I’m growing increasingly aware of age as I approach 80 years old. After all, I read that the 70s represent “old” but the 80s represent “old-old.” That to me means sitting around waiting.
But thanks to my neighbors, I’m rethinking what “old-old” means.
When I met Fred, next door neighbor, he was in the garage cutting wood with a band saw. He was 90 at the time. Almost every day, he was in the garage working on one project or another. He said, “I can’t sit.” Fred died at 92 with dignity after a short illness.
The neighbor on the other side is now 84 years old. We’ve been playing golf on and off for almost three years. He told me yesterday that he just bought a new set of golf clubs. I love that spirit. Ray is one of my closest friends in Carolina Preserve..
Roy, who lives next to Ray is 86 years old. He also is often in the garage working on projects. He lectures at the Cary Senior Citizen Center on how to repair lamps and small appliances. When I go to the clubhouse to workout, Roy is usually there.
My new neighbor, Mickey, is also 86 years old. He and his wife have only been living here for a few months, but he is already playing golf with Ray and me. And he bought a new set of golf clubs a week or so before Ray. I just admire their attitudes so much.
So my neighbors are helping me rethink what it means to be old.
Maybe I should get a new set of golf clubs?
Seasoned Man
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