Over 60 And Loving It

Who said that aging is a bad thing?

Isn't the cheese that has been aged the best one? Don’t we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for the aged wines? Doesn't wisdom come with age?

Most definitely, aging has its benefits. The problem is that the world doesn't recognize that wisdom comes with years.

It's up to those of us in the know to tell them. It's up to us to show them.

I can say with certainty that the sixty-year-olds I know are pretty hip. Most are computer literate, email on a regular basis, have palm pilots and listen to ipods. Many are going back to school, learning foreign languages, and getting new degrees. Many still work out or at least walk and exercise on a regular basis. Some still ski, hike, ride bikes, dance regularly and are basically in really good shape. Most of us have a vocabulary that would rival a grad student, common sense that brings sanity to confusion, and a living knowledge of history that needs to be told.

So what's the big deal? Why does aging have such a bad conotation?

It is because they just don't know. If they did - they would all want to be where we are.

Look what we know. Look what we have experienced.

There is not enough money in the world to make me go back. I love where I am now. I have two great sons, two amazing daughters-in-law, four unbelievable grandchildren. My life is full. I work part time and get to pick and choose my social activities. I don't do luncheons or big meetings. I just get to spend quality time with family and friends, doing what I love most, contributing in ways that were not possible before. What could be better than that?

One of the best kept secrets of turning 60 is the fact that we carry a plethora of life, joy, laughter, and experience in our containers. There is no greater gift to leave our families than to pour ourselves out upon them, breathing life, giving hope, offering encouragement, being there for them through thick and thin.

It's time for the silver generation to stand tall. To speak up and make a difference. To be seen and heard. With the baby boomers coming of age, our numbers are increasing. We are a formidable force. Let's stand up and be counted. There are so many positive ways we can leave a mark on this world.

In this blog, I will address issues and challenges common to most 60-year-olds. My goal is to encourage those of us who are approaching 60 to hold our heads high. To challenge us to think abou where and how we can impact the world.

We need to quit buying into the aging mentality and be proud of where we are in life. It is vital that we find ways to mentor our children and grandchildren, identify our passion and perfect it. It is time to build on our faith and pass it on, preparing a legacy that we can share down to the fourth generation.

The challenge is for each of us to accept who we are an embrace it.

The sixties generation is on the move. I say bring it on.