Reflections Being Seventy

This observer turned 70 on January 19, 2009. Darn! It sounds so old. Still, I feel no difference at all. I still feel the same as I did at 40.

In spite of what some of my critics think, I am a physical fitness practitioner. I pump iron three times a week. I do push-ups. Most of my life, I ran a mile or two every morning. I can't do that anymore because my feet are completely ruined. It is one of only two things that I have given up as a consequence of my age.

What do I mean that I have given up running? Well, yes, I stopped running, except when I go to the beach; but I walk. I walk lots. It helps physically and it is easier on my feet.

What is the other item I have given up? Here again, it is more a question of modification not of giving up something. I have been a party person all of my life. I was a big consumer of alcoholic beverages. I cannot do that now. It goes to my head. I become silly. I say things that I later regret. So now, I limit myself to a couple of glasses of wine or a couple of bottles of beer. For me, there is no more vodka, no more aquavit, no more rum, no more guaro. It is a bit sad, but it is my life.

There are other changes, of course. I am more forgetful than I used to be. I don't believe that this has anything to do with impaired mentality. It is a question of lack of attention. It has to do with little things. Where did I leave my keys? Did I pay the electric bill? Dealing with these small lapses is easy. I have become much more methodical. I leave my keys always in the same place. I carefully record my payments.

In truth, I was probably always forgetful. There has been so much written regarding aging and forgetfulness that many of us are sensitive in relation to the subject. A person who spends a great deal of time pondering difficulties performs menial tasks semi automatically. This happens at every age. I have learned to be very methodical regarding routine tasks. It serves me well.

The really big question, of course, is in regard to sex. What does a seventy year old think about sex? Does such a person think about sex?

Insofar as this seventy year old person is concerned, it is just a matter of degree. I think about sex a great deal, but maybe less, as a total percentage of all of my thoughts, than before. The scope of such thoughts is now greater, broader, than previously. I still find the same sort of female attractive as was the case in prior years, but I am also now quite turned on by the seventy plus year old woman who is slender, athletic, vibrant, healthy, optimistic and ready for adventure.

I am still excited at the prospect that somewhere, out there, there is a mature female who could be pleased with the company of a mature male whose life has not been greatly altered by the passage of seventy plus years.

To my children and, indeed, to all people, I would advise that you care for your bodies and your minds. Please give your bodies physical exercise and food that nourishes, not food that fattens. You will probably need your bodies longer than you now believe. Be well. Be healthy. Be happy. Try not to be narrow minded. Seventy is not really old.

Learn more about this author, Lj Jaime Cordle.
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