How often do you think about getting older?

Have you ever visualized yourself getting older? How you would look, act, feel and what you would want to still be doing? I do it all the time. I'm also around older folks all the time and I have seen some weird and crazy things. I have also heard some weird and crazy things from these folks. Now this is just my opinion, but most older people I have seen at the end of their life that are not scared to die are the ones who have felt they have lived a good life and are happy with how things turned out. Those who are scared to die, don't seem to have done everything they wanted to with their lives. (Again, only my opinion from being a nurse for 15+ years). I have already decided that I am going to live into my nineties and live long enough to watch my nephews be grandfathers. I picture myself driving my El Camino to their house to hold the new babies. I wasn't able to have kids of my own, so seeing those two knuckleheads grow up is what I am looking forward to. We all need something to look forward to. Even if it is a weekly meeting with a friend for coffee or chess. Those social aspects of our lives are so important to keep us 'young' and healthy.... and happy.

Friend Goals :)

Tonight, I want you to picture yourself as you get older. You might not want to be the old spinster Aunt that I aspire to, but I am sure there will be something that you are excited about to keep you on the path to health and laughter. Set some goals, discuss it with your family or friends. Growing older is not something that is talked about enough in our society. And death is definitely not discussed nearly enough. We should talk about aging and getting older more. And not just discussing what hurt today or how 'old' we feel. I mean true honest conversations about being in our 80's and 90's and death. We are all going to go at some point. And what a gift it is to be able to grow old. One of the things we discuss as nurses is how the person who is dying is not the most difficult, it is the family or loved ones who are having the hardest time or in denial. Maybe those hard conversations can help when the time comes. Or just maybe you will start some great conversations now with your loved ones or end up swapping great old stories and have some belly laughs. Either way, give it a go and see what happens.

PS: I am an advocate for AARP and here is a fun article on getting older

10 Good Things About Getting Older