Open Thread Update: Favorite Things About Aging
Last time we opened up the floor to share our favorite things about aging…and the big favorite was the freedom.
For some, like Kim and Csonnabend, and others, it’s freedom from the 9 to 5…
Being able to go where I want, when I want and take classes without having to worry about taking off work. It’s great!
-Kim
We hope those are Senior Planet classes, Kim!
And Reader Michelle B., found a special benefit in retirement – a change of scene.
No more alarms. Time is not important where I live. I retired in Cuenca Ecuador. Being elderly here is great.
For many others, the best thing about getting older is, as Linda R puts it “being comfortable in my own skin.”
Readers Maureen, Linda, Debra, and Joy agree…
The freedom to wear what is comfortable and not to fuss with my appearance if I don’t feel like it…has relieved me of so much emotional, financial, and time constraints.
-Maureen
Reader Joy H. has an interesting take on this – read her comment and see if you agree!
For others, like Billie, Joanne, and Lisa, its the freedom to set boundaries and make decisions for their own good and not on behalf of others, Perhaps this reader put it most succinctly.
One of my favorite things is honoring my values about what’s worth my time.
-Zig
Read them all and see if you agree – or if you have a special fave we haven’t seen – please share!
Original Text Below
Like many women, I’ve had a lifelong habit of people pleasing. (It’s not exclusively a female trait, but very prevalent, isn’t it, ladies?) As a younger woman navigating my way in the world I weighed every step, and almost every comment with “Is this likeable?”
I don’t have to describe the many ways this disadvantaged me – pity dates, loans that didn’t get repaid, getting stuck with more chores, and relationships that went waaay past the expiration date.
Only now that I am older am I breaking myself of the people pleasing habit.
Someone’s late for dinner? Sorry, my kitchen closes at 8pm, so make yourself a sandwich.
Getting calls from someone who only calls me to trauma dump? They get two minutes and then “That sounds awful, maybe you should talk to a therapist about that — instead of me.”
It’s probably among the biggest improvements in my habits and personality in my life…and it only happened because I got older…and thought “why on earth am I doing/saying/apologizing for/putting up with…this??”
It’s one of my favorite things about getting older.
YOUR TURN
But that’s me. How about you? What are your favorite things about getting older? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
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Comments
Creating new projects and initiatives without having to dodge, surmount or battle other peoples’ politics and policies.
I’ve adopted what I call the EE ratio. Enjoyment must be greater than Effort for me to engage. I’ve paid my dues, done what I had to, but older age is a time for me – that doesn’t mean I’m selfish, but I do the things that give me pleasure (and helping others is a major thing for me). So as long as the Enjoyment I get is greater than the Effort I have to expend – I go for it!
These years are not golden to me. I’m 76 and very isolated – which I know is my fault, That’s why I am joining this group to meet people.
I’m 78 and I’m going back to work- part time! I’ve had a wonderful retirement but lost my husband about a year ago. My days can be lonely even if I have things to do and places to go. I love the freedom now of making my decisions for the good of me. While I loved and miss my husband, I know he would want me to do anything I felt I wanted. Now I want to challenge myself. It’s time to learn something new.
No more alarms. Time is not important where I live. I retired in Cuenca Ecuador. Being elderly here is great. There are separate lines for the eldery in banks, grocery stores, government buildings. If you are over 65 there are many discounts you receive. Being elderly in Ecuador is a good thing.