A story in the April Seniority asked readers to discuss their perceptions of aging. Has getting older been a mostly positive experience or not? Who handles aging better, men or women? And what does getting old really mean?
The collective message from readers' letters might be this: Life - at any age - is what you make it. Old age does not mean a hiatus from the good life. A desire to learn, an active lifestyle and some form of physical fitness are key components to aging gracefully. It also helps if you have a substantial nest egg. Read what others had to say about life's most cherished years.
- Sheila Reed, Seniority editor
When I was 48, I got divorced and moved to Florida. I figured I only had two years to do all the things I wanted to do before I turned 50, which was too old to do anything adventurous.
So I attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., and practiced being an astronaut. I went on a canoeing adventure with Outward Bound, a survival group. Then I turned 50!
I didn't feel any different than I'd felt at 49, so I started doing all the things I was sure I wouldn't be able to do after I turned 60. I went helihiking in the Canadian Rockies, took a hiking and snorkeling trip in Hawaii. I learned to scuba dive and dove in the Bahamas, Cozumel and Grand Cayman; I also learned to dance roller skate. Then I turned 60!
I didn't feel any different than I'd felt at 59, so I kept going. I dance and roller skate twice a week at a rink with a group of 30 to 60 other "senior citizens." At 67, I realize I've only got three more years before I turn 70 and won't be able to do as much. .. . In November, I plan to go kayaking in San Juan, sailing on the America's Cup sailboats in St. Maarten and sailing and snorkeling in St. Thomas.
- Gail Olson, 67, Clearwater
First and most important is your health. The state of your health will be the most determining factor in how you view growing older. Second, is "Did you prepare financially for when it became time to retire?" We cannot stress enough to the younger set that you may have to bypass some goodies today to enjoy tomorrow.
Is our journey to senior citizenship good or bad? We'd say definitely great!
Is growing older all it's cracked up to be? You'd better believe it. The key to longevity is having too much to do. There is not enough time in the day to accomplish our goals. This is a common statement by active retirees. ...
Our time is consumed with bowling leagues, sharing computer skills with one another, dining out and travel. We just have to live until we're 110 years old to visit all the places still on our list.
You ask, who is handling old age better, men or women? From what we see I'd say they are both in the same boat.
I know 88-year-old women and men who are just as active as when they were 60, and maybe more. If you are blessed with fairly good health and keep active physically and mentally, you won't have time to worry about growing old.
- Robert & Karen Lartz, 67 and 66, St. Petersburg
Approaching my 67th birthday, I find I'm definitely not growing old gracefully. It's not that I haven't prepared myself for the experience. I'm retired with a sizable nest egg that places me way into the "financially secure" category.
My passion for exercise includes daily cardio and stretching workouts, as well as a weightlifting regimen that puts most young guys to shame. ...
Currently, my favorite music consists of Foo Fighters, Godsmack, AC/DC, Kid Rock, Eminem, etc. How many people careening toward age 70 can say that?
I've had three long-term relationships with lovely women who were consecutively 15, 16 and 17 years younger than I. ...
That track record is becoming difficult to maintain. I've begun to look my age, and pretty girls have begun to look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against women my own age, especially if they resemble Sophia Loren or Jane Fonda.
So I may be a touch superficial when it comes to my choice of ... music (not to mention women) but, hey, that's me. As that revered philosopher Popeye once said, "I am what I am."
- Jerry Wilson, 66, Clearwater
I really had a hard time even starting to admit I was ready to read the Seniority section of the paper.
... I turned 65 in January, and I guess I officially qualify as an "old fart" because I'm on Medicare. I started collecting Social Security at 62. Funny, that wasn't as much a shock as the Medicare thing. I still work, doing the same work I've done for the past 30 years. I'm in excellent health, although I have lost a few internal parts over the years. Thankfully, nothing I really needed.
I feel about 40, love life and have a wonderful family. Getting old is all in how you deal with it. It's all in your mind and as the old saying goes, "You're as old as you feel." I really do believe that.
Signed: a happy senior.
- Barbara Pappas, 65, Clearwater
I'll be 84 in July but I don't feel like an old man. I retired in 1980 from Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria, Ill., with a pension and a good medical plan. I play tennis six times a week during the winter and three times a week during the summer. On the days that I don't play tennis, I ride my bike on the trail 15 to 20 miles a day.
My wife and I have been married 56 years and are best friends. She line dances and plays bridge once a week or more. We have time shares so we travel every year to various facilities. We seem to make our plans as if we were going to live forever. ...
We have a home with lots of trees and a large yard that we take care of. I do the mowing and my wife does the flowers.
We have pills to take and have to watch our cholesterol, but otherwise life is good, and we are making the most of it. Our three children live within 20 miles of us, so we see them frequently.
We haven't found out yet what it's like to be old.
- Robert N. Cooper, 83, Seminole
Aging to me personally is great, having achieved so much more in my "old age" than I ever did while raising my family.
Five years ago, at the age of 73, my world collapsed when my husband died suddenly while we were both enjoying a successful second career, together, teaching dancing for more than 20 years.
