At the ripe young age of 63, (and the key word is ripe!) I never think about getting old. I do think about the “floater” I discovered – like someone had dropped an annoying speck of black ink on my eyeball; my constant smiling and nodding because I don’t have a clue what was just said; my stiff joints and sore knees and how it is just too awkward and time consuming to get down on the floor anymore; and my fear of forgetting – “Does anyone know where I put that whichamacallit?” But not once do I think about getting old!

But I’m not delusional and realize time does pass and conditions do change. But that is not the same as being old. Old, particularly for my generation, is something different- and to be avoided.

Metlife did a survey of sixty-two year-old’s and asked them what age they would consider “old”. The result was 77 years and 10 months. I wonder what they will think in 15 years when they turn 77. Or will they accept Barnard Baruch’s definition, “To me, old age is always fifteen years older than I am.”

So I understand I am getting older and I know I am no longer young – but I don’t feel old. And I have heard from folks who are ten, twenty and thirty years older than I am who feel the same way. So what does “old” mean?

I don’t think it has to do with age – or how late you stay out, how fast you drive, how busy you are or how much money you have (although that could help). It could have something to do with being afraid and isolated, or frail and hesitant; no longer seeking answers and instead complaining about what is. And it probably does have to do with attitude and beliefs: having a purpose and meaning and still dreaming of what can be.

And after thinking about it – and for quite some time, I really don’t know what “old” means. But maybe you do. What are your thoughts and experiences about getting older? Is it true after seventy it is just “patch, patch, patch” as a friend recently told me. If you have any thoughts or comments to share email me at mcseniorcenter@gmail.com. In the mean time, as I continue to grow up becoming who I am – whatever that is – I’ll keep dreaming of dragons to slay, damsels to save and stories to tell and maybe make a little difference in this world of ours.

For older adults who are barely getting by on their monthly social security check, and maybe a small pension or a little savings, prescription drugs may not be affordable. But many folks may not know they could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug costs – reducing the cost to as little as $2.40 for generic prescription drugs and $6 for brand name drugs with a possible savings of $4000 annually. To qualify an individual must make less than $16,345 or $21,855 as a married couple. Plus their resources, defined as bank accounts, stocks and bonds but not their house or car, must be less than $12,510 or $25,010 for married couples. If you think you qualify, and would like more information call the Area Agency on Aging at 541-298-4101 and ask for Jean.

It is again time to jumpstart those neurons and synapses in your frontal cortex. So here is the music announcement but you have to figure out how to read it. detaicerppa era snoitanod dna emoclew si enoyreve ,00:7 ta strats wohs ehT . sdradnats nretsew dna yrtnuoc fo gnineve na gniyalp eb lliw sdneirF dna nitraM ,ht9 tsuguA, yadseuT txen dnA .erusaelp gnicnad dna gninetsil ruoy rof tsud eht pu gnikcik eb lliw dnaB niantnuoM yrrebwartS ehT dna erdnA retneC eht ta thginoT

The Texas born musician, songwriter and bandleader and the “King of Western Swing” was Bob Wills. And the winner of a free Saturday Breakfast is Raburn Parker. This week’s “Remember When”” question comes from the category “Classic TV Commercials”. What men’s hair care product used the jingle “. . . a little dab’ll do ya/Use more, only if you dare/But watch out/The gals will all pursue ya/They’ll love to put their fingers through your hair.” E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 541-296-4788.

Well it has been another week watching the cow chips fall where they may. Until we meet again, it is hard to negotiate with someone who holds a gun to their own head.

John Barrymore said ‘One never gets old until regrets take the place of dreams.”