Micmc47 what a fabulous poem that sums up my thoughts too about getting older.
When I am down town next I will treat myself to some dark blue nail varnish, I have been longing to paint my nails this colour but didn't have the courage until now. 
Brilliant! Thank you so much.
micmc47
Thanks that was an enjoyable OP.
I will show it to my friend for whom we 'stole' an office chair from a neighbours rubbish skip for as she was drunk and had the 'my legs have gone' feeling. Another good BBQ was has by all.
It might stop her feeling sheepish as we dragged her, sitting on the office chair, holding on to the back of my disability scooter whilst I taxied her home in the early hours of the morning.
Before the thought police jump in we tried to take it back the next day but the neighbour just laughed and said 'No you keep it'. 
. I am going to recover it as it is blooming comfy
What a wonderful poem! I'm printing it now to take to my mum tomorrow. She's feeling a bit down and a little sorry for herself at this moment...she's 86 so who can blame her for having a few off par days.
My wonderful aunt who will be 80 in September lives life to the full. Every day is full of fun and numerous activities... I just wish she would calm the driving a bit (think bat out of hell!) DH says "is she on drugs" 
This really made me smile!
Great poem. Made me smile, and think.
It's only in recent years that I have appreciated how really precious life is, even though mine has been full of lows and the odd highs. I am still grateful for every minute, although I know I am guilty of idling some of it away, doing nothing much and having no firm plans. That however I see as my reward for spending the best part of my life rushed off my feet and exhausted.
I really don't care much about others' opinions of me now, and that really is liberating. There are bonuses with ageing. I also remind myself that not everyone reaches pensionable age/old age, and that is so sad.
A friend on a local site recently shared some wise words about the benefits of ageing, and they made such an impression on me I sat down and wrote this one, which is a very personal reflection on how I feel about it, but I hope it rings some bells with some of you who like me, are “of a certain age”… :-)
Growing Old Disgracefully…
As years go by and I reflect on how I’ve spent my time,
I’m more content about myself, not as when in my prime,
So many limitations stood firmly in my way,
Defining just what I could do on any given day.
Now I’m retired, with children grown, in work and in good health,,
I’ve reached that lovely stage in life when I can please myself.
I’ve known some friends who’ve passed away, that’s always sad to see,
But sadder still if at the end, they never quite broke free,
And did those things that feed the soul, stuff on their bucket list,
Just quietly to slip away, with all those chances missed.
Ageing liberates you, if you’ll only seize the day,
So much to see and do out there, and no-one in your way.
No clock dictating when and where, you’re not a fashion slave,
You set your own conditions, on how you will behave.
Not bothered by what people say, or negative opinion,
Just be yourself, and you’ll do well, safe in your own dominion.
Life isn’t a rehearsal, we only get one chance,
So treasure every moment when you get to sing and dance.
You may not be Sinatra, or that classy Fred Astaire,
But we all have our own song to sing, and moves to make out there.
No point in that “if only”, no time for that regret,
For opportunities you’ve missed, it’s better to forget,
Those hard times that are history now, they hold us back no longer,
Though painful, we survived them, and we’ve come out so much stronger.
The same goes for the future, it’s very plain to see,
Like Doris Day I have to say, that what will be will be…
So concentrate on here and now, and savour every day,
You’ve worked for your retirement, and now it’s time to play.
I’ve no plans to go quietly, so while I’m still around,
I’ll bind tight to my loved ones, and to friends whom I have found.
Our days on Earth are numbered, and no matter the amount,
As we see the twilight gathering, we want every one to count.
So yes, my hair has turned snow white, my health is not the best,
But every morning that I’m spared, I feel I’ve passed the test,
And greet another day to live, if I may be so bold,
I’m grateful just to be here, to disgracefully grow old…
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