The wild, wacky and wonderful things about getting older

I recall a recent poll that asked about our feelings as we got older and was surprised when I read one person’s response that there was nothing good about it. I have to disagree. While there are some bleak days — that’s life in general — there are always advantages to being over 60.

Our health, our life circumstances, our financial situation and even the mental strain of trying to keep it all together can certainly lead a person to give up trying. However, we 60-pluses come from a generation where life was never easy anyway and we perfected the art of picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves off and getting on with it.

Yet there are advantages to being this age, we are almost invisible; who the devil notices us? If we dress in beige they certainly don’t. I wear strong, bright colours to cheer myself and to frighten the horses. You can’t ignore a slightly overweight lady in shrieking lime green. Can you?

Laughter is still a large part of life, we still have things that make us laugh… Mostly the sight of ourselves in the mirror! I am in denial I think. I pretend it isn’t me. Laughing is easier because we do stupid things, like putting the keys in the fridge, or salt in the cake. I have done some whacky things, but I’m still here. I even burned a jelly once trying to melt the cubes quicker. We used to buy jelly cubes.

We have also heard all the punchlines to all those jokes, so there is great stock in trade of funny replies. I was brought up listening to the radio and all the old comedians. I am often playing Mah-jong with friends and a quick and very silly reply to something happening is bound to pop out. My quick wit keeps my friends entertained and sometimes has them falling off their chairs. We have so much experience of life, so it’s good to see funny side. A necessary trait to survive, I believe.

The opinions of others still matter, but unless they are special friends you respect, who cares? Do what makes you happy as long as it’s legal and hurts no one. I had my first tattoo when I was 70, no problem, it is hidden and so far the flesh is still firm. I don’t have a rose from Texas that reaches to the South Pole yet. I wear what I like, sleeves or not, flowing or fitting, just a few rules I cover my middle and usually my legs. Shame, my legs were my best asset when I was younger. Now I have a swollen ankle from a knee operation so I dress to suit my faults.

I grab every small opportunity for happiness, any treat or outing is looked forward to and savoured. Being on a tight budget, which I am, makes life a bit bleak at times, so I take with both hands the good times, a meal out, a party, a drive out for tea, and all the events large or small are enjoyed to the full.

I certainly keep busy; slowing down is not on the menu, I write for Starts at 60 now and then. I also have started painting in earnest, I am doing portraits of children and animals. I have a few commissions I am struggling to finish. So life after 70 is still busy, still fun, and when there is no pain and I have a few dollars in my purse, well worth living. Seize each day, they are all a bonus.

How do you feel about getting older? What wild, wonderful and wacky things have you done?

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