THE ANCIENTS

Aging!

THE ANCIENTS

 

I call them “the ancients”

to me, the dividing line is 75 and older

believe me it is not hard science

it is just a time in one’s life of decline in certain ways

but also, an alluring duration of memories and reflections

 

Ancients tend to sleep longer, take naps

lose energy, lose weight, lose appetites

they forget from one moment to the next,

especially names, chores, what movie they saw last night

and many more mundane things

 

Yet it is a cherished period of certain freedoms

they desire what they want and when they want it

no schedules to worry about

except doctor appointments

we rely on others to keep track of their engagements

 

What is frightful about the “ancients” is thinning of the brain

and thinning of the bones

sometimes they need walking aides to help them maneuver around

Other times they fall and do not recover fully

their eyes become more blurry and tired

reading can be difficult, driving even worse

and staring them in the face, death

 

Is this what one looks forward to??

it depends on one’s overall health and genetics

many “ancients” live happily and long

with a good quality of life

that is what we all hope for

 

“Will someone please hand me my cane?”

(just kidding!)

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

Getting old sucks. But there can be a sweetness to it, if you're fortunate enough to grow old with someone you love. My grandmother lost her husband when she was in her fifties, and never remarried. She lived out her life in a house with plants, a garden to tend to, and crocheted the years away. I think sometimes God breathes a little extra breath in some of us when we are born. She lived to be 93 with a good quality of life. I'd like to think I'm made of that same stock. That's all I can hope for.

[Betty Hermelee]

perfect! thank you for a well written review….i hope you live long enough to enjoy life and have quality of life as well!
Warmly, B🌷🌷🌷🌷

[Betty Hermelee]

may you have good health for as long as you can Kelly🌷🌷🌷

[John the Baptist]

What is depicted in this offering is what happens to many people. I worked in a chronic disease hospital for 12 years and saw many of these outcomes. Still, the better situations mentioned in the last verse do occur, and it's not totally a question of genetics. Medical advances have been made, and geriatric information is much more available. In my case, I will turn 80 in October and am in some of the best shape of my life. I exercise for 20 minutes each day, meditate and watch my thoughts to guard against negativity. The big sleep awaits all of us, but some of us can walk out instead of being carried.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear John
may you live a long and enjoyable life, with quality as well… and have enough good health…but you’re still in the” ancient club” as I am and J. is….its just a funny term!
warmly
B🌷🌷🌷🌷

[emmajoygreen]

Have known and do know so many darlings like that. I think of them as walking, stumbling , managing GLORIOUS HISTORY. Touch a chord in a darling's day, ask a smiling question - and a life will fly backwards and forwards as if a dam has broken! It0's actually hearing about times and events that have been written up from someone who actually knows: can describe the colours, sounds, images and more plus it will be the best lecture ever! People should respect and love the aged, Their finest past is our FUTURE! God bless them one and all.. Your poem is one of the most beautiful I've read on this site for all my years here. Your magic, skill and oft released empathy is extraordinary. Kudos and more.

[Betty Hermelee]

AMEN sweet Em, this is not science, just a spoof on aging…. love your comments…i’ll still make it to London to see you, no matter what age!
Hugs
B🌷🌷🌷😊😊😊😊😊

[emmajoygreen]

😊😊Yes please, very much! 😊😊

[Betty Hermelee]

I will!! very determined!!
Hugs, and thanks,
B....

[emmajoygreen]

Forgive if you thought I was being critical.. wasn't at all, at all. If ever I have to express a negative opinion to anyone, nine times out of ten do so privately, anyway. Pretty sure I know quite a lot about your heart and mind after all this time. Hugs and stuff.. Hope you're having a great weekend

[Betty Hermelee]

You are never negative with me!!!! no worries...
you are only critical in a delightful way....
hugs and smiles!!!
B xoxo

[emmajoygreen]

: AND AN ARTILLERY OF HUGS!!!!

[MCS]

There’s such truth in these words. As someone once said, youth is wasted on the young and how right they were. Beautifully expressed, my friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much, love your review!!!
Warmly, B