by Roz Burak

I turned 80 years old in March.  My first question that day was “How did that happen?”  It’s unfathomable to me that I’m this old — and I am!!!!   It really has been a state change – suddenly I’m an “Old Lady”!!!  It’s been eye opening.

Take going up stairs.  I remember what it was like when that was just going from one floor to another.  Then it graduated to “exercise.”  Now it’s become a life choice — Is what’s on the next floor really that important????   Subway stations that don’t have elevators obviously don’t exist for me.  

Actually I’m not an Old Lady all the time, only when I have to go up stairs or am too tired to go shopping. Overall I’m healthy, happy and able to participate fully in life.  The question has become — Do I really want to do that????  The great thing for me about being 80 is I’m making choices based on what I want to do, not from what’s expected of me.  Daily naps are a must – long walks not that necessary.

Another great realization on being 80 is I don’t have the luxury to let things bother me.  Something doesn’t work; it’s okay.  I can just move on.  When I don’t remember what I was going to tell you it’s not so terrible — we’ll talk about something else.  At 80, life really is too short to sweat the small stuff – and really, it’s all small stuff.     

The really good part of being 80 is that it’s destroyed all my pictures of what 80 looks like.  Until I opened my eyes to my own life and the 80 year olds around me, I was stuck with the stereotype of an 80 year old person.  That stereotype had 80 show up as a dilemma rather than the grand adventure it is. Disabusing myself of the stereotype of an 80 years old had me realize how all stereotypes keep us ignorant.  We believe a stereotype and don’t bother to discover the truth.   Whether it be about people, animals, or circumstances we just plaster it with a stereotype and don’t take the time to find out what’s real in the current situation,  Let’s face it, nothing fits the stereotype, particularly not me at 80. 

As an 80 year old I wake up every morning happy I woke up. ☺   The morning walk with Prince is an opportunity to connect with another person, either with a dog or someone who wants to pet Prince and tell me about their dog or cat.  When that happens I’m not an age, I’m me sharing my life with you.  It’s a JOY!    

Every day is an opportunity.  Some days I fly through my “To Do” list and on others getting to Queen on Spelling Bee is my greatest accomplishment.   No matter what, at the end of the day, as I’m about to fall asleep I smile, hug Prince and thank G-d for another glorious day.  

I’d love to hear about your adventures in Aging, especially after 79!!!

Hugs,

Roz