I just got an email from our high school Reunion Committee.
At first I was surprised. I'm 74 years young, but 75 suddenly sounded old.
How can this be?
Remember the song written by Paul McCartney of the Beatles? When I'm 64?
When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four
You'll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you...
I wonder how old Paul McCartney was when he wrote this song. 64 sounds so young now. Why does 75 sound much older than 74?
And since when did I get considered old? And why is it when we get together with friends, most of our conversation is about our health?
Here in Hawaii, I do love the fact that young counter servers always call us "Auntie" or "Uncle" instead of "Grandma or Grandpa."
I have noticed that in the last several years, my daughter is often worried about us. She speaks to me in a slightly different tone. Almost like talking to a child and she often reminds me that I've already told her something.
It's funny because I catch myself talking to my mom that way. I don't particularly like it so it's a reminder for me to be more understanding of her forgetfulness.
But gosh...when did this happen? Aches and pains are happening more now. And yes, it's true I'm more forgetful. Walking up stairs is more tiring. But old? I prefer saying older.
Sigh.
Art just reminded me of something. He is 5 years older than me. He's wondering how he'll feel when he hits that magic 80 mark. Actually he's in much better condition than me. I suspect it's from all the exercising he does. He's also got a FAR BETTER memory than me.
OK. OK... I suppose this is a warning for me to start moving.
Sigh...
POSTSCRIPT: The other day, mom asked Art how old he was because although he's losing his hair, it's still pretty black. He told her to guess and she said, "70."
What?!? I asked her if she actually thought he looked younger than me. She said, "He has black hair."
🙄
And no, I'm not dyeing my hair. I'm lucky if I remember to comb it in the morning.
I have zero interest in attending a high school reunion.
ReplyDeleteToday I turned 81. And yes, it does seem old to me. I read there is "young old," "old," and "old old." I'm quickly heading into the last category, which begins at 85!
ReplyDelete"Oldish" is a good word. My son says I'm "oldish." That keeps him out of trouble. I'll be 70 next mid-year, but feel older some days. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteKay, I don't attend our high school reunions either. There are only a few people I keep in contact with from high school and getting together with those I'm not really close to has no interest for me. But I agree with you that once you're in your 70's (I'm 78) you begin to realize that you're 'old'. Accepting it gracefully (and gratefully) is the plan... It's funny because the doctor was asking me something the other day and my answer was "I don't know. Maybe it's normal for my age... I've never been this old before so how should I know."
ReplyDelete"
I had the same experience of finding 75 so much older than 74!?! Early in the year I heard someone give her birthdate (you know, because if you buy a bottle of wine the grey hair and wrinkles are just not enough to assure one is of legal age) and say she was 75. I was thinking that just couldn't be because I too was born in 1948 and I wasn't close to being 75, yet a mere three months later there I was -- 75.
ReplyDeleteI am 77...My children are very concerned with my health. They help me cross streets and are always ready to grab my arm in case I stumble. Funny because I feel like I am 64.
ReplyDeleteI should be playing that song more while I am still 64
ReplyDeleteMy dad will be like Art most likely. He is 72 and still running half marathons and doing long bicycle trips. I on the other hand, am not sure. I used to rely on longevity as all my great grandparents and grandparents lived into their upper 80's or early 90's. But my mom's death at 63 due to brain cancer has spooked me.
ReplyDeleteAging is quite variable. I think it mostly genetic, but I am sure that lifestyle plays a part.
ReplyDeleteI'm "right-there-with-you" on I'm not dyeing my hair (anymore) and, I'm lucky if I remember to comb it in the morning.LOLLL
ReplyDeleteI have had no contact with anyone that I graduated with from high school. Neither has Dan. I passed up on attending 50th reunion of college last June. I stay in contact with my freshman/sophomore roommate there but I transferred in junior year and graduated from another college so don't have those other 2 years of memories that the rest have. And yes 75 sounds old. I'll be 73 this Deember.
ReplyDelete"When I'm 64" was one of the first songs that Paul McCartney wrote! He must have thought 64 was old! LOL! He is in his 80's now though, so you're a youngster, Kay!
ReplyDeleteTerry will celebrate 75 in two days. Three quarters of a century is a big deal. He bought himself a new computer and had some major repair made to his 30 year old car that he dearly loves. So, he is celebrating like a senior citizen! Your comment about hair color reminded me that I should write a post about my red hair and all of the compliments I get, wherever I go, even the cardiologist office! I always give credit to my hairdresser and when I texted her today's compliment, she said she was going to see if a local magazine would do a story on me. Uh, no thanks, I'll just keep saying "thank you" on behalf of my hairdresser. She deserves the credit, and I intend to keep the red.
ReplyDeleteYes why does 75 seem older? I just let age remind me to appreciate every day and friends like you. Kay! May you have many, many more high school reunions in the years ahead! Aloha
ReplyDeleteI have to chime in to say that I attend all my high school reunions; I'm even on the committee. I live in the town where I graduated and am still friends with many people from high school. The beauty of those relationships is that we have so much shared history and know each other's back stories. We have great conversations about our memories of high school, the classes, the teachers, the activities and can easily transition into talking about what we did after that and are doing now. 75 doesn't sound old to me at all! I think you look terrific, as does Art.
ReplyDeleteAging happens and we're all different. 80 was a number that bothered me and seemed significant. Next 80's? no worry. Enjoy you time while you can.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with Art, turning 80 next summer, and that does sound old. Unfortunately, I am also feeling my age. Tom, at 82, is doing much better than I am.
ReplyDeletei'm 71 but i know i am really old because i still blog. we are the dinosaurs of technology!
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: 😂🤣😂
DeleteOh, yes. That song. JG asked a group to play it for me at a dinner he organized for one of our anniversaries. I did think it sounded old, but ... not now. We had our sixtieth wedding anniversary this year. I only wish I were 64.
ReplyDeleteYeah, keep moving. It is all that stands between you and not standing. Both my daughters mother me, sometimes. It should be funny and sometimes it is.
Your last line made me laugh. I have a tendency to get up in the morning and head straight to the coffee pot. Sometimes after coffee, I get to doing something, and before you know it the morning has gotten away from me. I'm still in my night gown and bathrobe and yes, my hair is standing on end.
ReplyDeleteI used to think 64 was super old. So now, I am super super old. And I really do being old. Except at the Apple Store. When they first opened I was a regular and everyone greeted me, "Hi Aunty!" I went in yesterday (Kahala Mall store) and didn't see a single soul that I knew and the treatment that I got from the young man who directed walk ins was so cold and totally unhelpful. His grandmother should smack him on the head and teach him to respect old ladies.
ReplyDeleteReading the post and all the comments, I love everyone input and sharing how young they are.
ReplyDeleteI just shared a new post and would love for you to check it out. Thanks a bunch!
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/12/festive-and-heartwarming-holiday-films.html
I am 73 and I remember thinking years and years ago, 60 feels so old! LOL! Well, I'm here! No, your hair looks lovely, you don't need to dye your hair. I'm not dying mine either. I like my grey hairs coming in :)
ReplyDeleteI think the issue is that our seniors didn't live as long as we do. There is a lot to learn about aging. We didn't always have role models. Now we know so much more about exercise and nutrition.
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