how i got old (respect, friend, accident, adult)

[Good4Nothin]

I am probably sometimes judged badly because I'm old. When that happens, I feel like explaining to the younger person exactly why I got so old:

Driving carefully, not speeding, not tailgating.

Being reasonably careful about health, quit smoking when I was young, exercise every day, try not to eat junk food.

Worked hard to make enough money, so I wouldn't starve.


So, since I did all these good things that caused me to get old, I should not be judged badly for it!

[biscuitmom]

Many people who do everything the opposite of you live to a ridiculously old age.
Just saying.

[BijouBaby]

Everyone knows an exception so here's mine....I know a lady that has smoked heavily all her adult life, is in her 80's and still smoking like a chimney. I know that's against the odds, but it happens. I think genetics weighs in heavily in old age.

Anyway, in our culture, I don't really see the point of living much past that. We don't exactly value old age in this country.

[Sand&Salt]

Originally Posted by biscuitmom

Many people who do everything the opposite of you live to a ridiculously old age.
Just saying.

Yep. Luck and genetics. There was some president (or 2) back in the 1800's who drank a 5th of whiskey a DAY and lived to 80s---can't remember who.


Each time I was in the hospital, I asked the doctor "Did I do something, lifestyle-wise, to cause this?" Nope, luck of the draw/genetics.


It doesn't hurt to "do the right things" though....

[charlygal]

What are you talking about? You choose how you live and there's no need to explain yourself to anyone else, young or old.

[Good4Nothin]

My point was just that we got old by being good, in general, and it would be nice if they could respect that.

[Good4Nothin]

Originally Posted by Sand&Salt

Yep. Luck and genetics. There was some president (or 2) back in the 1800's who drank a 5th of whiskey a DAY and lived to 80s---can't remember who.


Each time I was in the hospital, I asked the doctor "Did I do something, lifestyle-wise, to cause this?" Nope, luck of the draw/genetics.


It doesn't hurt to "do the right things" though....

If a person lives to their eighties in spite of drinking and smoking amazing amounts, we don't really know how they actually feel. They might not feel healthy, but just hang on.

[gentlearts]

We only get old by picking the right parents, and then taking care if ourselves the best we can. Life's a crapshoot, my friend.

[jaminhealth]

My parents both lived into 90's and neither smoked and ate everything.

Today, being in 60's is not old. I'm headed toward 79 soon. My joints are old but I'm not. Young, open mind.

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

We only get old by picking the right parents, and then taking care if ourselves the best we can. Life's a crapshoot, my friend.

I know that there is some good longevity in my family on both sides but I have no idea how long my parents would have lived. My dad DID make it to 84 but I think he would've lived longer if he hadn't had so many health problems related to being in a small plane crash when he was 27. He lived a remarkable life in spite of it but I believe he'd have lived into his 90's if not for all his health issues. His parents were both 90's and one grandmother lived to 104. My birth mom died at age 44 in a boating accident so no idea how long she'd have lived. She was healthy when she died. (And that sounds weird. lol)