Life Grows Shorter and Changes Your Perspective
By Jim Bauer
@porwest (112717)
United States
September 21, 2022 7:25pm CST
Next June I will be 50, and this is sort of the "big one," right? I mean, it's past the hurdle when you think about it. Life expectancy is about 76, and that's if you are healthy and things go right.
Gosh, if I make it there that's still 26 years.
My grandfather did not live a completely healthy life and made it to 93. His sister was almost 100. So longevity does run in the family. Although my dad's mom died at a bit over 70 and so did my grandmother.
So I guess it depends on whose genes I have. My mom is 72 and my dad is 73.
It changes your perspective a bit, I think, when you near 50 because you realize that the good years you have left are probably about 10 or 15. After that you start not being able to do what you want, and start to become limited.
You might still be alive, but can you do all the things you want?
As you get older you start to think more about the end, and the timeline you have left dramatically changes. You don't speak in terms of "20 years from now I will do this," because that 20 years is different. Very different.
It is probably why now, after 20 years of wanting a camper, I finally decided to get one. Because my opportunity is now to enjoy it.
Time and life grows shorter, and the good years are closer to ending.
How do you feel about growing older?
9 people like this
10 responses
@NJChicaa (127116)
• United States
22 Sep 22
I've said it before and I'll say it again---I have to work 25 years to get medical for life. That is 4 more years including this one. My plan was always to do that and retire. I'd get a job scanning cans at the grocery store and volunteer at the animal shelter. Unfortunately divorce has changed that. It is just my income. I'll be making $100,000+ per year in 4 years and why would I give that up for 5 more years to work at a job that pays just $15/hour?
You can bet your bottom of your millions of dollars that I will retire the very first day that I am eligible for 25 and 55.
3 people like this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
22 Sep 22
@NJChicaa At the end of the day I consider retirement the beginning, not the end, and it is why I harp so much on the importance of saving and investing so much. If you save enough, and invest well enough, the money you make on your money should be greater than what your paycheck was, thereby effectively negating the need to continue to get one.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
22 Sep 22
It's very sobering. I realize that I could die any day now...and even more likely that my husband will pass as he's 7 years older than I am.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
22 Sep 22
@porwest That's why it's so frustrating that I have such mobility challenges. Hubs wants me to get a motorized scooter and a handicap van. I think he's nuts.
2 people like this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
23 Sep 22
@LindaOHio Getting around more easily is certainly important. But I know what you mean.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86568)
• United States
22 Sep 22
Getting older is a pain in the butt. And the back. And the knees. And the shoulders. 
I’ve always enjoyed life, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anyone. Yeah, I’m enjoying it a little more now that I’ve retired and don’t have any bills, but still I’ve always been out there, living.
I’ve always enjoyed life, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anyone. Yeah, I’m enjoying it a little more now that I’ve retired and don’t have any bills, but still I’ve always been out there, living.3 people like this
@lovebuglena (52142)
• Staten Island, New York
22 Sep 22
I’m gonna be 40 this year. Wow! I feel I still have a long way to go but never know. My dad passed away at 70.
2 people like this
@lovebuglena (52142)
• Staten Island, New York
23 Sep 22
@porwest I used to say I’m only 30...37, 38, etc. Not sure I’ll be saying I’m only anymore lol.
2 people like this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
24 Sep 22
@lovebuglena Yeah, once you get to your 40s and beyond...you're not only anything. lol
1 person likes this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
9 Oct 22
@CarolDM It has been a strange thing for me. Being I have been so frugal and cheap for so many years, I am finally dipping in a bit. Even though secretly I am still mostly using other people's money. But instead of putting it back into the 'system,' we are actually keeping some of it for ourselves.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Sep 22
That is precisely why I retired at age 50 after working 20 years at my career job. I stayed at that job long enough to qualify me for a lifelong pension. I’m still working, but it’s in a very low-stress job that allows me the freedom to take time off whenever I want to go enjoy life. So far, it’s been a great adventure.
1 person likes this
@innertalks (23734)
• Australia
23 Sep 22
When I compare myself with my parents, and see myself going the same way in many ways, the future does not look too bright.
At least at an older age, we cannot be expected by others, to work our butts off for them so much.
@gnatsmom (2575)
•
22 Sep 22
I agree with you completely. I am 52 now. Fifty, definitely changed my perspective. I think about all the years that I, literally, lived my entire life for other people. Rarely, did I even ask myself what I wanted or wanted to do. I was happiest when serving others. Now, all those others, have moved on doing what they want. They may still call every now and then. They invite me to be a part of the events they have chosen for their lives. I am thankful for that. But I am also a little sad because I know that I am not the priority to them that they were to me. That is where my faith comes in. At 52 I realize, more than ever, that God loved me all along. He always wanted to fellowship with me. He hasn't gone anywhere. I realize, so strongly, that He is all I need. Anyone else is just an extra blessing. I would not mind living to be 100 or so, if I could actually live. I don't want to be here just taking up space.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
12 Oct 22
It's okay. I enjoy it though I miss my childhood and teenage days especially my loving, caring late father and mother.
By October 13, I will be turning 71 years together with my wife who has the same birthday I have.
1 person likes this
