How do you NOT envy some younger people? (retired, friends, years)

[fluffythewondercat]

We were taking the scenic route home from brunch today. We passed a house I remembered from a garage sale some months ago. A young couple had just finished their medical studies at Stanford and were selling all their books and household goods. They had jobs waiting for them back East. At the time I congratulated them on this exciting and milestone event but I remember feeling a little deflated inside. Their lives were just beginning and ours are about to end.

Do you ever feel this way?

[matisse12]

definitely! a lot.... crosses my mind almost every day.

not envy, but just wanting to continue to enjoy life.

especially since I have so many interests that make life interesting.

no remedy though, ha!

[jim9251]

Not at all. I EARNED what I have now at 65 and it ain't much but I no longer have to worry about things young folks do. I like being "old".

[Clemencia53]

Originally Posted by jim9251

Not at all. I EARNED what I have now at 65 and it ain't much but I no longer have to worry about things young folks do. I like being "old".

Same here!

[mschrief]

I do not envy young people these days. So much peer pressure, job pressure, few if any structured retirements anymore.

I've worked 32 years to retired in a few months (if the old person freeze-out doesn't get me) so no, I do not envy them.

[matisse12]

It's not a matter of 'envy' at all. it's a matter of wanting to continue to enjoy life.

[Bette]

I was probably 41 or so and counting the years. I was talking to my mother who then was in her mid to late 70's and wanted her perspective.

First of all, she told me not to worry about things you could not change and to count my blessings. Her words also - "Don't you think Mrs. so and so would love to still be here today and see her grandsons but that cancer took her?"

I remembered saying that life was so stressful and her reply was that - you young people today - that word stress - we never used that word! Go out and find someone less fortunate than yourself or a charity and get busy! Then, you will count your blessings!

This was in 1999 or 2000.

Anyway, my mom passed away in 2010. So many of her friends were gone by that time, however, we were honored and blessed to have over 300 show up at her memorial service.

In other words, when she was down or stressed, she helped others and left a legacy - not financial just good memories of her and what she did.

Reaching out to others is so positive and healing.

[fumbling]

I am so happy I'm old and can rest and do what I like instead of having to do what I'm told to do.

[Harpaint]

I would at least like to now have as much energy as I did at their ages. But I don't.

[carnivalday]

Good lord no. they have 30 years of working hard, paying off student loans and mortgages ahead of them. I have to look forward to, very soon, kicking back and doing nothing more than exactly what I want to do, which will NOT include working.