I know many 80-year-olds and it's different for each of us. Most of us are still very active; others aren't. None of us are what I would consider ‘spry." That's a word used way back to describe little old ladies that tottered along and called everyone "dearie." It was also the brand name of a hydrogenated cooking oil going as far back as those little old ladies. Check with me in about 10 years to see if I’m spry yet (little old lady, not hydrogenated oil!).
I can only answer for myself.
Physically
I'm very fortunate to have a relatively strong, healthy body. I do have a few aches and pains and some stiffness of joints now and then, but by and large, my body continues to serve me well. The gym is still essential for strength training. Between my PCP and my Chiropractor, I am able to keep going. I can still take care of myself, keep house and cook for myself. I tend my flower gardens for three seasons and shovel snow in order to clear a space to feed the birds during the winter.
I can still go for walks, although somewhere around 3 miles I start to stagger. I cannot run for the life of me! My preferred method of self-propulsion is my bike. I can still do 15 to 20 miles, but not every day. When Kathy and I rode the Erie Canal bike path in 2008 we were doing 40-50 miles a day and after eight days it sucked the life right out of me. Right now, 15-20 is a good ride.
Mentally
As far as I know my mind is totally intact. Some folks might tell you I'm crazy, but that's because they don't understand (or choose not to understand) what I'm talking about…or they are one of my kids. But that's OK. I don't have a good memory; never had a good memory. Even as a kid, I saw no reason to memorize or remember anything. If I needed information I could always go to the library and look it up. Obviously, this was way before the internet.
Spiritually
I have definitely grown spiritually. I no longer practice the religion of my parents. I went looking for a more direct contact with God and decided I did better without the "middlemen" who were more prone to punitive rules that made no sense to me. I chose a loving God and I continue to learn the Laws of the Universe that seem more reasonable.
Wisdom
According to ancient tradition, at 80 the Crone becomes the Hag, a Woman of Wisdom. You may call me a Hag if you wish. Years ago I was taught that knowledge is only knowledge…until it is shared. Then it becomes Wisdom.
Ok. What do I do with my knowledge when those around me don't want to hear it?
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| Even though this was taken in 2008, nothing has changed |
The Wisdom, in this case, becomes showing by example. Nothing has ever been taught by cramming things down someone else's throat. So I live my Truth in hopes others will catch on to what I have been trying to show them.
Do I have all the answers? Oh, my no. What I know I could put in a small thimble and rattle it! There is so much more for me to learn and I am in the right place, at the right time, surrounded by the right people to help me continue to the next level.
I turn 80 on May 25th.
So! What does it feel like to be 80 years old? It feels F A N T A S T I C!
