why always acquaint old age with senility, patheticness and illness

I respect and adore elderly people. I plan to be an active, sharp older person if, of course, I have any control of that. I think it is sad that many societies look at older people with scorn. People your age (My Dad was your age when he passed and that was from something that could have been prevented.) have lived life and have so many experiences to share. I actually appreciate sitting down and talking to older people much more than I do younger ones. I am 45 and I know that younger people think of me as old already! I guess it all depends on what your idea of "old" is. I have friends who are well into their 70's who are as sharp and as healthy as I am and we have common interests in writing among other things. Today, people are living longer and healthier and we all need to change how we think of older people. I think it is up to parents to teach children to respect ALL people regardless of age and to accept all people. Gone are the days when life was over at 60! (Thankfully!!!) It's great that you are doing so well. I probably have more health problems than you. What's your secret? :)

I'm glad you have a real positive attitude in life, uh, for your age...LOL. I really don't know why people tend to think this way either....I mean nuts, I have known people in the twenties that act "old"--have a dismal outlook in life, talk about every single ailment they have and are just plain negative in their outlook in life. Heck my great-grandmother lived to be 98 and she was very alert, mind sharp as a tack and believe me did NOT sit around and talk about her ailments

Yes I do....ME! I am not as old as you but hope to get there one day.

Hi, Hat! I'll be 75 next month and if I'm senile I haven't noticed it yet! My bowels are moving frequently (as they should) and I'm Healthy and Alive. Life has never been so good, and I'm looking forward to many more of the same. But, I've noticed recently that more people are taking me seriously, and I'm wondering if they are feeling sorry for me in my Old-age?

Hi Healthy Hatley! My Mother is 83 and very healthy..she takes alot of herbs and walks alot and knows who all her 6 children are..lol..I'm number 4! I sure hope if i'm able to get to that age i am like you and my Mother Huggs and love to you both!

i used to care for elderly and now iam. i've known quite a few that at 80's and 90's could tell me a thing or 2 and was more alert and didnt want to talk about any illness they had

yeah that was i had observe too..old people were basically equated with those things..and even in some movies too...i really admire you hatley for reaching that age and still active mentally and physically..how i wish i can reach that age...unfortunately i havent meet yet those kind of older people but heared a lot on friends..but mostly what i had met was the common sterotype kind of older people..sickly and everything...that goes to with my in-laws who changes their behavior upon reaching that critical age...you are really blessed and maybe your consistent with your lifestyle when you were still a little bit young up to present..

Hatley, one thing no one could ever say about you is you are senile :) I have many older online friends. I enjoy their stories, benefit from their knowledge and wisdom, and frankly on most days would rather chat and interact with them than most younger friends. I find what they talk about has substance, not the silly day to day complaints of the younger generation, who in most cases wouldn't know hard work if it jumped up and bit them. My Great Grand Mother made hand made baskets, to make them you have to use a certain kind of wood, she was still climbing the mountainside looking for her white pine, when she was in her 80's. I am ashamed to say my Grand Mother who is now 88, can out work me 2 to 1 anytime. She makes some of the most beautiful throws and comes up with patterns for unique items that she hand crafts. I am proud of my older friends, and proud to call you one of them Hatley. Blessings Marilyn

You go, girl! I have poor health, but even people who know me well don't realize it unless I'm in the hospital. People tell me I look about mid-forties, even though I'm 61. If I ever get tone of those feeble old folks, I want it all to end. That's not me, and it never will be. I hate it when people assume that the number of years I've lived make pathetic!

I have never had the pleasure of having the company of a person in their 80s, you are the first. I can honestly say that when I first found out your age I did not believe you, I do not know why, I guess because you do not come across as a woman in her 80s and I guess in a way I do not expect a woman in her 80s to be as active on a computer as you are. This is probably because my grandma is in her 70s and she would not know what to do with a computer and no one of her age I know does! I think that you are wonderful for your age and I find you really inspiring xx

I know one, my father he is 82 turning 83 on December but he is still very healthy and active. In the sense that he can still do chores around the house and doesn't want to be idle at all. He loves life, definitely he is not senile nor pathetic. He can still fend for himself, except when he has his asthma attacks.

