This is where the language of "old" or "older" creeps in. Sadly. There are even some who clam that, since you can retire and collect full pension at 65, that should be the age of "certifiable decrepitude." I, of course, disagree.
Mature, I can understand. But there is no such an age as "old."
Here is the explanation.
Until you are 80, you are young.
After that age you are . . .
"venerable"!
I think some of you know that; others, perhaps not.
Blessings and Bear hugs, friends!
I knew it! I'm young and so are YOU, dear Bear! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, DJan, we are both young, and young at heart. And may you keep young for many years to come. (Though I expect I'll have the privilege of referring to you as venerable at some point.)
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I stopped at 23 lol
ReplyDeleteStopped counting at 23? Sure, why not? Age is only a number. I think how well one is living more important than the age number which one is assigned.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I am 23 right now. Hopefully I am stopping here :-)
DeleteYou're 23 no matter what the age of your body. That's a very good approach to living!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
I'm going to take your word for it...that gives me a bit more time before I can claim old-agedness. :)
ReplyDeleteTerri: you missed the message — you will never be OLD or old-aged!! Though I expect, in a few decades, that I'll be able to refer to you as venerable.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
With another birthday approaching, I feel a bit better now that I know I can look forward to becoming venerable some day. Were I to last that long.......
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, I don't really know what venerable means, exactly, so now I have to go look it up. English is my second language and it does, after all, have so many words in it.
Well, Inger, another birthday coming.?Your 53rd by chance? Doesn't matter.
DeleteVenerable: "given a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character." You would definitely fit under all three of those descriptive words!
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I'm 55. A few months ago, an 80 year old told me and another "young" person aged 50 how young we are and how much time we have to do things. It was good to hear because time seems to go so quickly sometimes and I like being here and doing things.
ReplyDelete"Venerable" I will use it when I need to, Bear... who is not decrepit!
Such a young woman you are, indeed, Anita! And so much time you have. I have noticed in retirement that I'm actually quite busy. Others, in retirement, wondered how they had been able to hold a job and do all the things they had been doing when they were younger. It's magic, I think.
DeleteBear is "well-travelled" (meaning I've "been around"). I'm all right for the shape I'm in, and I "go for it" every chance I have. (Lead worship for our congregation, again, on Sunday.) I'll be talking medical ethics in a radio interview tomorrow. (I worked for years with the guy who will be interviewing me, so this will be good.) And I'm jotting own a few notes for tomorrow while I'm answering my mail. Lots of fun in Bear's days.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I will be 66 in August and my knees are not happy. But otherwise I see myself as young in an older catagory as opposed to old in a younger catagory.
ReplyDeleteRight?!
Love
kj
Another youngster writing in! Remember, you've got another 13 years to call yourself "young." After that you switch to venerable. (See how easy it is? Almost like falling of a log.)
DeleteMy knees aren't 100 per cent either, but I'm still moving. Just like you. I suspect that's a feeling you and Chase share.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I like that word. Oh, yes. "Venerable" is good.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Words are such fun, aren't they Janie. Remember: change your words; change your reality.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I am recently 50.
ReplyDeleteI dont feel old.
Just like a little girl who has grown up.
Love your attitude Lisa! You will definitely be venerable in about 30 years!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
Oh Bear, there I was thinking you were going to comment on cheese and wine.
ReplyDeleteFor us folks, it's a good idea to keep moving and remain young at heart. Or so I think. xo
Ah; wine and cheese. Now that would be good. Sadly, my body doesn't tolerate either of those nowadays. Sigh.
DeleteKeep moving; stay young at heart. Good advice, Frances!
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I like the way you think, Bear. I am 58 and do not feel old on most days. Yesterday when I reconnected with the elementary school teacher of my sons and I wrote that they are 30 and 26...then I felt old!
ReplyDeleteI understand your feeling RCL. Turning 40 is one thing; having your children turn 40 is something else again.
DeleteBut you're still young, so there is still lots to enjoy! And lots of time in which to do that.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I am 60 - so I guess we are all still young! Yeah - sometimes I don't feel it and sometimes I do. sandie
ReplyDeleteYup, you're still young all right, sandie. Maybe not quite as fast or agile, but still doing pretty good!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
Bear,
ReplyDeleteAt any age, one has to keep singing, "Life is just a bowl of cherries." Ain't no age if you're a bowl of cherries. Ha.
