[jameslindsay]

How beautiful is that and certainly thought prevoking. Thanks for sharing.

[sheila]

I was given this poem many years ago and used it to train carers of the elderly. Very powerful.

[Sandy]

Oh so true, we all have to face up to the ageing pro :'(cess and it ain't good!!!!

[pedigree porker]

Old age, (well middle age) is freedom from your kids (no babysitters etc), the house to yourself every now and again, you stop worrying about things that seemed so important ie body shape, how your peers view you (take me or leave me attitude appears an its so much better).

middle age is different these days, its not frumpy and old, its not grey hairs and perms. its fun and fashion, high heels and wellies.

look at photo of your mum or dad at your age, you will be surprised at how old they dress and look??

its also pigs and chickens, fences and mud, broken nails and nettle stings, splinters and cold hands . . .

And when you consider the alternative to growing old . . . it ain't that bad

[Jackie]

Thats true Annie, inside Im only 26.  and size 12, but thats another story altogether. 

[Norfolk Newby]

You might (I hope!) find this link amusing.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/22/garlic_survey/

Being a long, long way past 40, I thought it was.

I thought growing old was "all in the mind" till my body decided to fall apart.

Currently, equipped with multiple pairs of glasses, hearing aid, stick and a large bag of prescription medicines, I step bravely over the threshold of my front door. I sometimes get as far as the front gate!

The really sad bit is knowing that I couldn't do much yesterday, and tomorrow I won't be able to do even that...

NN

[Wizard]

Hello NN .Now don't you take the HUMP will you please.Kath and I offer you our deepest sympathy.I am not quite at your stage yet.So I visit the Doctor frequently and the DP of WH to let various specialists look at me.C.O.P.D. Forces me to take Oxygen for a minimum of 20hrs a day.I have 2 machines that enrich the air that I breath and a thing called "Freedom 400" Its me Aqualung with out flippers I would have enjoyed going to the show today or tomorrow but I am afraid I wouldn't manage from the car even if I was in the forward park to the Gate.Never mind all the walking that is required. A dozen or so paces is enough to make me stop and get my breath back even with the 400 I have to see Doctor in the morning.It will go like this for sure.Good Morning Mr Baker How are you today? to which I always reply "Bloody ace Doctor I woke up."Ah well lets have a look at you and see if we can keep it that way.He's doing a first class job so far.I tell you what though N N I do not enjoy Ian in Diagnostics Investigations stabbing that sawn off knitting needle in my wrist Well thats what it feels like Its not one of those small ones the nurse uses at the practice he claims he must have blood from an artery for analysis.They are some 3/4 of an inch buried in my wrist and if he misses first go it turns into a very painfull exercise The good thing is I'm still here and full o prune juice some say.

[Sylvia]

Keep going Wizard, I'm not far behind you

[Jackie]

That poem is taught at uni for nurses, pity some forget when they get to practice. 

[Wizard]

Last December I had my 73rd birthday Now picture this if you can A card from the No 4 son Writing on the front read
                                 DAD
Exercise at your time of life is so very important
So,each morning,reach over and touch your slippers 50 times. !

On opening the card is a caricature picture and the writing
Only Then if you feel like it.Get out of bed and put them on

[Sandy]

Old is when you carn't distinguish between Brown, Navy and Black so opt for Red!!!

[Wizard]

The one good thing about being old Sandy Is I don't bloody care.I went shopping Satdy and she said "You' got odd socks on George" To which I replyed"Sor rate Ive another pair like em at om but they are the other and"