What does it feel like to be old?

2024-10-12 16:23:00, Opinione Albert Vataj

An elderly lady tells that one day, a young man asked her a question, as innocent as it is significant: - What is it like to be old?

I was very surprised by the question, as I did not consider myself old, nor was I stupid enough to admit that I am still a young woman, she says.

When the young man saw my reaction, he immediately took offense, and I understood that it was a harmless question, and continued to explain to him that it was an interesting question that deserved an answer.

And upon reflection, I came to the conclusion that aging is a gift, as years ago youth was a challenge, not only with graces, but also with battles to be fought and wars to be won.

Sometimes I am surprised at the person I see in my mirror.

But I haven't worried about these things in a while.

I wouldn't trade everything I have for a few less gray hairs and a flatter stomach.

I don't berate myself for not making the bed, or eating a few extra "little things," glancing at some nice man, or desiring the presence of a beautiful soul.

I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant and spend hours staring at my flowers, to be myself in any wisdom or deviation, to enjoy what I want, even if someone else doesn't like.

I have seen dear friends depart from this world before they have tasted the freedom that comes with old age, have experienced this gift of age powerfully, come to the point where they can put everything behind them, consider their mission accomplished, they live with themselves and for themselves, without giving an account to anyone, without allowing anyone to do the accounts for them.

-Who cares if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 in the morning and then sleep until whatever time I want?

I will dance in front of the mirror to the rhythm of the music of the 90s, or dance and sing for nothing, because I simply want to be happy, not because of the wrath of the world or the years that have gone by, but for my own pleasure.

And if later I want to cry for a lost love...I will, convinced that nothing comes back even if I give everything I have!

I'll walk to the beach in a bathing suit that covers my plump, cellulite-strewn body, and dive into the waves and enjoy the moment, never mind those who wear bikinis and their smooth bodies are adorned by the sun and tickle the likes .

Sad but true, they will grow old too, if they are lucky...

It's true that over the years I've been heartbroken over the loss of a loved one, the pain of a child, or watching a pet die. But it is suffering that gives us strength and makes us grow and reflect the beauty of the soul even when we cry and when we laugh.

An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect, realized in the life it led and the work it represents.

I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray and to retain the smile of youth before deep furrows appeared on my face.

Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: - I like being old, because old age makes me wiser and freer!.

I know I won't live forever, but while I'm here, I'll live by my own laws, those of my heart.

I will not regret what was not, nor worry about what will be.

For the rest of the time, I'll just love life as I've loved it until now, and leave the rest to God.

This is in itself the answer to "What is it like to be old?", but also how to boldly show yourself as a role model to female butchers.

National Geographic Nature

Lunyta — in Oldsmar, Florida.

What does it feel like to be old?