why always acquaint old age with senility, patheticness and illness
@Hatley (163776)
Garden Grove, California
September 16, 2008 8:02pm CST
hi mylotters I have never made a secretof my age 81 going on82
but why oh why does everyone think all old people will be senile,pathetic, sick, and will onlytalkof their bowels and
their illnesses? I am not senile, I am not sick or pathetic nor do I consider myself ill because I am a diabetic. My question to you all is dont you know of older people who are intelligent, bright, alive with love of life and healthy in their 80s and 90s?
Please reply, am interested in all your wisdoms.
7 people like this
23 responses
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I respect and adore elderly people. I plan to be an active, sharp older person if, of course, I have any control of that.
I think it is sad that many societies look at older people with scorn. People your age (My Dad was your age when he passed and that was from something that could have been prevented.) have lived life and have so many experiences to share. I actually appreciate sitting down and talking to older people much more than I do younger ones.
I am 45 and I know that younger people think of me as old already! I guess it all depends on what your idea of "old" is. I have friends who are well into their 70's who are as sharp and as healthy as I am and we have common interests in writing among other things.
Today, people are living longer and healthier and we all need to change how we think of older people.
I think it is up to parents to teach children to respect ALL people regardless of age and to accept all people. Gone are the days when life was over at 60! (Thankfully!!!)
It's great that you are doing so well. I probably have more health problems than you. What's your secret? :)
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
17 Sep 08
wotfpatty mysecret is that I try to keep my mind sharp by reading, cross word and jigsaw puzzles, anykind of a puzzle,
my lotting, going out with my best friend.I am a diabetic so am forced to eat healthy and exercise and keep optimistic too.
2 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Here's to many more years of mylotting and enjoying life!
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi wotfpatty well here I am a year later and still
mylotting again. Ikeep active and like to use my
brain to keep mymind sharp too.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I'm glad you have a real positive attitude in life, uh, for your age...LOL.
I really don't know why people tend to think this way either....I mean nuts, I have known people in the twenties that act "old"--have a dismal outlook in life, talk about every single ailment they have and are just plain negative in their outlook in life. Heck my great-grandmother lived to be 98 and she was very alert, mind sharp as a tack and believe me did NOT sit around and talk about her ailments
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi to both of you. my grandpa lived to be almost ninety and he'was always so sharp, even though he had never had an education beyond the sixth grade he was very intelligent and stayed that way all his life.
I did miss him so as we were very close.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
17 Sep 08
My Mothers Father lived to 92 and was very active and alert too..i think it was great and hope you and i outlive them both..meowwwww
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Yes I do....ME! I am not as old as you but hope to get there one day.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi whiteheather well another year gone by and i am back and so glad to be back. my son is still out of work but hopefully he will'get a job soon. we canthen get back together again but for now i am here and i will stay happy here.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
17 Sep 08
Hi, Hat! I'll be 75 next month and if I'm senile I haven't noticed it yet! My bowels are moving frequently (as they should) and I'm Healthy and Alive. Life has never been so good, and I'm looking forward to many more of the same. But, I've noticed recently that more people are taking me seriously, and I'm wondering if they are feeling sorry for me in my Old-age?
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi barehugs you sure arenot senile at all. happy mylotting'and i think life is good for us now in our seventies and eighties. lol lol lol
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
17 Sep 08
Hi Healthy Hatley!
My Mother is 83 and very healthy..she takes alot of herbs and walks alot and knows who all her 6 children are..lol..I'm number 4!
I sure hope if i'm able to get to that age i am like you and my Mother
Huggs and love to you both!
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi rosekitty one yr later your mom sounds like me, I'also like to use herbs but I am not much on walking but should be. I am so glad
my mind is still sharp and active. I ryto do things to keep'
myself mentally alert at all times.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Sep 08
i used to care for elderly and now iam. i've known quite a few that at 80's and 90's could tell me a thing or 2 and was more alert and didnt want to talk about any illness they had
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
bunnybon hi oh yes age does catch up with us all
even though we wish we could stop the clock
we cannot do that.lol. so we need to keep mentally
sharp and physically sharp so we can remain that
as we age,it will keep us much happier and more
content.
