Getting older means still enjoying what life has to offer

It’s tough getting older, or is it? Let’s weigh the options …. Well, if you look at it in that light, then baby boomers like myself should be thankful we still have choices.

Some people from my generation are on the threshold of Social Security, some are AARP members and others carry their senior citizen cards, but, people it’s not the end of the word. Actually, it’s just the beginning of a new way of life just waiting for us to experience.

Being a listener and observer of the human condition, I’m aware that some people get depressed when they retire. They feel like it’s a death sentence. I say poppycock. Get over it. Accept it and enjoy the freedom. Your life is now yours to do with as you wish. You don’t have to punch a time clock, don’t need to be concerned with rates, no more being scrutinized by your supervisors, no more setting your alarm clock for the wee hours of the morning to get up for work, and you don’t have to fight rush hour traffic.

You have earned the right to sit back and enjoy your life and do whatever makes you happy.

There are people who enjoy the work grind and that’s fine, too. They have the option of working part time, volunteering, or lending their knowledge to the younger generation coming up in the work place.

As for my husband and me, we’re taking full advantage of being baby boomers. Right now we’re planning an Alaska cruise in 2007, which includes celebrities from a couple of popular television shows. Speaking of which, I celebrated my birthday a few years ago with Wayne Newton. He wished me a happy birthday with a kiss (you’ve got to be a baby boomer to appreciate that).

The next evening we were entertained by Charo and she hugged my husband (wasn’t even his birthday).

If traveling isn’t your thing, perhaps hobbies would suit you better. My husband enjoys puttering around the house and woodworking; he even built a complete bedroom set for our son. I enjoy writing, photography and drawing. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t include the almighty casinos.

Slot machines and bingo have taken over crocheting, knitting, baking cookies, fishing or sitting in the old rocking chair. There’s also our new senior citizen center, which offers a variety of activities from arts and crafts to dances and exercise programs.

Getting older can be tough but who said life was easy. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, get with the program and snap out of it. Make the most of the situation and consider yourself lucky you are in the position of having choices.

We all have a sense of humor and now’s the time to reveal it. For instance, I have to laugh when I think of the day my husband hurried off to work only to come back minutes later; he forgot to put in his false teeth. We have a few wrinkles (okay, more than a few) or his hair is getting gray (notice how I say his hair).

None of this really matters because we’re still here to enjoy what life has to offer. Yes, it takes the better part of the day to limber up from our aches and pains, but it’s a small price to pay for living.

So, you see, getting older doesn’t have to be all that tough; it’s just a different way of living.

Don’t let aging get you down; it’s too hard to get back up.