Getting older and things to be grateful for

I love hanging washing out too!
Small pleasures.

I know how truly lucky I am to have my lovely husband still - when many old friends are on their own now. I give thanks for still having him by my side and him loving me still.
I really do feel blessed.

It’s my grandchildren. I could never have imagined how much pleasure they would bring.

NotSpaghetti

I love hanging washing out too!
Small pleasures.

I know how truly lucky I am to have my lovely husband still - when many old friends are on their own now. I give thanks for still having him by my side and him loving me still.
I really do feel blessed.

I feel this too.
Though mixed as loving more is being equally scared of loss.
Having said that what a lovely thread about the good things of ageing.

Still looking. Not joking.

My greatest blessing is that I have all my AC and their families, within 6 -7 miles of my house. That doesn’t mean, I see them every week. And that doesn’t mean we haven’t had our ups and downs. But I’m sure we will pull together, God forbid, if the need arises.
I also love the end of the day, when I have cleaned the kitchen, put away the dishes and glance at a clutter free kitchen. Bliss !

I'm amazed, - and grateful - just to still be here at the age of 86. Nearer to 87 actually. And in reasonably good health although just starting to fall apart a bit now.
Apart from my family,with whom I get on marvellously, I get great joy out of my lovely surroundings in the countryside. I'm surrounded by trees and birds , with very little traffic.
I've got used to being on my own now and doing just what I want to do.

My dear old Dad used to joke in his 90s “I know it’s a good day when I read the obituary column in the local paper and my name’s still not in it” 😆

I realise that I am finally content to be me. I have to accept that I'm a introvert - becoming even more so as time passes. I only want to see my immediate family and my grandchildren bring me more joy than I could have imagined. I have no inclination to reach out beyond my family. I'm encouraged to reconnect with past colleagues and acquaintances but I am numb to the thought. I often think I should have consulted a therapist to untangle my inner thoughts and personality traits but it would no doubt cost a fortune for someone suitably qualified and is probably too late now! I love to be home and pottering - in control of my little domain as far as health conditions allow.
So Applegran, I say to you that getting older has brought clarity and contentment (I think!) I have so enjoyed this thread and love to read thoughts from others - thank you!

So wish that Gransnet would introduce a like button.

Close family living nearby; linking up with the remaining relatives and old friends of my age.

Grateful that I don’t have to set the alarm. Can stay up all night if I choose. Can wear what I like. Pretend to be deaf if I don’t want to answer. Can doze in the afternoon and if I leave my phone in the fridge no one bats an eyelid, it’s expected.

I would not say I am "grateful" for anything as that would imply I got something I had not earned or deserved.

Like some of the posters upthread it is good to be in a place where I can more or less do as I like without reference to anyone else. I will be 80 next months and have certainly earned the right to put myself first.

I'm getting older. 70 in December.
I'm not an housework fanatic these days like I used to be.
After evening dinner, that's it for the day. As they say" I can't be arsed"'
I don't have the energy that I once had.
Mind you, I could spend hours on the garden. Planting, weeding and watering.
I'm content being at home with my own company during the day.
At what age do we define as being 'old'
I can remember thinking that most of the teachers at school were old but looking back now I guess on average they were only in their forties.
That goes for people I used to work with too and people in our village. They seemed old to us youngsters.

LauraNorderr

Grateful that I don’t have to set the alarm. Can stay up all night if I choose. Can wear what I like. Pretend to be deaf if I don’t want to answer. Can doze in the afternoon and if I leave my phone in the fridge no one bats an eyelid, it’s expected.

Oh yes LauraNorderr ha ha.
I go to bed when I like ( a night owl) and get up when I like.
I had to laugh at that. Pretend to be deaf if I don’t want to answer.
My dad had selective hearing.

Catterygirl

So wish that Gransnet would introduce a like button.

->Like!<-

I am grateful for the love my four adult children give me. They are so kind and caring of this tired, old soul.

But sometimes they surprise me by treating me older than I am or older than I feel. I suppose I should just get used to that since I will be as old as they imagine me to be, before I even realize.

Not worrying about sleep pattern change. I usually wake for a couple of hours in the night. So my sleep is of two halves😄😄

No work so no worry.

Grannynannywanny

My dear old Dad used to joke in his 90s “I know it’s a good day when I read the obituary column in the local paper and my name’s still not in it” 😆

My dad used to say the same when he was in his 90s.

I suppose for me it is not having to hang out with people I don't resonate with. For years I had relatives whom I entertained but looking back, were nothing short of obnoxious and friends who drained me with their endless stories of woe. Now that I am retired I live in my own 'chosen' world of people I get on with, hobbies I enjoy and most of all have time to look after 'me' and not have to put everyone else first. If my radar picks up 'negativity' I quietly move on.

I know it’s a bit late in life but I think I can finally be me., which besides making me happy is very interesting. DH says he has always known ‘I’ was there. We get along marvellously. Live in a lovely house, with great neighbours and a beautiful are. What more could we want ?

I love not getting that 'Sunday' feeling as Monday is just another day now with no work to worry about!

Like others grandchildren are a great source of joy for me also my adult children.
I enjoy having a leisurely breakfast then going off for a long walk. My time is my own.
Being able to chat to friends and neighbours for as long as I want with no time restraints. I get a bit irked these days if I have an appointment that disrupts my day.
I am lucky as I love solitude but also love time with others. I like a nice balance of both.

What a lovely thread , thanks Applegran. For me it is living in the country side yet close enough to get into town , I too like hanging the washing out, grandchildren are a joy
( most of the time !!) AC within hailing distance if I need them , reasonably good health , nice house and garden , good neighbours - Iam happy.

Me too Henetha, we are about the same age, I am 87 in October. Given up worrying about things now, if it happens it happens, I'll deal with it then! Meanwhile I no longer hanker after "stuff".