Chronological Age….

Sure, I am a little (lot) slower, what little wit I once possessed is slipping, and younger Centurions are much quicker in an exigent circumstance. The beauty of aging is the accumulation of hard earned wisdom, great memories, appreciation of an old dog and the love of a wife in spite of the chore of counseling an old man.

In order to understand what it feels like to reach your 75th birthday, still standing and recognizing your place in a world that is rapidly leaving you behind, I’ll share a little of the wisdom accumulated over 75 years.

In oriental cultures, age is accorded deep respect. In our culture, age is accorded respect in stages. Folks under the age of 40 are still absorbed in their immediate circumstance, with little regard for “tomorrow”, believing they are immortal. Mortality, as a concept, has not hit them between the eyes just yet. From 40-50, you are beginning to establish a persona and are accorded a reasonable amount of respect, especially if you are established in a profession or vocation. Your experience is beginning to show. You are able to handle 80% of life’s challenges with competence. From 50-60, folks are deferential to your accumulated wisdom, and often refer to you as sir, or ma’am, and you have reached a balance between what you can do and what you should do. Between 60-70, you lose your fastball. The balance between “should and can” accomplish things begins to slip just a little. Young baristas are usually very deferential, and accord respect to your station in life, based entirely on your grey hair, or shiny pate as the case may be. Then comes 75.

At the age of 75 (or so) the sirs that are proffered are a mixture of respect and sympathy. Behind your back, you are an “old man” who used to leap over tall buildings and stop bullets with your teeth. The truth is you now dread tall buildings and can’t find a bullet in your pocket. You tend to be generous and wait staffs view you with respect, commensurate with your tip level. Immortality haunts you and every little pain is viewed with deep suspicion. You are more vulnerable than you have ever been in spite of the bravado you project.

I am fortunate. Good medical care, a host of friends who accept me for what I am and what I used to be make life a treat. My irreverence is accepted and I have earned the privilege of raising hell when I think it needs to be raised. Sharon is the perfect foil, able to jerk the reins tight when they need to be jerked and display the patience it takes to live with an opinionated old man who cries over old dogs and passes judgement on life with little restraint.

The big news is I am still having fun, attempt to do and lift when I should not and reside in a state that exudes practicality. You get here with great friends, many acquaintances and a just a few enemies. Thanks to all that have acknowledged my advanced age today. I could not be at this point in life without you. It is too late to change, and you know what you have. Enjoy the week!

SR