He was the light and love of my life, but since he is no longer with me, I am now solely responsible for my own happiness and quality of life.
I am blessed with good health and feel that now is the time to regain pleasure and fulfillment in my life.
Soon after my husband died, I decided to take some courses at Pasco-Hernando Community College and was encouraged by my teacher to realize a dream I'd had for many years: I wrote a book and had it published.
I continue to attend various classes at the college. I swim and walk daily, and enjoy line dancing and square dancing, in addition to which I find time to go out with my friends.
I would be remiss to close without mentioning a dear friend of mine, Dorothy Dell, who is the epitome of aging. She is 92 years young, and in spite of a few health problems, walks briskly with me daily, plays cards several times a week and is an absolute delight to be with.
In our book, chronological age is not a factor - life is what we make it.
- Cynthia Marino, 78, New Port Richey
Aging equals attitude! ... Trying to stay young and competing with youth is another one. ... You don't have to diet or exercise to be attractive. Naturally it helps. ... Florida is a wonderful place for aging folks; it keeps us younger. Stay active for Pete's sake ... go to the beach, do something for the animals, stay close to nature and you will be fine.
I towed my boat here from up North a year ago, lost two dress sizes and I never felt better and younger than now. I am having a ball with my kids and grandson. I think women are having an easier time aging than some men. ... I got married again four years ago. My husband is 10 years younger. Age is a chronological thing.
- Ursula Yanno, 69, Seminole
Aging is in some cases a state of mind. You can see clues to who will age in their thinking, as well as physically, long before the years begin to add up. Being open to new ideas, aware of what is happening around you, working and socializing with all ages are some of the ways to remain young. You can begin this process at any age, but it is certainly easier if you start early, before you retire and begin to think of yourself as "old."
While keeping physically active, it is the mental activity that will separate you from aging seniors. There are plenty of opportunities to work with people and projects, or just increase your learning capacity. Seniors have the advantage of experience when we face issues of current concern and can better consider the long-term impacts of decisions on future generations. We are not so concerned with instant gratification and recognize that the satisfaction of accumulating things is fleeting.
In spite of our efforts, the community is ill-prepared to provide seniors with the facilities they need to continue independently. Housing should be available in all neighborhoods. Seniors have different health and mental health problems, and the most devastating lack is good transportation. ... Warehousing in senior complexes, retirement homes and assisted living facilities does not address quality of life issues and provides poor choices for those who prefer to continue living independently.
- Lynn McGarvey, 67, Tampa
Please don't tell me that I'm getting old. ... "Getting old" has the sour smell of failing mind and body. "Growing older" has the sweet scent of improving with age like fine wine.
What is old anyway? When do we cross that bridge to the land of senior citizens, the elderly, the aging and the old?
For many, like me, there is no bridge. We don't think about getting old. We try to stay young in mind or body by doing whatever energizes or excites us. At 72, I shoot competitive pool with 20- to 40-year-olds and, as a substitute, teach 6- to 12-year-olds.
Like ol' man river, we jes' keep rollin' along.
... Not thinking about age does not prevent the aches and pains of age; but ... loving and being loved will lubricate any creaky life. What has kept me running smoothly ... and lifted me back when I've fallen off, has been my faith, my family and my friends. ...
It doesn't matter how we handle getting old, growing old, aging or getting up there in years (forgot that one). What matters is how we have lived as we have grown old. ...
- Jack Bray, 72, Dunedin
I'm 78 years old ... and I'm enjoying life! Due to good genes, good health habits and good luck, I am very well.
My husband and I took early retirement and moved to Florida when he was 60 and I was 55. ...
We began hiking, canoeing and swimming. We took up golf and square dancing, a wonderful way to exercise physically and mentally and make good friends. After 10 years, John's health began to decline and he slid into Alzheimer's.
The next 10 years I devoted to just being with him, caring for him and assuming tasks he had always done. We continued to walk together, and I continued to play golf weekly and see friends. John passed away last year.
Rather than sitting at home grieving, I began to fill my time. I play shuffleboard two evenings a week, golf two or three times, pinochle with different groups who have become friends. In between I take care of my home and yard and do some volunteering. ... And yes, I'm enjoying the companionship of a nice widower.
As I told my sons, "Life can begin again at 78!" They are happy for me.
- Janet Pavlus, 78, Brooksville
"Age is a matter of mind; if you don't mind it doesn't matter!"
Don't know where I first heard or read that saying, but it has become part of my philosophy on aging along with the determination to grow old gracefully, accepting and coping with whatever challenges we are dealt and savoring the good times with our spouses, family and good friends. ...
Keeping busy and interested in the world around us is a must. ... (We) take walks, occasional trips within the states, do volunteer work (12 years at Ruth Eckerd Hall), play cards, go out to dinner. ...
My husband Bart and I have been happily married for 52 years. He is 10 years older but it has never made a difference; he is just as handsome as ever. Always tells me how much he loves me and often in song. ... We have weathered many ups and downs in our lives, but always try to stay up. We always tell each other we don't care how old we get as long as we are here and able to get out of bed to face a new day. Life is good.
