My Senior Manifesto

I admit it.  I'm older.  Headed to 60 soon and my dearly beloved is now eligible for social security.  Most people consider us old.

And yes, I had a wake up call the other evening.  I was sitting in my favorite chair, legs propped up.  Time to go to bed.  I start to rise and oh, no, I can't.  My joints had locked, specifically my hip bones did not want to  attach correctly to my legs and I was immobilized for a few seconds.  Wow, that was a sure sign my arthritis is starting to catch up with me.  Note to self:  Need to concentrate more on stretching.

Older bodies need more care.  We have to be proactive about exercise and our eating and assessing our health.

BUT being older does not mean telling yourself you can't do the things you'd like to do.

I have horses.  I spend my days mucking stalls, pitching hay, hauling water buckets and attending to their needs.  At night, I have no trouble sleeping because I'm exhausted and yes, my bones ache.  But it's a good, satisfied tired; knowing I've spent the day pursuing an interest I love.

I see so many posts lately from people saying they aren't going to continue with a hobby they love because they are too old.  Huh?  You're never too old and playing that negative message in your head only reinforces your body to believe you're old.

Instead, I'd like to see us say, "I choose to no longer do...."

Age is the final frontier.  Many people see us differently, treat us differently and think we are of no consequence because we are old.  That's just not true.

One of my favorite books, "And Ladies of The Club," was a first book written by a woman (Helen Hooven Santmyer) when she was in her 80s and what an epic book it is!

There are those of us who are suffering from serious illnesses who might not be able to pursue certain physical activities but that doesn't mean they can't find their passion for living in other things.

Age IS just a number and I truly believe you are only as old as you allow yourself to think you are.

This quote from Mark Frost should be our senior motto:

"“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming .... WOW what a ride.”

Time for me to get up.  I shall rise slowly, hear those hips creak, rock gently back and forth to get them into place and then head out to spend time with the horses I adore.