Aging

When Did You First Feel Old?

The third event was a real surprise!

Looking back from age 75 ought to be easy. Certain events and locations should stand out - and they do.

Age 18

How can anybody feel old as a teenager? Well, it depends on the association. I remember clearly when the mother said to the little girl, probably about 4 years old, “Give that to the nice man.” I thought of my father when I heard that.

Age 43

We never went anywhere, not even visiting relatives, in my first marriage. All I did was work as a programmer, then go home. I went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on my first trip right after my divorce.

There, I saw the first computer I worked on as a professional, an IBM 360 model 30. Next to it was the next generation, a model 370 - in a museum! At that time of my life, I believed that museums only contained ancient history.

Age 72

I never sang in a choir in school. I used to sing along with the radio when I was alone but never dreamed of doing it in front of anyone. Karaoke was not known in our area in the 1960s, but is now very popular in The Villages, a retirement community in Florida.

I decided to try one of my favorite songs, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by The Shirelles. I just hoped to reach the end of the song without fading out. It felt odd at the time, but I sure didn’t feel old. I felt like I was 18 again. That was three years ago.

I have 12 songs now.

My daughter’s 50th birthday

Speaks for itself!

Finally

Feeling old is a state of mind that makes no difference until physical limitations or medical problems set in. For example, five years ago I could dance to five songs in a row. Now it is only three. That may be due to reduced exercise, too. It may not be due to age. Generally, it creeps up on you except for a few isolated incidents.

Do you have one or two isolated incidents that jump to mind?

References

“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” song by The Shirelles

• First song. I now have a choice of 14 songs for the weekly karaoke night.

Karaoke (Their Music & My Lyrics): Freezing , Freezing , Freezing by Bill Myers

• I even write and perform my own lyrics to the tune of Rawhide

Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

• My first industrial computers used cards, no screens or internet

You know you’re getting old when… by Jan Sebastian

• A general view instead of specific points in time

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