My Perspective on Aging
In 1961, no doubt a few days after I was born my Great Aunt Cynthia in Moline, Illinois heard of my arrival. I wonder what her reaction was? Did it make her feel old that her nephew was having children of his own? Or did she think about how she had so many things left to do, and so many years to look forward to and prepare for?
The fact is that it is now 48 years since my birth. Cynthia is still alive and well and recently passed her driver’s license renewal and drives herself to church and the grocery store every week. I find this both encouraging and intimidating. I often tell people about my aunt and follow it up with the observation that I have most definitely NOT saved up enough money! The implication is that my family has healthy genes and that if one doesn’t smoke or eat themselves into an early grave, 100 years isn’t out of the question. I can’t act and live as if I will retire at 65 and die at 75 like so many others. Odds are that I have more years left than I’ve already used up! I need more travel brochures!
