Hi Denise, congratulations! You are right. Navigating this life as an adventure, with curiosity is your golden ticket. I'm writing something about that now. Thanks for reading and I'll be thinking of you, turning 70...head held high x
I’m so happy to hear about your excellent older life, Russell. I’m sure much of your success and engagement is due to your positive outlook, which counts for much more than we imagine. Onwards! X
Dear Jillian, wishing you well with this big decision. At 72, you have the ability to make a good recovery. Make sure you read everything you can. Then do everything you can to stay mobile and fit x
When last week the surgeon stated emphatically that I needed an urgent total hip replacement, I asked him how I could possibly have advanced osteoporosis arthritis. After all, I've enjoyed good health for 72 glorious years! "It's called old age, my dear" he kindly said, and to which I replied: "Old??? But I still haven't finished growing up!!" Given this recent upheaval in my life, The Juvenile Geriatric has popped into my email feed with immaculate timing. The universe works in mysterious ways!! I plan to be a keen follower of your posts in the time to come! Thank you, Jane! 🙏
At 72, I am interested in the life journey, and also fascinated by the changes bought about by the aging process, as I am living it. And lucky to be so. As a retired personal counsellor, I have been tracking & reinterpreting life journeys of others for years, one on one (not televised though) while being taught much about myself via that interactive process.
The physical changes of aging can be annoying, but not as much as the "abandoned" effect that I've started to notice coming into my life. For example, GP's are less interested in my ailments than before - when I was considered mare valuable or viable, I guess. The service providers still charge me the same for a lower service level though, so I guess I still have $some value to them.
But I see upsides too... I am seen & treated as more wise now than I was seen before.... even surprise myself sometimes. But then I have to be more considered in what I say, now that I know that some people are actually listening; Oh, the responsibility - that's new!
Thank you Jane. I am looking forward to how this goes. Having had a successful business career ( still hanging in there!) and my family all grown up with their own lives and kids I have been having some timely reflection. Young at heart 68+) and having the same thoughts and concerns for older members of our community. What’s next and how to make the most of what ever it is.
Deepest sympathies, my father passed Dec 2019 it was not the best passing not the worst either, but even that knowledge doesn't always eliminate or ease the pain of loss at times.
I am turning 60 in Sept. I've never been afraid of death but as I get closer to "Elderly", no I don't believe I'm there yet ha ha ha yeah I am coming to realise its not the death I fear but more of the dying. How hard / long will it be? How much am I going to have to rely on "strangers" to help me. After having to assist with my father's transition, my mother did most of the heavy on the part of the equation, which makes me aware of her transition and how much of that I'll have to carry. Not that I am whining or dramatising about it but its something to be aware of and to a certain degree be prepared for.
Moving forward though it's good to be prepared but its even better to be grateful from moment be grateful for the breath we take, the steps we make, the ability to move with relative ease, to be able to earn an income, to be creative etc etc. This will make life so much more valuable and perhaps the transition easier be that from older to elderly or from physical to non-physical.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift that's why its called the present ;)
Dear Sussan, thanks for your words. My only suggestion is to be prepared and positive. I will be doing a post about this shortly. So sorry to hear about your Dad. x
I miss you on One Plus One, Jane and am happy to be able to join you here. At '60' I think a lot about aging and how that will be for me. Then I remind myself that I have two siblings who were not given the chance to age. So I am working to not focus on what might go wrong in old age, but that I am here. Thankyou Jane.
Thank you so much for your email of The Juvenile Geriatric. I would just like to add a couple of comments from my personal experience.
One is that, at age 75, I am still working four days a week (in retail Post). I love my work, and love being able to connect with people, and to be able to help them. But, most importantly, I feel valued by my three employers - my age just does not seem a consideration at all on their part - I know they value my experience and my work ethic, which means so much to me.
I joined a local walking group last year - walking, plus social interaction. I think I am the oldest in the group, with participants aged from 30 years and upwards. But the others simply compliment me for doing what I manage to do at my age. I appreciate this sincere support so much.