I think a lot of our ideals about eldery people come from the society we live in. There are some cultures out there that treat the eldery with much respect and their perspective is completely different. I'm not sure as to how our socitey got to be as such but I do think it is wrong. I've known many healthy people at old age. One is my grandma and I love her to pieces and love being around her and just spending time with her as she has a lot to offer.

Unfortunately, as we age, things get worn down. You're right, there are vital people in their 80s and 90s. They are sharp and vibrant. However, when you look at the numbers not many people even make it to that age. Most are already gone. Of those that are left, a good number are on the decline. Whether we like it or not, humanity is mortal and that means we have a shelf-life. We aren't meant to live forever. I'm nowhere near your age, but I can already feel the shifts in my body things start to show wear and tear. You're right, getting older doesn't have to be a one-way ticket to senility. But, there are cruel realities which exist. Trying to keep yourself as healthy both mentally and physically is a good way of preserving your vitality. However, no matter how hard we work, it may not ever be enough.

Well I will be honest you didn't come across that age to me in my discussions, I thought you were alot younger and no I don't know many your age that have such a sharp mind as you do.

I'm glad you brought this up. I'm not that age but at my real age of 57, I'm better off mentally and physically than men in their twenties. I'm not putting on, I know this. I also know several people, one of them past 80 years of age, who are just as agile and fit to live as anyone else. Its just the fact that people in this late age group are usually senile. But that's not everyone.

Even when I was very young I used to enjoy chatting with old people and listening to what they told me. I never remember anyone talking to me about only about their ailments. I think there are much more interesting topics to discuss with the older generation. I am now in my fifties and I plan to stay healthy and active and maintain my love of life. I know some older people who are far more involved in the local community than I am, by sitting on councils, joining local business forums and taking part in community projects. Every day when I am out I see seniors walking and enjoying themselves in the fresh air. There is a group of men and women I see regularly going for a swim from the local beach, and they are all of senior age.

Good going old girl.. Keep up the good work that you are doing on Mylot.. I am 60 and I feel 39 again.. I can do things tha most 20 year olds can't do.. I am young and young at heart, I am not getting older, I am getting better and it appears that you are also.. My mother passed away 19 months ago at the age of 90 years and one month exactly.. She was lively, active and a very vibrant lady on up unitl about a month before she passed away.. She had kidney failure and a few other things associated with her age, but she could remember and tell stories from her childhood and keep up listening all day.. I don't remember ever hearing a word of complaint from her, when she was well nor when she was on her deathbed.. She was one great "old" lady.. You keep up the good work and never let anyone make you feel any older that you feel.. As far as wisdoms, I would be more interested in yours because of the years that you have lived, you have experienced much more than I have and therefore know so much more than I do.. An 82 year old "Techie", that is great.. Have a wonderful day and please don't invite me for dance lessons, I don't think that I could keep up with you, lol..

I am very impressed. I know very few people in their 80s that use the internet for anything other than sending and receiving emails (no offense). I do know a few people in their 80s that are vibrant, active and live very full lives. I know of a few still working full time jobs and are very active in their community. I personal plan to be one of them when I get to my 80s and above. I've never believed that growing old meant growing sick and become senile. So more importantly, what's your secret to health and longevity?

My dear Hatley, if you didn't mention your age, I wouldn't even think that you are in your 80s. Anyway, there are myLotters who put their ages as 80+ or so; but are not even half that. My dad is 82; mum is 80 this year. And both of them are healthy and independent. Mum is a bit clumsy, as she is carrying more weight than she should, but Dad takes his morning walks everyday, except when it is raining. Aside from the hypertension and cholesterol problems, they are both doing well. So I would never, never think or associate old age with senility, immobility or dodderings! In fact, I've met younger people who should be categorised as senile or pathetic, the way their minds work!

Now that I am getting older (56), I seem to have a deeper understanding and admiration for my elders. When I was younger, I felt sorry for old people because they were old. Now I respect anyone who lives to a ripe old active age. God Bless Them, they deserve it. The wisdom they can share with you concerning their life experiences is awesome. When my Mother-In-Law was in the nursing home, I didn't just go to visit her. There were a goodly number of interesting men and women there to talk to and I did. Do yourself a favor and sit down with any elderly person in your life, a Grandpa for example, and say "Grandpa tell me 'bout the good ol' days". You won't regret it.