People Decide to be Old

Saturday 14th September

I notice more and more that people decide to be old.  Ageing is as much in the mind as it is in the body.  Of course one cannot totally avoid the deterioration of the body, and actually despite the massive industry in ‘Age-Defiance’ would one really want to?   One does feel sorry for those who suffer from medical conditions, but again it is possible to treat many of these ailments with the contempt they deserve.   Most old people have put on quite a bit of weight; this is probably for a good reason as, in our hunter-gatherer development, extra layers of fat kept you warm without burning calories and by implication eating.  But there is thickening out a bit and simply being fat.  Do not people notice the fat going on, layer by layer?  I used to be a 28 inch waist, and have gradually gone up to a 34, but when my belt appears to be getting tight, I try not to eat so much.  You really don’t need second helpings, so ignore the desire to fill up your plate for a second time.  Likewise, eating between meals is unnecessary, and will make you fat.  Just don’t buy stuff.  It is that simple.

Work, too.  Or even when you are semi-retired like me, try to keep yourself busy.  Have an agenda for every day.  Oh, and do NOT watch daytime TV.  Nothing is designed to turn you into an old person quicker.   Try and keep up with new ideas, trends, technology, even if at times you feel it is all too much for you.  Have young children around you as much as possible.  I am now enjoying a round of five (or six – depends which way you count them) grandchildren, all under five.  They certainly keep you on your toes.

Last and most important of all, don’t keep telling yourself, and others, that you are getting old.  They will start believing it, and worst of all, so will you.

I didn’t mention sex, but it goes without saying that nothing ages you like stopping wanting or doing sex (just avoid mirrors).