To me, this just demonstrates the great importance of valuing those of advanced age and what can be achieved at an older age.
I am very much looking forward to walking part of the Camino Santiago Pilgrim Walk in northern Spain in August this year.
When my doctor starts a conversation with “at your age” I’m reminded that no matter how old or young I feel on the inside , “at my age” I do feel pigeonholed and often invisible. I make it my mission to be heard and relevant for as long as possible, to stay as active as my body will allow , and interested and active in the issues that I’m passionate about. Your project sounds great Jane , best wishes with it .
Hi Jane Happy Sunday ,happy memories reading comments and articles my mum passed way back on Christmas Eve whilst I was having a Christmas break with my children here in Sydney, passing at Christmas throws everyone out for at least 6 months to recover, I hope I am around at Christmas for a long time yet, keep well keep safe best with your writings and social coverage on Juvenile Geriatric.
Hi Ruth, I'm sorry about your Mum. What a time! I don't know if we ever 'recover'? I definitely haven't but I don't think I ever will. Thanks for reading and best wishes to you x
This 74 year old thanks you & good to read what is happening with you. All of the recent deaths of famous people, (Barry Humphries, Shane Warne, Olivia Newton-John, Topol, Lisa Marie Presley, Bacharach, etc) really makes one think of one's own mortality. Live each day to the max, if you can!
Thank you Jane. I amv turning 70 soon, and after looking after my Mum who died at 92 a couple of years ago, and after caring for her in nearly decade long dementia journey, with 7 of those in aged-care, I was left a bit numb and 'shell-shocked' by the reality of the years of final aging. Now, I am asking myself, 'Where am I at? How do I maximise these years given still to me? What is realistic at 70 in terms of my expectations of myself? How do I adjust my ways of loving others?'. I look forward to your writings. Thank you.
Hello Anne. You have really been a wonderful daughter given the decade your Mum had dementia and how long she remained in aged care. I hope you are taking care of yourself and staying positive. Warmly, Jane
The title is extraordinary and you spend time discussing the choice that you prefer. Less minutes or more.
You mention stepping back. I tend to step sideways.
As a generalist teacher, I am interested in everything so the ‘learn, earn, retire’ model does not reflect my approach to not working full time.
There’s just too much to find out! That’s my incentive to staying alive. Bee Gees credit.
I research due to the invention of the World Wide Web but I use the CRAAP website test to find quality information.
I am a realist and know that the muscular skeletal system needs to be conserved. The mind can benefit greatly from listening to the members of the Lords’ debates. The parliamentary libraries document these debates and they are fascinating.
I agree some career minded folk do not warm to retiring and the term does not reflect the clear advantage of being present socially and contributing to society as an ageing individual.
I tend to believe in the power of conversation as an antidote to brain atrophy. But I would also herald with a trumpet fanfare, the power of being ‘active for life’ through sport, games and access to natural environments that involve walking or cycling.
I am currently trying to match my interest in research to an Earth related concern. This concern has already taken up quite a bit of my time but then so do all the distractions associated with family and caring for family members. Distraction is a poor choice of word when it comes to caring. This can be too private a matter defined by a relationship that is unique to families who have a strong connection.
Thank you Jane Hutcheon, we are on the same page. We have so much to contribute, knowledge, experience, wisdom. I look forward to sharing your journey.
Hi Jane and thank you. I'll be 70 later this year. Eek, seems soooo old to my mind (which likes to believe it's still a young thing and maybe it is!). On my good days, I do my best to navigate this stage of life as an adventure, with curiosity. Probably, a good strategy at any stage of life come to think of it. Recognising though, that the world we operate in still has a tough time accepting older people as people - being called "love" in the shops is a new and unwelcome sign of that!
