recurring TIAs predominantly. Anyway, I told myself, not me. I refuse to think I can't do anything I am in the habit of doing. I still do the things I want to do although at 75 I no longer go out and work in the yard all day without a break. People ask me how to age. Don't stop doing what you like to do, I tell them. ONce you stop it's harder and harder to start again. Plus I work at remaining fit and limber. And even at 75 I don't think of myself as old, just aging. When does one become a 'senior' anyway?
ReplyDeleteSpontaneous fun gets harder physically as you age and you really needs a compadre to do it with you, someone to laugh with you at your silliness. Personally, I think silliness is our only saving grace.
Codex: Age is but a number
DeleteI lucked out with spouse. Were both silly at home.
Still working on remaining goofy aka not becoming a grumpy old man. Turns out mindful volition (mostly kinda) works.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Hmm, I'm still pondering that "trained to be inclusive" comment (and will be for a while). Bang on. *claps*
Codex: Tried to be preventive. Lots of inspiring seniors out there, don't want to become a curmudgeon either. Watched a couple in their 60s have a snowball fight. Both got really into it and I thought when did I stop even thinking about having one?
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