Now that I am 50, I sure see things differently. I see that my parents did the best they could and were really great parents. I also understand that I am doing the best I can...I wonder if those who are older have any words of wisdom?

If you have been a multi-tasker, anticipate the ability to slow down. Studies show that multi-taskers cannot maintain the mental capacity to do so as they age.

The body continues to age, so focus on taking care of it now. It will benefit you in the long run. Eating properly and getting regular exercise will aid in delaying some of the more common ailments like osteoperosis, diabeties, arthritis, etc. Keeping your memory limber is also important.

The upside is that most people, as they age, lose the drama and focus on the bigger picture. I just spent 2½ months with my elderly mother while she was in rehab for a broken leg. Not only did I learn a lot about life in old age from her, but her friends and the others in the rehab center provided an example of what to expect.

Take care of yourself, and there will be many new adventures to experience.

There’s a 60% chance the kids will be back. (Darn it.)

You can no longer paint a room a day. Good news? Most hills are not worth dying on, grunting is often required to get up in the morning. Your ability to do crosswords will increase exponentially, and you learn how to keep the eye-rolling quiet when the young ones spout absolutes. And it’s fun.

You can’t pick your family.

You can’t tell family how a “good family” should treat each other and expect them to become that.

Don’t count on family to automatically be the people you can trust, confide in or rely upon.

Do not depend on anyone else for your happiness, but create it for yourself.

What you are gaining as you age is perspective and insight, two of the advantages of living long enough. As your focus changes (Kids grow up and leave, etc) your sense of what is important changes. “Stuff” doesn’t matter so much. You find you really never needed luxuries, prestige, fame, etc that you may always have hoped for. You get one life. It is what it is. Make the most of it. In your 50’s, you can still go back to school, start a business, create art, help people less fortunate than you, do something for your community. Your new perspective can give you great energy.

Yep, what we lose in form we gain in wisdom. :-)

I’ll be 52 in Dec. and noticing a bit of post menopausal dithering.

I lose my car a lot these days. lol

Otherwise I love being in the age of wisdom. I am peaceful, content, still passionate about what I enjoy and most of all, I hold on loosely and let go easily these days. Peace and serenity is where it’s at.
Simple pleasures are the best and there is still so much to learn!

Stay curious!

All I needed to know about growing old was available to me as a teenager:

Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy.
Hello lamppost,
What cha knowing?
I’ve come to watch your flowers growing.
Ain’t cha got no rhymes for me?
Doot-in’ doo-doo,
Feelin’ groovy.

Got no deeds to do,
No promises to keep.
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you,
All is groovy.

Never think there are no surprises left. Life can take an unexpected turn at any time.

I am really enjoying the responses…thank you

Turning 49 this year… or 48?

All I know is that I don’t know a damned thing. I feel like that’s a good thing. This I know.