@vanities (11395)
• Davao, Philippines
18 Sep 08
yeah that was i had observe too..old people were basically equated with those things..and even in some movies too...i really admire you hatley for reaching that age and still active mentally and physically..how i wish i can reach that age...unfortunately i havent meet yet those kind of older people but heared a lot on friends..but mostly what i had met was the common sterotype kind of older people..sickly and everything...that goes to with my in-laws who changes their behavior upon reaching that critical age...you are really blessed and maybe your consistent with your lifestyle when you were still a little bit young up to present..
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi vanities yes I started to take care of myself better
when I was in my fifties as I was diagnosed with diabetes
and had to change my whole lifestyle to eat better and use'my min
more often, to keep myself mentally and physically active'
so now I am reaping the benefits of all that.
@olivebranch56 (910)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Hatley, one thing no one could ever say about you is you are senile :) I have many older online friends. I enjoy their stories, benefit from their knowledge and wisdom, and frankly on most days would rather chat and interact with them than most younger friends. I find what they talk about has substance, not the silly day to day complaints of the younger generation, who in most cases wouldn't know hard work if it jumped up and bit them. My Great Grand Mother made hand made baskets, to make them you have to use a certain kind of wood, she was still climbing the mountainside looking for her white pine, when she was in her 80's. I am ashamed to say my Grand Mother who is now 88, can out work me 2 to 1 anytime. She makes some of the most beautiful throws and comes up with patterns for unique items that she hand crafts. I am proud of my older friends, and proud to call you one of them Hatley. Blessings Marilyn
@permafrog (1)
• Canada
17 Sep 08
I have 20 or so years before I reach my 80s and of the journey over those years is as exciting as the ones that have got me here, there is much to look forward to and I believe they will be. Life is what we make it. Aging is a natural process and needs to be celebrated not shunned.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
thanks to you both. I am seeing a lot of pleasure in my'life
'both on mylot and with some of my friends here in Gold Crest
too. happiness is what you make it, nobody can make you
happy so you have to do it yourself.
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
22 Sep 08
You go, girl! I have poor health, but even people who know me well don't realize it unless I'm in the hospital. People tell me I look about mid-forties, even though I'm 61. If I ever get tone of those feeble old folks, I want it all to end. That's not me, and it never will be. I hate it when people assume that the number of years I've lived make pathetic!
1 person likes this
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Hatley,
I'm in my 42nd year as a teacher, planning to retire in about 4 years. Even though I've had surgery three times in the past four months, I don't allow it to get me down or slow me down. At 62, I think I just might be the world's oldest teenager.
Should I become unable to keep on this way, I want to be allowed to go. The quality of life is too important to be traded in for mere quantity.
I'm sorry for your loss, but I think you know it was good to let him go and not be something less than himself.
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
5 Oct 08
I have never had the pleasure of having the company of a person in their 80s, you are the first. I can honestly say that when I first found out your age I did not believe you, I do not know why, I guess because you do not come across as a woman in her 80s and I guess in a way I do not expect a woman in her 80s to be as active on a computer as you are. This is probably because my grandma is in her 70s and she would not know what to do with a computer and no one of her age I know does! I think that you are wonderful for your age and I find you really inspiring xx
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi gemini__rose yes some of us are afraid of technology'while
others love it once they learn how to use the computer. i let'
my son do any repair work, but I have learned so much just
by doing which is best hands on is always the best way to
learn anything I think. Myown mom neve wanted to try to use
the computer so she missed out on a lot.
@sweetie1026 (1718)
• Philippines
17 Sep 08
I know one, my father he is 82 turning 83 on December but he is still very healthy and active. In the sense that he can still do chores around the house and doesn't want to be idle at all. He loves life, definitely he is not senile nor pathetic. He can still fend for himself, except when he has his asthma attacks.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi sweetik oneyr late but am back and commenting agaIn. Your
'dad sounds a lot like me, I am healthy and active though I use
a cane now but am not senile nor pathetic either.
