WHEN I REACHED AGE 70, I felt a sense of accomplishment, a bit of weird pride. At 75, I had a similar feeling. But when I turned 80 last year, things felt different. It was like I was an overachiever. Suddenly, the future wasn’t as long.
For many years, I’d searched for a high school friend who’d been my navigator at sports car rallies, but with no luck. Then, recently, I stumbled across his obituary. He died 20 years ago, at age 60.
Three of my four Army buddies are gone, as is my lifelong friend from age four, who succumbed to the effects of Agent Orange after three tours in Vietnam. I appreciate being 80.
Some people act their age. I try not to. Nobody I ask thinks I’m 80—at least that’s what they claim. I’m not sure how they expect an 80-year-old to act. I don’t like being perceived as old. More than once, while on a call with a customer service representative, I’ve been told I don’t sound my age.
While in Florida this winter, I tripped getting out of a car. My iPhone went flying and I landed flat on my face. I cracked a couple of ribs and smashed a knee. A young man rushed up to see if I needed help getting up. I didn’t. I thanked him, but I was embarrassed. Was this the beginning of the end?
Looking around, there are many 80-somethings who look and act 80-something. I can’t help the way I look, but I sure try to not act my age. I don’t drive in the left lane at 40 mph and I remember to turn off the directional signal—and the oven as well.
Read the rest of my story on HumbleDollar
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
I love reading your “memoir” essays. Please write more
Eleanor
Sent from my iPhone
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Richard, I am 81, and your post resonates with me. There is nothing wrong with being old, and it annoys me when younger people treat me as fragile, even though their intentions are noble. I play golf several times weekly (I have shot my age several times), I work out at the gym 3 times a week, I still ski, and my wife and I travel internationally 3-5 times per year. But I am lucky to have my health, and I know it. I do recognize that all of this is temporary. The Buddhists are right – everything is impermanent. I am grateful for my health and the ability to do pretty much everything that I want to do, but this will certainly change – Father Time is undefeated. We have only a limited number of days left, and it is vital to use them wisely. It is important to not waste time! Figure out what you want to do, and do it now. Life is a one way street. We will not be back (unless the Buddhists are right about this, too).
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