88 and still learning!

June 27, 2011 9:20am CST
I've just had a delightful phone call from my lovely elderly friend to ask me for my email address so she can send her first email! She is taking her first ever computer course even though she is partially-sighted and very deaf, not to mention can hardly get around, except by a mobility-scooter! Isn't that inspirational! She is one of the sweetest people on Earth and never has anything negative to say about anything or anyone! I have never looked forward to an email more! Do you know anyone who is still 'game' and enjoying life, no matter what, at an advanced age?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@GemmaR (8517)
28 Jun 11
I know of a lot of people who have "given up" with technology just because they're retired and don't really know how to use things. However, my Gran is 71 and I have taught her how to use a mobile phone and she says that it is the best thing that anybody has ever done for her, because it means that she can ring people from anywhere and send text messages when it is not appropriate to make a phone call. I also know that she is wanting to get connected to the internet now so that she can join social networking websites and keep in contact with her family, which is really lovely to see. There's no point in missing out on huge parts of life just because you're a little older.
1 person likes this
28 Jun 11
Amen to that! We have to keep up with the times, otherwise we are just shooting ourselves in the foot! We can't sit around complaining that no-one bothers with us when we haven't tried to learn how to contact them using the most modern methods. All power to your Gran!
28 Jun 11
I like your responses, Gemma! Would you like to be my friend? I'm not quite old enough to be another grandmother! ;)
28 Jun 11
On second thoughts, I am! Eek!
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
28 Jun 11
Not as old as 88 She is indeed an inspiration. One should not tire of learning especially at an advance age to avoid being senile. I do hope that when I get old, I would be as game as she is. That I won't get tired of life and just stare at nothing the whole day I hope Mylot still exists at that time. Cheers!
1 person likes this
29 Jun 11
I hope to keep plodding on as long as I can too! I think a positive attitude is something we should all cultivate. It appears to me that those who only look on the bright side of life have a much better time, no matter what they are going through! Let's raise a glass to all those! Cheers to you too!
@neededhope (1085)
• United States
27 Jun 11
So many people are negative and givin up when they get higher in age.. It's sad. I'm happy your friend wants to Keep learning! I hope I can do the same thing! I want to learn as much as I can to gain knowledge and to continue to live my life. If we stop learning isn't that the same as giving up? So for me! Bring on the BOOKS! Computers! and whatever else you can get me :)
28 Jun 11
Negativity is the problem with most people. Yes, we all go through horrible things, and I've been through my share of them, but I try to keep a positive outlook on everything, and that goes for learning too. You're absolutely right about 'giving up'. Life is for living and learning! Enjoy!
@savypat (20216)
• United States
27 Jun 11
What a wonderful story, I'm excited for her. At our age we are aware of so many elderly people who have not just shut down but are still learning and enjoying their lives.
1 person likes this
28 Jun 11
I find all people like that totally inspiring. I've just seen a wonderful example on FB of a 92-year-old who is still teaching her movement classes, and enjoying every minute! We are going to live longer. So we'd better start changing our attitudes to everything about aging sooner rather than later!
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
27 Jun 11
I really do hope that I am still learning new things at that age. Actually when you think about it, I will be happy to really make it to that age all things considered. And be remotely in good spirits. I am really sure that most people would agree that is an inspiring story and hopefully more people are really inspired to do great things at an older age. I mean there is really a lot of things that are great in life but this is a fascinating story in a number of ways for sure. I really am amazed for sure and this is a wonderful story. This just proves one of the things that I have said. No matter what people say, no matter what perceptions we really have on life, in the end it is really never too late. It is never too late for someone to learn a new trick or two. As long as there is life, there is a life that is ripe with a lot of possibilities and an amazing little thing to expand our horizons. I really do salute this situation. It is truthfully amazing and hopefully something that is more truth than an exception. Its never true late, as long as there is life, there is life to enjoy.
1 person likes this
28 Jun 11
Too true! We should always look forward in life and never back to anything in the past that has hurt us in some way! There is so much to learn and we should all enjoy doing it, no matter what our age. I am 56 and have just started learning the Mandolin, hence the name, and the Recorder. I'm having fun! I hope you are too!
• Malaysia
28 Jun 11
"Kampatei" to your elderly friend. Yes, one should make full use of one's life !
1 person likes this
28 Jun 11
That's an interesting-sounding word. What does it mean?
• Canada
28 Jun 11
Lucky you to have such a friend. Ive lost a dear friend a few years ago. I miss her very much, so you enjoy your friend !! Oh yes I know SO many people in their 70's or 80's and even 90's who are still active and enjoying life to the fullest. Most of them still drive and a few still work....not because they have to but because they enjoy it. Isnt it great to watch them go at that age and be so vibrant with life? So did you get that email??