Hi there, Old Hand (waving). Another good topic.
Having to take medications for hereditary high cholesterol and hypo thyroid do a little. I always had great eyesight, now I have cataracts and always need my glasses. I am no longer comfortable driving at night because of what cataracts do to my vision.
Physically I still don't feel old though. I am lucky and also am very active. 10k steps a day every day and I have lots of energy still! Mentally I have young ideas too so I don't feel set in my ways or unable to keep changing and evolving. But my priorities have changed and I suppose these are normal age related changes such as I appreciate smelling those roses and a slower paced, peaceful life. When you are in full Mom mode you can't relax mentally and we can as we get older. I also need less sleep so I have more time to ponder. What is my life's purpose? What did I do that was good? Or not good? What will I be like when back in the world of spirit? Spiritual thoughts surround me more now. I feel the Universal energy, my angels and spirit guides and deceased loved ones in spirit especially when alone at night in the semi darkness. And this gives me profound peace.
My family and pets, who are a part of my family, are more precious to me than ever. I look at my adult kids and grandkids and just feel a warmth and love that I can't explain in words. And my husband who I am so lucky to have. I feel blessed and closed to God. And I also feel extra blessed at the incredible close relationship that I have with Jumper who chooses to visit us every week. In fact I am close to all of them, but Jumper lives close by and can visit a lot and stays very close. Her boyfriend is like another son. So I ponder...why did I get so lucky with my kids? My husband? How can I pay my good fortune forward...
I think what makes me feel the oldest is that I feel I have to dress my age. I look younger too but I am still no longer young! I remember how I used to get wide eyed when somebody mature wore a short skirt or younger styles or were revealing (blush). I am very conscious of being the older generation now and often, due to my interests and associations, in a position of a mentor/role model. So I want to not look as if I am trying to be the same age as the people I mentor. Not that I don't ever dress in stylish clothing. I sometimes want to and will. I just don't overdo it. I like comfortable clothes best and don't care if I am pretty or not. I look tons like my grandma, my one loving g relative, and that makes me very happy.
I do have to dye my hair more often!!! Yikes! I always keep this mop of hair dyed!
My feet hurt more than they used to so no heels but I dont like wearing them and stopped years ago anyway. I do wear more comfortable shoes.
Um, I am 5'1 and not getting any taller!
My next birthday is 65 and I plan a family bash and a bash for my friends whom I work with and mentor. 65 is a number for more pondering
Retirement is a reminder. We are going to snowbird starting next year. That's a "mature" milestone, but fun, I hope!!
Again, great topic Old Hand!!! You just rock it!!!