For the past few days I have been thinking about growing old, nothing specific of course, and then I read the Time Goes By flogging on the words that are used to describe old age. And somewhat like the author of that posting, I’m at a loss for the right word to use when describing someone of old age. Agreed; Senior Citizen is simply not acceptable. And I agree that elderly brings to mind frailty. Mature doesn’t do it either. Maturity is a state of mind and not something physical. It’s also something I don’t aspire to. Maturity is used to excuse oneself from having a good time. Maturity is used to avoid change. So what’s the right word?
Okay, back to thinking about growing old. I know many people have described that odd feeling they get when looking in the mirror and they see their mom or their dad in the reflection. And it suddenly strikes them…they are getting old! But what would be worse would be to look in the mirror and see your 16 year old self. Now that would be scary! I’m quite comfortable with my 67 year old image. Although, I have to laugh once in awhile at the wrinkles. (I used to wonder how old men shaved.)
I just ran across this quotation and loved it!
“The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. The second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. The first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking.” - AA Milne
Hear, hear!
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