Hi Denise, congratulations! You are right. Navigating this life as an adventure, with curiosity is your golden ticket. I'm writing something about that now. Thanks for reading and I'll be thinking of you, turning 70...head held high x
I’m so happy to hear about your excellent older life, Russell. I’m sure much of your success and engagement is due to your positive outlook, which counts for much more than we imagine. Onwards! X
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Jane. X
Dear Jillian, wishing you well with this big decision. At 72, you have the ability to make a good recovery. Make sure you read everything you can. Then do everything you can to stay mobile and fit x
When last week the surgeon stated emphatically that I needed an urgent total hip replacement, I asked him how I could possibly have advanced osteoporosis arthritis. After all, I've enjoyed good health for 72 glorious years! "It's called old age, my dear" he kindly said, and to which I replied: "Old??? But I still haven't finished growing up!!" Given this recent upheaval in my life, The Juvenile Geriatric has popped into my email feed with immaculate timing. The universe works in mysterious ways!! I plan to be a keen follower of your posts in the time to come! Thank you, Jane! 🙏
At 72, I am interested in the life journey, and also fascinated by the changes bought about by the aging process, as I am living it. And lucky to be so. As a retired personal counsellor, I have been tracking & reinterpreting life journeys of others for years, one on one (not televised though) while being taught much about myself via that interactive process.
The physical changes of aging can be annoying, but not as much as the "abandoned" effect that I've started to notice coming into my life. For example, GP's are less interested in my ailments than before - when I was considered mare valuable or viable, I guess. The service providers still charge me the same for a lower service level though, so I guess I still have $some value to them.
But I see upsides too... I am seen & treated as more wise now than I was seen before.... even surprise myself sometimes. But then I have to be more considered in what I say, now that I know that some people are actually listening; Oh, the responsibility - that's new!
Thank you Jane. I am looking forward to how this goes. Having had a successful business career ( still hanging in there!) and my family all grown up with their own lives and kids I have been having some timely reflection. Young at heart 68+) and having the same thoughts and concerns for older members of our community. What’s next and how to make the most of what ever it is.
Best wishes Bill Dowdle
Well said Bill x
Hi Jane,
Good to hear from you.
Deepest sympathies, my father passed Dec 2019 it was not the best passing not the worst either, but even that knowledge doesn't always eliminate or ease the pain of loss at times.
I am turning 60 in Sept. I've never been afraid of death but as I get closer to "Elderly", no I don't believe I'm there yet ha ha ha yeah I am coming to realise its not the death I fear but more of the dying. How hard / long will it be? How much am I going to have to rely on "strangers" to help me. After having to assist with my father's transition, my mother did most of the heavy on the part of the equation, which makes me aware of her transition and how much of that I'll have to carry. Not that I am whining or dramatising about it but its something to be aware of and to a certain degree be prepared for.
Moving forward though it's good to be prepared but its even better to be grateful from moment be grateful for the breath we take, the steps we make, the ability to move with relative ease, to be able to earn an income, to be creative etc etc. This will make life so much more valuable and perhaps the transition easier be that from older to elderly or from physical to non-physical.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift that's why its called the present ;)
Happy days
Sussan :D
Dear Sussan, thanks for your words. My only suggestion is to be prepared and positive. I will be doing a post about this shortly. So sorry to hear about your Dad. x
I miss you on One Plus One, Jane and am happy to be able to join you here. At '60' I think a lot about aging and how that will be for me. Then I remind myself that I have two siblings who were not given the chance to age. So I am working to not focus on what might go wrong in old age, but that I am here. Thankyou Jane.
Dear Jane,
Thank you so much for your email of The Juvenile Geriatric. I would just like to add a couple of comments from my personal experience.
One is that, at age 75, I am still working four days a week (in retail Post). I love my work, and love being able to connect with people, and to be able to help them. But, most importantly, I feel valued by my three employers - my age just does not seem a consideration at all on their part - I know they value my experience and my work ethic, which means so much to me.
I joined a local walking group last year - walking, plus social interaction. I think I am the oldest in the group, with participants aged from 30 years and upwards. But the others simply compliment me for doing what I manage to do at my age. I appreciate this sincere support so much.
