Do you make plans for next month, next year? My father-in-law often said, after he turned eighty, “I’m so old now, I don’t buy green bananas any more.”
My mother, like my grandmother, never liked to talk of plans for the future. If she did, she stated what she would do and added, “Please, God.” The possibility she wouldn't make it to the event was always on Mom's mind and she prayed God would help her fulfill any plan she did make. I am not accustomed to older people in my life openly discussing their plans without thoughts of death lurking nearby.
At this time in our lives, as my husband and I settle into our senior years, we would like to have a realistic, though positive outlook for the future. We’d like to live in the present and enjoy every experience and continue to make realistic plans for our future.
We have friends who are eighty this year and who make plans. Hiltrud and Carlo
just recently completed their second road trip in less than a year across Canada, driving from the Maritimes to British Columbia. They have plans to visit their birthplace in Germany again next year. They adapt to life and keep going.
Last year they moved from Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia. They downsized, moved into an apartment, and started over in a new city. They are socially active, engaged citizens with active lifestyles. On their recent visit to Prince Edward Island, we met on the boardwalk as they did their morning bike ride. They have the energy and enthusiasm of much younger people. They see a future for themselves, rather than the end of a journey and they keep planning.
Carlo recently celebrated his birthday and Hiltrud will this fall. Happy birthday to two great role models. We aspire to be as active as you for as long as you, to live every day and to continue to make plans.
And since I am my mother’s daughter, there is a tiny voice which echos in my brain, "Please God.”
41 comments:
I know exactly what you mean Marie. Carlo and Hiltrud have the kind of outlook that we should all aspire to.. they aren't afraid to live now. I sometimes hear a similar faint echo that goes 'please God' ☺
Oh yes! There's a lot of life of all kinds out there to enjoy. May we all, "please God."
hehehe, i love the green banana comment, it is funny!! i have a very positive outlook on life but my health often prevents the "being active" part. it's so sad as i always took care of myself, ate right, exercised and made good life choices!!!
beautiful pictures of 2 beautiful people!!
and yes, i do make plans for the future!!!
My plans for this summer are transferred to next.
Plans are always good to have, having an outlook on certain things surely helps. Greetings!
Your good friends are such an inspiration to all of us! Sarah x
They have a wonderful attitude, PDP.
We have to embrace each day, Celia!
I believe that people with personal energy will continue to enjoy life past the time that those of us with conditions that cause us to slow down can only watch in amazement. I know I won't be able to journey around in the future like your friends. I didn't inherit those healthy genes but I am so glad that someone else did and they are using them to their full advantage.
Debbie, from what I see on your blog, you have a wonderful attitude, adapt to your health needs and keep going! That's what it's all about!
Yay, Joanne. That's the spirit that inspires!
Living life is what it's all about, B.
They truly are, Sarah.
What a great couple who know how to live each and every day. I always have plans and think ahead. I can't imagine not having plans, it would be too boring. :)
I make more plans for the future the older I get. But I'm still pretty young. Maybe that'll change in the future. Right now I even plan my meals for the next month on the computer.
How nice to read about such inspirational 'happy' people. I have to-do lists but no major plans. Muddling along works (mostly) for me.
Wonderful role models. I turn 75 this year and love to see people older than me still active and looking forward to life. And, as you and your mother said so well, "Please God." :-)
I guess it partly depends on how good and fit you feel.
Your friends have a very healthy outlook on life. I am 84 and physically this past year has been my hardest but 28 years in the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) program has taught me to concentrate on others in need and it makes my problems seem small. I agree with AC that so much depends on your health.
I am 80 this year, but because of arthritis my joy of living has been dampened somewhat. I have to use a mobility scooter to get about now. The weather in England is now so bad (rains at some point every day)that I can't even get out on that! If we get a sunny day (not very often) all the pavements (footways?) are usually blocked by parked cars now and I'm not allowed to use the roadway by law so I cant get past them!
Carlo and Hiltrud sound like a lot of fun, and very inspiring. Good for them for living such fulls lives!
I'm very much a planner. It stresses me out when things aren't well planned and organized, so I like to have a plan.
Keep enjoying life as much as you can, Barbara. The way you enjoy work is an important part in staying young I think.
Great attitude, Bill.
I'll never have that kind of plan, Ratty. Whatever works for you though...
Whatever works, EC. As long as you're enjoying life!
Your enthusiasm for life is inspiring too, Jan.
I agree, AC. After all, something will bring the end. Meanwhile, give 'er.
So true, Ginnie. Health is the key. Meanwhile, your attitude about helping others can help us when our health prevents a more active lifestyle.
That area is not age friendly, Keith. though your scooter gives you mobility, you can't use it. Can anyone on council help having signage etc put in place?
Our friends are great examples of how to live full lives as long as possible, Danielle.
Thank you for visiting.
They sound amazing. I have recently taken a part time job working in an antique store. The owner has had several businesses before and decided, almost on a whim to start this shop up in my town (she resides in Toronto.. the shop is in Peterborough). She makes the trek between both cities (about a 1.5 hour drive) every couple of weeks or so, looks after two homes and her mentally disabled son, two dogs and herself. She just turned 91. I aspire to have her strength at any age, let alone a few decades from now.
I admire people who have that drive to live life to the fullest. They are role models indeed. I like to make plans, but I always say "God willing". I want to believe that if I do my part, God will do His.
:)
Such an inspiration! Wow! I would love to have half that spirit and drive now, Hilary.
Our friends are excellent role models, Catarina.
LOL about what your FIL said after he turned 80. HA! The thing is, not a one of knows when it's our last day, which could have easily as not have been when we were much younger. So I'm with you and your new friends who just keep on planning and living like they will go on forever. When it comes time to slow down, our bodies tell us, so till them, let's all just keep truckin'. :)
That's it.
It is indeed, Mage.
Thank you for this marvelous and very inspirational post dear Marie!!!
i agree that like my parents and grandparents people did not plan without thinking of the death which is natural but i salute the enthusiasm and activeness of people like your friends!
How amazing they are so vibrant and carefree , i think this is an ideal life style in this age .
Hello Marie
Your friends are a great couple! Such a beautiful life style everyone hopes in their old ages.
"I do not buy green bananas anymore" is impressive new words for me.
I went through your posts and i am here now. My break will be at end. See you soon.!
I agree, Baili. Focus on what is, not what if or when.
Welcome back, Tomoko. Hope you had a great summer!
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