If I may give you some well-intended advice. Perhaps your goal shouldn't be to grow old "disgracefully" but to accept and embrace the age you are within each and every moment of your life.
I don't want to put words in your mouth, but why would anyone want to still be a "kid" whenever they're 70? It's one thing if all you want to do at that age is be interested in what they're up to, but if you're still wanting to be one of them...then that's an alarming thing. For a physical example: no matter how well you have taken care of your body, your abilities (mental too) will decline...trust me.
At forty, it hasn't hit you yet, but you will be coming upon a fundamental shift some day and it will most undoubtedly happen far sooner than you expect...trust me again. I'm not suggesting that you should entirely give in to it, but at least listen to it. It's the voice of the wisdom that has stored up within you throughout your life. It will provide you a certain amount of protection if you'll heed it. The lure of experimentation and risk in youth is expected and forgiven, but within the older population it is most often if not always seen as foolish....again, trust me on this.
The wonderful thing I've found with aging is the wisdom I've gained through the clarity that only aging gives one. It's led to forgiveness and better choices. And, there's no room in any of that for disgrace.
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z_thomas
9 years ago
Thanks for the thoughtful reply truetexian but I'm a little confused. What of anything I said is about experimentation and risk in a negative way? Okay maybe the hover board bit? I won't do it if I think it's dangerous. I don't skateboard now because I don't feel like breaking my leg every time I fall off. I'm not into risk just to feel alive. I don't drink or smoke , do drugs or even drink coffee. So in a strange way I'm probably more risk averse than most people. I never said I wanted to be young. I'm quite happy to be my age. But being into Grimes (current pop singer) doesn't mean I want to be 23. It just means I like her music. And when should I stop riding a bike? Or
I was commenting on what other people regard as "disgraceful" when I used that word. I don't think there's anything disgraceful about what I do now or will probably be doing when I'm 80.
But yeah I wasn't really asking for advice. It was more a comment on ideas of youth and old age and how I've found them strange and limiting.
I feel like so many people just give up on their lives at some point.
Meh.
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z_thomas
9 years ago
Oh and while I say I'll be interested in what the kids are up to that's because it's usually younger people who are still experimenting and trying new ways to make music etc. I don't mean to sound anti old people (i'm one really) there is much wisdom to be gained from them... and they make great art etc... Okay I'm rambling.
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truetexian
9 years ago
I didn't mean for what I said to come across so preachy, and yes I realize that you weren't seeking advice. I understand the message of your post more clearly now I think. Staying engaged and open to new experiences and ways of perception is never a bad thing. The negative flip-side to that sometimes though are those who fixate on youth and fail to grow old(er) with gracefulness. As time goes by they seem to continue chasing an ever increasingly elusive dream.
Just don't decide to go jumping out of perfectly functioning airplanes like an older friend of mine has suddenly started taking up. I get that it's probably exhilarating, but I'll most likely never understand those who feel as if they have to experience something death-defying in order to feel more alive. A good run, jog, trot, or walk through the park on a clear crisp day can often get it done for me. :)
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