Is 60 Better than Dead?

30 October 2009

For years I’ve said about growing older, “It’s better than the alternative, as far as we know.”

I always added that last qualifying part because who knows, maybe life is better after we’re dead.

Although the idea of turning 60 has troubled me, as I get closer and closer to it, I get more used to it.

Most days it’s no big deal.

But then there are the moments when I just don’t want to be sixty.

I’ll hear myself thinking just that, “I don’t want to be sixty!” Almost like a three year old having a temper tantrum.

I believe our words and thoughts are very powerful. Maybe I can’t cause my I-hope-premature-death by those words but I prefer not to take any chances.

So I remind myself that as far as I know turning 60 is better than the alternative. Since the only way I know to not turn 60 is to not be alive.

And I love my life and being alive.

Even if it means I’ll turn 60.

Are you dreading 60? Delighted? Somewhere in between? Click on Comments below, scroll down to the form, and write away.

Comments (4)

I suppose you could claim to be 59 for the rest of your life. Or you could stay 39 like Jack Benny! All I know is that my feelings about being 60 have changed since I reached it. It seems the older I get the less old people in their 80s seem. I think it’s a matter of perspective. My mom always told me ‘don’t get old’ as she was always suffering from something. But I think it all depends on attitude. Society is changing, slowly to be sure, but still changing attitudes about aging. I’d like to think that it is our boomer generation that is helping to change society. Aren’t we the generation that refuses to get old?

Comment by Ruth — October 31, 2009 @ 8:45 am

Ruth, I do think it’s a matter of perspective, of mindset. My mind is just a bit unruly about this. I’ve wondered if — like many/most of the things in my life I’ve worried about — the anticipation may be worse than the reality. That is, once I turn 60 it won’t be as big a deal as I’d thought. I’ll find out soon as in less than 2 weeks I’ll be out of my 50s.

Comment by Bonnie — November 2, 2009 @ 10:06 am

Being someone who will be turning 60 in January,
I have given alot of thought to this. Not only
being 60 I have had to start a new life. Getting
a divorce after 35 years of marriage and being very
dependant on that person you soon learn to take baby
steps in your new life. I have become very God centered
and helping others to heal whichhas become a
ministry all by itself. “Patchwork Ministry” has
begun by “Putting the Pieces of Our Lives Back Together Again”.
I believe that the “BEST IS YET TO COME” including
turning 60.

Comment by Linda — November 3, 2009 @ 9:26 am

Hi, Linda! Thks for stopping by. A divorce after 35 years – that IS a big transition, I’m sure. I like the “Patchwork Ministry” & it’s “Putting the Pieces . . . ” That sounds interesting. Are you doing this online or offline? I’d like to hear more about it.

Comment by Bonnie — November 3, 2009 @ 7:49 pm