@sweetie1026 (1718)
• Philippines
14 Sep 09
That is good to hear but be extra careful though, don't want you to hurt yourself moving about. Like slipping or sliding onto something then hurting yourself in the process. I am glad that you are in good shape, dear friend. Take care.
@musiclover505 (122)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I think a lot of our ideals about eldery people come from the society we live in. There are some cultures out there that treat the eldery with much respect and their perspective is completely different. I'm not sure as to how our socitey got to be as such but I do think it is wrong. I've known many healthy people at old age. One is my grandma and I love her to pieces and love being around her and just spending time with her as she has a lot to offer.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
17 Sep 08
hi musiclover 505 I felt the s ame wayabout my dear grandpa, Iloved him so much and we had such fun together, he taught me
that being old is just great, its just another partof life. He taught me so much and Icould go to him as a child with problems
I could not tell my own dad. when I wasin mytwenties and working away from home he would come and we would spend myday off together shopping and going out to eat. He w as a real love.
1 person likes this
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Unfortunately, as we age, things get worn down. You're right, there are vital people in their 80s and 90s. They are sharp and vibrant. However, when you look at the numbers not many people even make it to that age. Most are already gone. Of those that are left, a good number are on the decline. Whether we like it or not, humanity is mortal and that means we have a shelf-life. We aren't meant to live forever. I'm nowhere near your age, but I can already feel the shifts in my body things start to show wear and tear.
You're right, getting older doesn't have to be a one-way ticket to senility. But, there are cruel realities which exist. Trying to keep yourself as healthy both mentally and physically is a good way of preserving your vitality. However, no matter how hard we work, it may not ever be enough.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
20 Nov 09
hi dorilentrich well I am now 83 so am still perking along
and still of sound mind, body may be creaky but my mind'is
still alert and my son was just here to visit me which
'made a bad day turn into a great day. I am doing okay
now.
1 person likes this
@DoriLentrich (1016)
• United States
21 Nov 09
I am glad to hear it. Nothing can compare to having your day turned around by a family member. Unfortunately, they can turn it either way, depending. However, yours was a good turn and that is a very good thing.
1 person likes this
@scorpio19 (1363)
•
18 Sep 08
Well I will be honest you didn't come across that age to me in my discussions, I thought you were alot younger and no I don't know many your age that have such a sharp mind as you do.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi scorpio19 I have had a lot of people say that to me. but I think
'its because I grew up mainly around much older people and i learned'that you dont have to be senile and pathetic to be
'an aged person.most here who are senile are surprisinly in
thier sixties and fifties, not up in years at all. I have always'read and done puzzles and just generally kept my mind avtive,even
doing some writing.
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
17 Sep 08
I'm glad you brought this up.
I'm not that age but at my real age of 57, I'm better off mentally and physically than men in their twenties.
I'm not putting on, I know this.
I also know several people, one of them past 80 years of age, who are just as agile and fit to live as anyone else.
Its just the fact that people in this late age group are usually senile.
But that's not everyone.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi bluepatch little late one yr still am mylottingonly not in my old apartment long story all caused by son losing his job but we are
'both hanging in there and taking one day at a time.I am so gladto be back on mylot
@paid2write (5201)
•
17 Sep 08
Even when I was very young I used to enjoy chatting with old people and listening to what they told me. I never remember anyone talking to me about only about their ailments. I think there are much more interesting topics to discuss with the older generation.
I am now in my fifties and I plan to stay healthy and active and maintain my love of life. I know some older people who are far more involved in the local community than I am, by sitting on councils, joining local business forums and taking part in community projects.
Every day when I am out I see seniors walking and enjoying themselves in the fresh air. There is a group of men and women I see regularly going for a swim from the local beach, and they are all of senior age.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi paid2write oneyr later I am still going strong and'once again mylotting as i got back onto the web.I had missed my computer so much'
when we were homeless and life seemed pretty bad, but things are some
better and while I would rather be with myson in a new apartment he has
'to get another job first and that will take some doing. so I am enjoying being back on mylot.
