Introduction
For so many people in the world they will never experience old age due to many reasons from Wars, Hunger, Homelessness, Illness, Accidents and Environments and places they were born and raised. At 85 years old I am one of the gifted ones who by the grace of God am still living a reasonably good life. None of us know when we will depart this world but most of us still want to be part of the planet and as long as we can with family and friends. My Father was 95 years old when he passed away and he always loved life and with my Mother who was 88 years old when she passed away, great lovable parents.
Old Age Looks
There is no escaping the way we look as we get older. First of all and most noticeable is our head. Like me I have lost a lot of my hair and it is in the main what I have left is silver grey colour. Our neck changes to what they call a ‘Chicken Neck’ where there are two distinct parts from under the chin to the upper chest. Then there are the lines from the outer parts of you mouth to the bottom of the chin. Then lines from your cheeks to the outer part of your mouth. Then creases from your eyes to your cheeks. In addition you may have bags under the eyes. All these lines many say are caused by laughter. The forehead may have lines across and/or frown lines vertically. Finally your skin maybe crinkled or smooth depending upon the person. In addition, the eyes are no longer as crisp as they were when you were younger. When all of these increase with age you no longer look attractive, which impacts on peoples reaction to you.
Old Age Mobility
Once again I am gifted to be able to have had almost normal mobility at the age of 79 and able to play recreational badminton and have full capability to walk normally and operate in my company without any problems. I could also do many jobs in the home with my hands normally. Due to the COVID 19 situation at 80 years old, I closed the company and retired. Quite quickly after I started to suffer from Arthritis in my left knee, but I still went walking a few kilometers on a Sunday morning with my fiends. However, by the age of 84 years old I had to stop the Sunday mornings as it was becoming difficult to walk and distance and my hands were now suffering from arthritis. In addition, I started to get problems with balancing due to my inner ear, which I have since recovered. Yet at 85 I can still move reasonably well independently but slowly and I still drive my car and go out occasionally with my friends for a couple of beers and karaoke.
Old Age Cognitive Condition
Many people when they age suffer from dementia a gradual decline in Cognitive functioning. By the grace of God to date this has not affected me or my families and friends. I am still very alert and able to operate normally such as creating this article besides many others. However, one never knows as we get older things could change. My sisters husband suffers from dementia which is sad for him but more importantly his condition makes life very difficult for my sister, like so many other people who have a similar situation.
Old Age Relationships
At the age of 58 due to circumstances my first marriage ended, however I have a Son, Grandchildren, Great Grandchild (now 21) and a Great Great Grandchild on the way. I was very lucky to meet my second wife who is 25 years younger than me. We have been together now for 28 years and have an loving adult daughter and have been living in SE Asia for almost 30 years. I have had many friends, some not much younger than me, including those playing Badminton, who like me, enjoy going to the pub and enjoy our karaoke. However, in the past year I have had fewer friends, as the times I go out is now down to one evening a week. Its hard to reason why but due to my limited mobility and unable to join in the revelry I have become slightly detached from the group. However, I do have one special friend aged 77 years old but still active, who is like a brother, going out together to meet other friends for the past 15 years. However, I am again blessed that my relationship with both my families and limited friends are very good.
What Will Be, Will Be
Many people say that aged 85 there is no future. However, I still have the urge to survive as long as God will let me. I am planning to go on a short holiday at the end of this month and other everyday activities as normal. Looking after my wife and daughter, helping with the housework and trying to keep my brain and body working but as they say ‘What will be ,will be”. I can say though I have had an outstanding life in all respects to date and I am internally grateful to have had the ‘Gift of Old Age’.