Have you seen the commercial where the woman says “That’s not for me. That’s for some old person”? Well, that was my first reaction when asked about doing something for another blog - one for the population into their "third age". But then I remembered, according to the calendar, I AM an old person.
I don’t feel like an old person - at least most of the time. When I look in the mirror or when I try to do something physical that years ago would have been a no-brainer, I am stunned that I am no longer part of the younger generation.
My generation has been blessed with medical science’s findings that our body can stay strong into the older years simply by being physically active, and our minds can stay sharp by doing puzzles. In other words, to quote a saying we have heard for years - “use it or lose it.” Because of their discovery, many people now remain active, vital, and useful well into their 80s and 90s. Willard Scott stays busy announcing birthdays for people who are in their 100s.
For years I’ve heard the title “Sandwich Generation” applied to my age group. I understand that, but I would like to change that to “Club Sandwich Generation.” My 92½ year-old mother (isn’t it amazing that as we get up into those higher number years we return to the childlike behavior of adding fractions to our age?) is still up and going with very little help. I do her shopping and drive her anywhere she needs to be (i.e. doctor appointments and church) plus some things she just wants to do. I also want to be able to spend time with my children, grandchildren, and now a brand-new great-grandson. The fact that I must divide my time between what I want to do and what I need to do, keeps me constantly on the move. I honestly believe I am busier now than I was when I was younger. Then I was stressed because I thought I was too busy.
True, at times things seem overwhelming, but I am thankful that God has given me the stamina and ability to handle the responsibilities I have and also be able to include the things I enjoy in my daily routine. For the most part I am still healthy, still interested in a lot of things, and have enough resources to not be dependent on someone else - yet. One of these days I may be that “old person” who needs safety equipment to alert others when I need help. For now - well, “That’s for some (other) old person.”
