Opinion

The ancient 60s

Sixty! Well, I'm getting there fast, and when I read in The Herald yesterday that Newcastle's Elsie Delbridge says on her 104th birthday that she still feels like she's 60 I was encouraged. In the unlikely event that I hit 100, or 90, or more likely 80, I'd love to feel as I do now because I feel better now that I did at age 20. And I don't think I feel uncommonly well for my age.

When I was in my 20s I burnt the candle at both ends because I was going to be young forever, and I didn't feel too good. It wasn't until I was in my 40s that I started to feel well on a daily basis, or almost daily basis.

And as ancient as I used to see people aged 60 or thereabouts, I am not so physically different from my young adulthood. I don't like getting onto the floor to look under furniture, and I pee more often and more urgently, and I'm less inclined to run for any reason, but I don't think I've started on the slide to decrepitude. Science and doctors will differ, but this is about how I feel!

Why ever, I ask myself, did I see the 60s as ancient? Or am I having myself on in my dotage?

Posted By: Jeff Corbett on 15/07/2009 5:58:00 PM | Comments (15)

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Sixty isn't old. These days, it's not unusual for those in their twenties (or even thirties) to still be living at home with their parents. By the time you reach sixty, the kids have all finally moved out, you've probably been promoted to a senior position at work, and it's time to finally enjoy life.

Posted by Jim, 16/07/2009 11:49:01 AM, on The Herald

I agree Jeff, one is only as old as you feel until it comes to skipping up steps and taking all night to do the the things that I used to do all night.

Posted by cardiffresident, 16/07/2009 12:23:02 PM, on The Herald

Head bowed, cowered and with the pit of the stomach filled with anguish, i look across and see my son lay on the lounge as he battles cancer. Cancer ravages the body,the mind and the soul and it is not content with the pain, suffering and pillage it causes it looks for more ..........yet in the face of adversity he rallies with a courage and a spirit that can only be admired and the battle continues......

Posted by chaff and oats, 16/07/2009 12:23:03 PM, on The Herald

Keep up the cycling and you'll be fine.

Posted by Kate, 16/07/2009 12:36:28 PM, on The Herald

It's interesting, Kate, that professional cyclists tend not to have great longevity. Something to do, I believe, with the heart. Err, not that I'm a professional cyclist. Yet.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 16/07/2009 12:39:41 PM

Chaff and Oats I wish i could wave a magic wand and make all the illness in your families life go away. Wouldnt that be great? Keep up the fight but remember to look after yourself too. As for what is old, I remember when i was about 10 i thought my 20 year old aunty was absolutely ancient. now that i am in my 50's i think 70 is still young. I think it all depends on one's health and if you are still able to do the things that you enjoy.

Posted by senior sergeant smith, 16/07/2009 1:33:24 PM, on The Herald

I think we see 60 as ancient when we are young, beause we see some older people who have decided to be old. As we ourselves mature, we realise that (major health issues aside) we can choose to be 'old' or 'past it' ~ or not. I know a 70 year old that has been (effectively) almost dead for decades (no prohibitive health issues), and an 85 year old gent who travels the world with the enthusiasm of a 20 year old. [I reckon more than half the population is functionally 'asleep'....but that's nothing to do with age]. It's a choice. To quote that great 20th century philosopher, Jon Bon Jovi : Live while you're alive, sleep when you're dead.

Posted by Abundance, 16/07/2009 2:30:11 PM, on The Herald

I like that line, Abundance, functionally asleep. I have a good friend in his 80s who is barely a year or two older than I am.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 16/07/2009 2:32:28 PM

If you get to 60, you have the right (indeed obligation) to be a grumpy old man and also write letters to the editor. I rarely see positive, happy old blokes (except when they have a few under the belt) but it's all harmless anyway. Mind you, I'm getting there myself..

Posted by stevo, 16/07/2009 4:45:51 PM, on The Herald

Yes, a few under the belt does help, stevo.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 16/07/2009 5:22:44 PM

i heard an interview of the actor that played MOE in the three stooges.he was raised in orphanages and did not know his birthday. when asked how old he was he said "how old would you be if you didnt know how old you were"

Posted by catl, 16/07/2009 4:56:58 PM, on The Herald

Catlicker - that is gold. I'll remember that : how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were? Fantastic.

Posted by Abundance, 16/07/2009 5:36:54 PM, on The Herald

Alot of the young burn candle at both ends and alot more do it with Alcohol and Drugs. Thats the main ones. Exercise doesnt hurt anyone unless there is an underlining problem with health. My mother died at 43 she was healthy (even though she did smoke) NONE knew that she was going to have a heart attack...She went to the Drs and they didnt know that she had an enlarged heart on one side. SO glad now that people have got medical staff to pick this now. Burning candles at both ends doesnt really mean that you will die early. It just happens without warning.

Posted by Yeah_right, 16/07/2009 6:04:20 PM, on The Herald

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