Do you think that only young people are having all the fun? How wrong you are. I just returned from a visit to the local senior center. My oh my! What a busy and buzzing place to enter. I see happy and energetic men and women networking with new friends and exploring new horizons. Outwardly, they seem to be upbeat and healthy; no canes, walkers or wheelchairs. I approached a good looking gentleman.
"Good afternoon, my name is Fay. What's yours?"
With a cordial smile he answered, "Call me Dan, short for Daniel."
"Nice to meet you Dan. As a writer interested in interviewing the aging population in many environments, I would like to ask you why you come here and what do you do here?"
"I am a widower and enjoy socializing especially with the ladies. I must admit I'm a bit of a flirt and I hope that I can get lucky and meet a nice lady friend."
I continued to ask many questions of many people, always explaining my purpose. The responses were surprisingly positive.
'My name is Lilly and I am here as a volunteer in the gift shop. Because I have always been an aficioanado of theatre, I usher at the Performing Arts Center on the weekends. It makes me feel useful and needed."
"My name is Terry. This is my home away from home. I have a tendency to worry too much. When I come here I leave my troubles behind. I look and feel better meeting and talking to interesting people."
"My name is John. I know that time is fleeting so I cherish every moment of every day. I have a very strict medication schedule and when I come here, I feel like I have swallowed a happiness pill. I enjoy the billiards table and the camraderie it provides."
"My name is Max. I have chosen the fitness and exercise class for my aching back and stiff neck. I can definitely feel the improvement."
"My name is Fran. I have been a widow for many years. Luckily at 70, I am blessed with good health, am financially secure, and ready to love again. Yoga is my favorite class."
The snack and coffee bar is always crowded. These active guys and girls come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of fitness. Happy conversation and camraderie are ongoing.
"My name is Jack. The card room is fun for me. I play both bridge and poker. My memory is still okay because this is the way that my brain get a good workout".
"My name is Julia. I love the ladies dance class called "The Slick Chicks". It keeps me flexible and makes me feel young again."
As we age, there are many new changes and challenges and we must learn to adapt and adjust. Some share their ailments and handicaps and others choose to maintain their privacy.
With Betty's approval, since it was obvious that she was toting a portable oxygen tank, she was willing to explain her condition.
"When I was young, neither my husband nor I knew that smoking was so hazardous to our health. He unfortunately died of lung cancer. I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). I am breathless, but not helpless. I tire easily so I have joined the Book Club. I find it very relaxing and I like sharing and discussing the current book selections."
My conclusions after a very informative and pleasant visit at the senior center:
These interesting men and women are all focused on living a good life by redefining their lifestyle. They are all reasonably healthy in mind and body and they have all reached the acceptance of their aging process. I would call them exceptional and extraordinary septuagenarians.
Happy News
Do you believe in destiny or the law of attraction? At one of the holiday dinner parties, guess what happened? "Dapper Dan" and "Flamboyant Fran" are now engaged to be married!
Congratulations!! Good luck and good health. Oh the joy ahead!
They call me a "Swinging Grandmother", but I don't care
I'm just not ready for a rocking chair.
Sometimes I wear a wig or color my hair
So let them call me, "A Swinging Grandmere".
Life is for living, I just don't fear it
I may be up on years, but I'm not down on spirit.
My compensations are many and pay big dividends
Not in making money, but in making new friends.
So no matter how the years go by
No matter how my birthdays fly
When it's time for me to go and I'm no longer young
Just remember me and say
"There goes a grandmother who really swung!"