Your Venerable Friend.
Oh, Manzi, you are so right, my venerable friend. Just watch out for the pits in the cherries; broken teeth are no fun!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
Well Dear Bear ... I am inching ever so close to that venerable stage of life!!! Yikes.
ReplyDeleteI suppose we are all pushing venerable, Helen; some of us area bit closer than others. But you will, eventually, get the respect you so rightly deserve. I hope!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
You are a frisky bear this evening. I love the flavor and feel of your spirit, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI began drawing retirement benefits when I was "young".....cough. Age is only a number. It is how one feels , and I have the same spunk I did when I was in my 20's. I will be 63 this summer.
Spring chicken, methinks !!
Hugs,
Jackie
Spring chicken, indeed! Glad to know that you, as usual, are feeling pretty perky! "Live long and prosper!" as the Vulcans on Star Trek would say.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
As one who has surpassed predictions by more than a few years, I would like to apply for a special arrangement to move venerable up a few years. I don't want to miss out. It's such a great title. Although "venerable poodle" is not nearly as cool as "venerable bear."
ReplyDeleteFor you, we will move venerable to 60, or thereabouts. We cannot have deliberately exclusionary definitions here!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
My mom used to say, You're only as old as you feel, and I feel 22." lol
ReplyDeleteI'm 43 years old and I feel much older.
Dark Thoughts Blog
I so understand, Mary. Some days I feel like I'm going on 90! I hope you have much better times ahead!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
I know it :)
ReplyDeleteThat's because, D.J., you are a very wise woman!
DeleteBlessings and Baar hugs!
I'm thirty mumble, and there are some days I feel old, and others I feel about fourteen.
ReplyDeleteKellie, you sound disgustingly normal! Great! But you're still a bit of a trek towards 80. I hope you have lots of fun on the journey.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs
The bear is always right. I don't know how old he really is, but I am gonna assume he's my age. Keeps the fun going :-)
ReplyDeleteIn keeping with the principle of full disclosure, Bear will be 68 in September. Some days that's 68 going on 93; some days that's 68 going on 39.
DeleteI refuse to miss out on any possible fun, though my chronic depression keeps throwing curves at me.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
You make good points.
ReplyDeleteThanks you. May you live to be venerably happy, Lisa.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
I like your logic. :)
ReplyDeleteLogic? What logic? Please don't ever accuse this Bear of being logical. It is just so contrary to my nature. (Ho-ho, he-he, ha-ha)
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
I like venerable, not to be confused with venereal.
ReplyDeleteShame on you, Evil Twin.
:)
No, no, Geek; it's OK. I sometimes have problems with Human words, too.
DeleteI think Evil Twin is looking for the word "vernal," and missed by a couple of letters. Or, more correctly, non-letters (as in blank spaces).
You're only as old as you feel... And I feel like I'm 5. IM IMMORTAL!!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Valerie
Thanks you for leaving your uber-interesting blog and visiting this mere Bear. Sadly, I believe you are neither five not immortal. Immoral, maybe. Also, having seen your "Alpha Bitch" parking sign, I understand your character clearly.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs, nonetheless.
I feel so much better now about my age and not quite as old as I felt seconds before reading this. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
You've reminded me of a favorite quip by Mark Twain. When someone asked the rhetorical question, 'Who would want to live to be 98?', he answered, 'Someone who is 97.'
ReplyDeleteGood point well made, susan. Thanks. But who wants to live to 97?
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
---I still feel 19 inside my 40-something body!
ReplyDeleteI think I shall forever & ever...
Fun post. X
Oh, yes; excellent! A 19 year old in a 40-something body. May it ever be thus (even if the body part matures a bit further).
DeleteThanks for dropping by the Bear's place, and leaving a note! Getting notes is such fun!
Blessings and Bear hugs!
I like this, a lot. Love the way it was written. My sweet receptionist at work is 80, but I connect with her better than I do anyone else, and I'm 25!
ReplyDeleteLove love love this :)
ReplyDelete