by Sandy Barnes

Created on: January 23, 2010   Last Updated: March 12, 2010

Growing old has it perks.  It is that time in your life when you have become comfortable in your own skin.  It does not take you long to speak your mind, tell someone off, and get away with it because you are old and most people respect the elderly.  You can pass gas in public and blame it on the fact that you can’t hear.   You walk away and blame it on someone else.

Growing older has made you wiser, so therefore you can give advice freely because you have made the same mistakes that they are making now.

You have lived a full life, have been married and have children and grandchildren.  The grandchildren are the highlight of your life.  You look forward to taking care of them and also giving them back.  That is the good part, calling the parents to come and get them. 

The government sends you money every month even though it is your money. You also get senior benefits at the movies, coffee places and Medicare.

  You can cut in line at a movie theater and get away with it.  That is… only if you are a little hunched over and act like you are confused.  Looking in the mirror is another matter.  You have wrinkles, your hair has gotten white, and if you are a man you have gone bald and have grown a lot more hair in your nostrils and earlobes.  That does not seem to matter anymore because you are accepting of who you are now.  The years that you have lived have been full and now here you are with a lot more freedom and peace.  If you have lived right and are healthy, you can take part in so many activities that are out there just for you.  Some of them are; West Coast Swing, oil painting, traveling with senior groups all over the world.  There are also senior dating web sites if you are alone and want companionship.

Getting older does not have to be a dreadful thing.  It can truly be the “Golden Years” of your life.  There is so much out there for us.  Church is so very important because that is where you will meet a large community of single and married seniors.  The church will have many activities but also will have inspiration for your soul and help if you get sick and alone.  Gone are the days of feeling alone.  You just have to seek and ye shall find.  We are considered special in our twilight years because we have lived, loved and are here to tell the stories that will inspire the younger generation. 

Learn more about this author, Sandy Barnes.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.