@DonnaLawson (4032)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Good going old girl.. Keep up the good work that you are doing on Mylot.. I am 60 and I feel 39 again.. I can do things tha most 20 year olds can't do.. I am young and young at heart, I am not getting older, I am getting better and it appears that you are also.. My mother passed away 19 months ago at the age of 90 years and one month exactly.. She was lively, active and a very vibrant lady on up unitl about a month before she passed away.. She had kidney failure and a few other things associated with her age, but she could remember and tell stories from her childhood and keep up listening all day.. I don't remember ever hearing a word of complaint from her, when she was well nor when she was on her deathbed.. She was one great "old" lady.. You keep up the good work and never let anyone make you feel any older that you feel.. As far as wisdoms, I would be more interested in yours because of the years that you have lived, you have experienced much more than I have and therefore know so much more than I do.. An 82 year old "Techie", that is great.. Have a wonderful day and please don't invite me for dance lessons, I don't think that I could keep up with you, lol..
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi donnalawson thanks much. I am back agaIn and trying to catch up'to all the things i missed while i was gone.its so good to'
be back mylotting and helps me to know some things are
still the same although I am here at Gold Crest and not'in
our apartment because we were evicted, long story but I am here and my son is in gov.paid housing so he can live while he looks for
'work. so we are both trying to be happy again.
@cbreeze (1205)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I am very impressed. I know very few people in their 80s that use the internet for anything other than sending and receiving emails (no offense). I do know a few people in their 80s that are vibrant, active and live very full lives. I know of a few still working full time jobs and are very active in their community. I personal plan to be one of them when I get to my 80s and above. I've never believed that growing old meant growing sick and become senile. So more importantly, what's your secret to health and longevity?
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi cbreeze I know a lot of older people are afraid of the net'but its no harder than listening to cds or videos or even your tv. just
need a little common sense and a few active brain cells he he he.'I did work until I was nearly 80 then had to retire as i needed a minor
operation. so now I am mylotting and haveing a ball doing it.
@lazeebee (5461)
• Malaysia
17 Sep 08
My dear Hatley, if you didn't mention your age, I wouldn't even think that you are in your 80s. Anyway, there are myLotters who put their ages as 80+ or so; but are not even half that.
My dad is 82; mum is 80 this year. And both of them are healthy and independent. Mum is a bit clumsy, as she is carrying more weight than she should, but Dad takes his morning walks everyday, except when it is raining. Aside from the hypertension and cholesterol problems, they are both doing well.
So I would never, never think or associate old age with senility, immobility or dodderings! In fact, I've met younger people who should be categorised as senile or pathetic, the way their minds work!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi lazeebee oneyr late sounds like your mom and I have
'something in common we both need to lose some weight.'
that is one of the hardest things to do, too. but I am
determined to try anyways .I do need to get out and walk'more but have a bad leg so its b een a little harder for me, but I can
do it.Oddly here at Gold Crest some of the senile ones are'only fifty five and sixty.weird for sure. but if you dont use your mind
every day you can lose it.
1 person likes this
@mcjohnson7 (301)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Now that I am getting older (56), I seem to have a deeper understanding and admiration for my elders. When I was younger, I felt sorry for old people because they were old. Now I respect anyone who lives to a ripe old active age. God Bless Them, they deserve it.
The wisdom they can share with you concerning their life experiences is awesome. When my Mother-In-Law was in the nursing home, I didn't just go to visit her. There were a goodly number of interesting men and women there to talk to and I did.
Do yourself a favor and sit down with any elderly person in your life, a Grandpa for example, and say "Grandpa tell me 'bout the good ol' days". You won't regret it.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 09
hi mcjohnson a little late like one yr. anyway we can share
wisdom that is true and we are now more learned and more'modern
than we ever used to be. more older people use the computer and
'some write novels and do crafts. we can use our brains and we
do use them, and accomplish all sorts of fun things.