To me, this just demonstrates the great importance of valuing those of advanced age and what can be achieved at an older age.
I am very much looking forward to walking part of the Camino Santiago Pilgrim Walk in northern Spain in August this year.
When my doctor starts a conversation with “at your age” I’m reminded that no matter how old or young I feel on the inside , “at my age” I do feel pigeonholed and often invisible. I make it my mission to be heard and relevant for as long as possible, to stay as active as my body will allow , and interested and active in the issues that I’m passionate about. Your project sounds great Jane , best wishes with it .
Annoying to feel pigeon-holed. You are never invisible x
Hi Jane Happy Sunday ,happy memories reading comments and articles my mum passed way back on Christmas Eve whilst I was having a Christmas break with my children here in Sydney, passing at Christmas throws everyone out for at least 6 months to recover, I hope I am around at Christmas for a long time yet, keep well keep safe best with your writings and social coverage on Juvenile Geriatric.
Hi Ruth, I'm sorry about your Mum. What a time! I don't know if we ever 'recover'? I definitely haven't but I don't think I ever will. Thanks for reading and best wishes to you x
This 74 year old thanks you & good to read what is happening with you. All of the recent deaths of famous people, (Barry Humphries, Shane Warne, Olivia Newton-John, Topol, Lisa Marie Presley, Bacharach, etc) really makes one think of one's own mortality. Live each day to the max, if you can!
Agreed. And the beautiful Judith Durham. But let's find strength in their lives! And yes, live each day to the max in whatever way that means to you x
Thank you Jane. I amv turning 70 soon, and after looking after my Mum who died at 92 a couple of years ago, and after caring for her in nearly decade long dementia journey, with 7 of those in aged-care, I was left a bit numb and 'shell-shocked' by the reality of the years of final aging. Now, I am asking myself, 'Where am I at? How do I maximise these years given still to me? What is realistic at 70 in terms of my expectations of myself? How do I adjust my ways of loving others?'. I look forward to your writings. Thank you.
Hello Anne. You have really been a wonderful daughter given the decade your Mum had dementia and how long she remained in aged care. I hope you are taking care of yourself and staying positive. Warmly, Jane
Hello Jane,
The title is extraordinary and you spend time discussing the choice that you prefer. Less minutes or more.
You mention stepping back. I tend to step sideways.
As a generalist teacher, I am interested in everything so the ‘learn, earn, retire’ model does not reflect my approach to not working full time.
There’s just too much to find out! That’s my incentive to staying alive. Bee Gees credit.
I research due to the invention of the World Wide Web but I use the CRAAP website test to find quality information.
I am a realist and know that the muscular skeletal system needs to be conserved. The mind can benefit greatly from listening to the members of the Lords’ debates. The parliamentary libraries document these debates and they are fascinating.
I agree some career minded folk do not warm to retiring and the term does not reflect the clear advantage of being present socially and contributing to society as an ageing individual.
I tend to believe in the power of conversation as an antidote to brain atrophy. But I would also herald with a trumpet fanfare, the power of being ‘active for life’ through sport, games and access to natural environments that involve walking or cycling.
I am currently trying to match my interest in research to an Earth related concern. This concern has already taken up quite a bit of my time but then so do all the distractions associated with family and caring for family members. Distraction is a poor choice of word when it comes to caring. This can be too private a matter defined by a relationship that is unique to families who have a strong connection.
Thank you Jane Hutcheon, we are on the same page. We have so much to contribute, knowledge, experience, wisdom. I look forward to sharing your journey.
Hi Jane and thank you. I'll be 70 later this year. Eek, seems soooo old to my mind (which likes to believe it's still a young thing and maybe it is!). On my good days, I do my best to navigate this stage of life as an adventure, with curiosity. Probably, a good strategy at any stage of life come to think of it. Recognising though, that the world we operate in still has a tough time accepting older people as people - being called "love" in the shops is a new and unwelcome sign of that!