I have a friend who just turned 77 and looks and acts 20 years younger than he really is. Every morning, he sits on the edge of his bed to “come to temperature”. It’s his phrase to make sure his body is “working.”
I’m coming to terms with getting older. It seems only yesterday I was 30 years old, running my little ad agency with a superb team and having the best time. Sure, I raised eyebrows with my foul mouth and direct, “nice bossy” approach, but I got results.
I remember putting in 12 hour days. I worked out with a trainer 3 times a week who had me lifting heavy weights and my body fat was eleven percent. I could entertain clients & exist on 5 hours of sleep.
Man, those were the days!
My endless energy then has given way to survival now. I still work out, but the days of heavy weights are over. Now, gym time is mandated by my doctor (who looks like he’s 18 🙄). He gently suggests that I lay off the Manhattans, and I have… sort of. I told him, “Honey, look. I’ve been in the advertising business all my life. Cocktail hour is where we scribble out ideas on little napkins and let booze free our brains to explore new ideas and strategies.”
Man, those were the days!
But, all the hair color and expensive moisturizer in the world isn’t going to save me from the fact I’m getting older. My heart and soul tell me I can still hike the Appalachian Trail. My body screams “the fuck you can”.
According to the National Institute of Health, you’re “elderly” if you’re 65 or more. Excuse me? That’s beyond insulting. Do elderly people get tattoos? Do they listen to Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith? WAIT.
Robert Plant and Steven Tyler are both 75 years old. 😳
Steve Tyler of Aerosmith and a younger me.
Getting older brings other assorted insults… like applying for a job and being told you’re “overqualified”. When I moved to Philadelphia, I felt certain I would land a position. Even with over 32 years of experience, a proven track record, a relentless work ethic, more than one company told me I was “overqualified”. I was so frustrated in one interview, I said, “Well, that’s good, right? You’d be lucky to have me.” That didn’t work either. 🙄 So I freelance now, and no one knows how old I am because It. Doesn’t. Matter.
In other countries like Norway and Japan, older people are revered and respected. In America, not so much. The advertising industry has contributed to the disparagement of us old folks through derogatory portrayals that reinforce outdated stereotypes. The wisdom, experience, patience, and empathy older people bring to the table are character traits you can’t have when you’re younger because you simply haven’t lived as long.
Take the case of Joe Biden and all the bullshit about his age. Gimme a break. The fact that he IS older has made him successful… look at all his accomplishments in just three short years. Yes, he stutters. He’s had great loss in his life. But he’s a bad ass in the ways of government because of his years of experience. The man knows how to get shit done.
I have no judgement for those who want to retire and sit on the beach, but that lifestyle just isn’t for me. There’s too much I want to see and do before I’m done. So many interests, so little time.
I know my body is starting to slowly betray me but I’m working hard to take care of myself. Hell, I’m only 68 and I will not go down without a fight. It’s in my DNA. I come from a line of determined farm people who lived a long time.
My grandmother was in the hospital (she had just turned a sassy 96!) after she had the heart attack that eventually took her from us. The doctor walked in and asked, “Nellie, How are you doing?” She said, “Not very well. What are you going to do about it?”
See what I mean? Attitude.
.. we could.. mebbe should ‘talk .. do you like the Caribbean ? Could you ‘adore it ! ? 🦎🏴☠️🎬
Booze is great; sex is too; we’re the class of 72