La Sagrada Famila in Barcelona.
I read an article where, now older, comedian and film star Steve Martin no longer signs autographs. I think I’m going to make the same resolve.
The difference, of course, there was a time when Steve Martin’s autographs were in demand. Mine never were. But no matter, it’s a choice both of us can make.
Aging is a funny thing. It’s something everybody’s heading toward, but no one wants to face. Or even talk about . . . unless with one’s doctor. Or psychologist.
I read once where the 60th year is the beginning of old age. I thought that interesting as I cruised through that year all sails flying with a crisp breeze. At 65 it was the same thing. At 70, same.
Seventy is the new 60, we might say. But even with that, eventually we’re back to “the beginnings of old age.”
Drat.
Some years ago I found myself standing in line at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Anne and I were in Spain in one of our later-in-life international excursions “just because.” Seeing the cathedral itself was a high point of the whole trip, and a wonderful example of a man, an artist, a Christian, pursuing his life work to the end.* But that’s not my point here.
Waiting in line we got to chatting with a medical doctor from Santa Monica. He said, by his experience, people often carry on strong until their mid-80s. It’s different for every person, of course, but generally until then people will say, “I feel fine; I’ve got the same energy and interest in life I’ve always had.” Then they stop saying that so much, after which things can start changing pretty fast.
It was a good bit of insight from a person with plenty of experience with aging people.
The nice thing is that perhaps 80 is the new 70.
But 85 is still likely the same 85.
Just something to think about. Maybe I’ll write more on it another day.
(Meantime, let me know if you want my autograph.)
_____
*Antoni Gaudi, architect of Catalonia
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
11:58 am
Someone had something to say about this once, a long time ago.
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten,
Or even by reason of strength fourscore years;
Yet is their pride but labor and sorrow;
For it is soon gone, and we fly away.” Psalms 90:10 ASV
12:03 pm
So what you are really saying Hyatt is, the old three score and ten is the new three score, and the old four score is the new three score and ten, but the old four score and five is pretty much the same four score and five today, and that’s when all starts catching up with you anyway. Right?
12:22 pm
Absolutely. (On both your comments.)
12:11 pm
Hyatt…does that mean you wont be signing your paintings?
12:23 pm
Ha! I thought about that. Of course anyone can have my autograph, right at the bottom of my paintings. Thanks for pointing it out.
6:39 pm
I thought I had sent this, but apparently, in my vast techie expertise, I hit the wrong key???
I just wanted to tell you my favorite part of your post was “drat!” Ha! And also, the “new 80’s” is not at all as old feeling as I imagined it would be……going into 82 next month makes me almost as sharp as my 82 year old hubby! The first time I realized I must be looking more mature was at a buffet when the cashier gave me the senior discount without asking. NOW, I remind the cashier that I am a senior and will be glad to show my ID, if necessary…..they never ask for it…drat!
10:16 am
I’m glad to read some of your thoughts on aging, Hyatt. It occurs to me that although at 66 I am active and working and learning, I also relish the slowing down that is happening. For me, slowing down does NOT mean giving up/in, but taking/having the time I’ve longed for to ponder and create and love in a way that sustains me and glorifies God. I pray this helps me with the brutal impact your math predicts…I mean, that aging 15 years in 5 once we reach 80, which is the new 70, just kinda blows my mind…
10:40 am
Thanks Alison. Me too, in all you say. But regarding the math, I confess it’s never been my strong point. (So maybe there’s hope.)
7:57 pm
Dear Hyatt & Anne, I really never thought I would grow “old”….but having just entered my eighth decade (at age 79) and living with my 80+ year old husband…..I am beginning to feel “older”…LORD, keep me well, keep me interested in others, keep me walking my 4000 steps a day, give me wonderful times with children and grandchildren, and even 3 great-grandchildren, give me a joyful spirit!
I love your brief but significant blogs…. Judy