I am the first to admit that I am technically challenged. While I can navigate my cell phone and computer fairly well, there are not a lot of things I can do with either one and I get by just fine. Excel sheets are beyond me, but I can copy and paste, send texts and take photos on my phone.
As I age, I find keeping it simple is a good thing. Speaking of aging, I was telling a friend the other day on my phone as I sat in front of my computer that I was 79 going on, obviously, 80. (I tell people if asked that I am 79 ½.) Anyway, after that conversation, I am now convinced that both my phone and computer have ears and listen to everything I say. I get ads and articles on everything from assisted living facilities, hearing aids, new and improved pills, creams and treatments for almost every disease, ache and pain attributed to old age, diet, exercise and…this is a good one…how to navigate being 80. So, of course, being 79 ½, I read all the articles to see if I’m missing something as I travel to 80. If you aren’t close to 80, never fear – you will be.
Now, the above opening paragraph is kind of lighthearted and maybe a little humorous. There is an upside to turning 80, I think, as it brings a lot of freedom to be whomever you want to be and do whatever you want. It can also be an uphill battle because the older we get, often times, we don’t get the respect that comes with aging nor the appreciation that we have value, lots still to contribute and great wisdom and experiences to share. So, these articles give suggestions of what you can do and should not do to age well. I’m sharing what I learned, and you decide.
The perceived downside/stereotype of turning 80:
- You are always sick
- Memory fades completely
- You can’t learn new things
- You can’t have fun
- You are always tired
- Technology is beyond your reach
- You are stuck in the past
- You don’t care about your appearance
- Set in your ways with no new goals or ambitions
- Rigid in your beliefs and unwilling to change
- You have nothing left to offer
I say hogwash to all of the above. Life at 80 can be active, joyful, full of purpose and wisdom, fun and continued growth. Because of the above preconceived notions, you have to combat the misconceptions, stand up and be loud and proud of being 80 or close to. Don’t let anyone dismiss you or be disrespectful because of age. Any of the decades you are in at the moment are a vibrant stage of life to be nurtured and enjoyed.
There is a difference between just growing old and growing old happily and gracefully. Embrace yourself and a life that brings you joy and fulfillment:
- First and foremost, don’t ignore your physical health – it’s never too late to adjust or change if you have health issues and you know what those changes are – we are certainly bombarded with “helpful hints” and products, but it’s up to each of us to decide what and how to change.
- Stay socially active – maintain your connections and make new ones – good friends and activities are the life blood of aging well and improving your quality of life. Get out there and do something fun.
- Try a new experience and don’t be hesitant or shy about trying – there is always something new to learn and new people to meet
- Be kind to yourself – try to accept what’s not working anymore. Focus on what you can do and not what you can’t. The can-do list might just be bigger than the can’t do list.
- Don’t resist change – embrace it. It’s hard, I know, because we are creatures of habit and it’s easier to stay the same but try it. We can learn something new or a better way, keeps us connected with how the world is swirling around us and connected in the present.
- Remember the past, but don’t live in it. We are the historians of our time and can impart wisdom kno,wledge, and facts that you won’t see in a textbook or documentary. Yet, we need to live in the present. We might not like, or even always understand, the present but we need to know it. We can savor the beauty of the present and the blessings of what we have already experienced.
- Be able to say NO – be selective about where you invest your time and energy. Only you can say what you will and won’t do, decide what truly matters and focus on the people and activities that bring you happiness. This is part of the freedom of being 80 (or whatever decade you are in at the moment) and protects your personal well-being.
Reaching 80 can feel like being invisible in a world that prioritizes youth and productivity. You might notice people speaking over you and for you, underestimating your abilities or dismissing your opinions. This can be very frustrating, but it’s their loss for not recognizing and embracing all that you have to offer and share with your decades of wisdom and experiences.
Stand up, speak up – your presence and your voice will remind others of your value and remind yourself of your worth.
