Most of you have probably heard the quote, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. But for those of us who are curious about whether we are getting old, I found this list of “scientifically validated” indicators of old age. See how you compare with my answers below..
1. You fall asleep watching TV or reading the paper. No, but at 3:00 I do start nodding off.
2. You become forgetful. No, because I can’t recall the last time I forgot something.
3. You groan when getting up from a chair or out of bed. No, but for some reason my wife thinks I do.
4. You say ‘back in my day’. No, I say “back in the good old days”.
5. You have an afternoon nap. No, they are “power naps” – and millennials take them too!
6. You don’t know the names of current celebrities. I do – if they are over 65.
7. You have a low tolerance for teenagers. No. I find teenagers great. Maybe because it brings back fond memories of my youth without actually having to relive them.
8. You only listen to music from your youth. No. I listen to contemporary music that sounds like music from my youth.
Half way through and looking good. I feel like doing fifty pushups!
9. You choose places to eat because they play quiet music. Yes, because I want to hear who I am talking with – which isn’t easy with hearing aids.
10. Choosing to meet friends for lunch or dinner rather than a night out for drinks. Yes. I need to be in bed by 9:00.
11. Wear slippers all the time. No. I can’t ever remember to put them on.
12. You spend weekends or holidays in garden centers. No. I try to stay out of the garden – that’s my wife’s domain – thankfully.
13. Gardening is a hobby. No. See above
14. You forget where your glasses are. No. I always find them on my head.
15. You choose clothes for comfort rather than style. Yes, because who am I trying to impress.
16. You get a haircut to ‘suit your age’. No, because I’m still figuring out what my age is.
So how did you do? Did you do better than my 13 out of 16 “no” answers? If so let’s go out and celebrate – but please, not too long.
If you have thought about taking classes at Columbia Gorge Community College and hanging with the twenty and thirtysomethings, are you aware that adults 65 or older are eligible for a 50 percent tuition discount on many credit and non-credit classes? To find out which classes are eligible and all the details call (541) 506-6057. Classes start June 20th.
When was the last time you actually looked at the Oregon Driver’s manual? It’s probably been a while. A way to understand the new “rules of the road” and to learn more about safe and smart driving is by attending an AARP Smart Driver class at the Center on Monday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 21st from 8:45 am to 12:05 pm both days. The cost is $20 or $15 for AARP members. Call (541) 296-4788 to sign up.
Every Tuesday night at the Center there is live music for your dancing and listening enjoyment, and on June 21st, the Simcoe Boys will be performing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are always appreciated.
Considered the most intimidating fighter of the time, Sonny Liston was the fighter Mohammad Ali (Cassius Clay at the time) defeated in 1964 for the boxing World Heavyweight Championship.
This week’s “Remember When” question is about one of the top romantic leads in the late fifties. Who was the top grossing actor for Warner Brothers from 1955 – 1959 co-starring as the young Marine Danny in the 1955’s World War II drama “Battle Cry”; and also co-starring in films with Natalie Wood, Sophia Loren, and Debbie Reynolds? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it to the Center with a 45 record of the 1956 number one hit song “Young Love”.
Well, it’s been another week watching the sun slip away each night. Until we meet again, there is always an answer – some are just not meant for us to find.
“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.” Robert Brault
