So, what are the privileges that come with age?

[Talk Host]

In a current thread, one of our posters made the statement that "age has its privilege." What are the privileges that come with age?

[nONIE]

My dear mom used to say " I can say anything I want to anybody because Im old"

Not at all sure I agree with that but thats what comes to mind. (And she did) :redface:

[JohnnyM]

Isn't it Age before Beauty? I guess you reach that plateau in life where you earn the top spot "respect wise".

[redwitch]

To me, I'm not sure "privilege" is the right word. I like myself more now. I'm more accepting of my foibles. I'm also a little more accepting of the faults of others. Most importantly, I have learned from mistakes -- mine and others -- and do my best to not repeat them. There is a wisdom in aging.

[Rokinronda]

The biggest privilege is being able to live in The Villages! :bigthumbsup:

[Muncle]

To me, I'm not sure "privilege" is the right word. I like myself more now. I'm more accepting of my foibles. I'm also a little more accepting of the faults of others. Most importantly, I have learned from mistakes -- mine and others -- and do my best to not repeat them. There is a wisdom in aging.


I had a long list, but I forgot where I put it.

Red is right on the ball, up to the last sentence. Age allows these things, however, it does not bestow them. There is no wisdom in aging, but aging does present the opportunity to learn. People often speak about all the experience they have, referring to a series of events through which they've lived or in which they've participated. I really don't view that as experience unless one has learned from the event. If I am the same before and after an event, no matter how frequently I participate, can it be said that I have experienced it? Red speaks of learning from mistakes. That is experience.

Nonie quoted her mom as saying that she could say things as an oldster that she could not do before. Nonie doubted the validity of this as do I. Age is no excuse for being impolite or selfish. Many people accept it as natural, but it's still not right. The most egocentric creature in existence is an infant. Their only considerations are how everything affects themselves, are they warm, are they dry, are they hungry. To hell with the rest of the world if these needs are met. As one ages, in most cases, the more one regresses to that stage of personal evolution. With some it is in their 90's. With others it happens in their 40's. This is not a right or a privilege. This is a curse of human frailty. One should fight it, not accept it.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

[nONIE]

Muncle,

:agree: and I dont plan on going gently into the night. I will fight it until the last shovel of dirt is thrown on my coffin. :yikes: this is getting depressing!!

[beady]

Age should come with respect. As we grow older we experience more and hopefully learn more. Therefore, we should be respectful enough of aged people to listen to their opinions and experiences and use the information to form our own thoughts and opinions.

The Chinese revered the elderly for centuries, considering them the wise ones, and thanking them for their very existance.

Then their are the material priviledges of discounts and special pricing in all manner of variations .

I think here in TV we have accomplished what Mark Twain once said about life, aging and youth. It would seem a lot of us are "splendidly enjoying such advantages" on the older end of our lives, contrary to his assessment.

"Life should begin with age and it's priviledges and accumulations, and end with youth and it's capacity to splendidly enjoy such advantages." 040 040

[billethkid]

I think it simply means a person has little to fear or owe and can say as they please.
Then our rationalizing society gets to the absolute meaning of the statement or intent including such terms as bestow, endorse, etc.
I also think it is a time when a person finds they can cross that emotional wall (for some) called political correctness....you know the license to not do or say they right thing to keep some number around them happy!!!!!!
Don't we all wish society had more of a young child's outlook on almost anything in life....
so innocent....pure....spontaneous....honest....outsp oken....questioning why....etc....etc....
Then comes education, opinions, prejudice and OMG politics....

BTK :read:

[conn8757]

I think the privelges are contentment and gratitude. I feel gratitude for my family - for having the time to raise them and now that they are all grown, married and out on their own, I feel a contentment in my life that I never felt due to the hustle and bustle of raising the four of them. Now is the time to savor the good things and I have no time to put up with rude people or things I don't want to do. Life is good.

[Just Susan]

I think the priviledges of old age boil down to what a person has earned and continues to earn during their lifetime, by their words and deeds. Getting old, just means you've either got good genes or a good doctor. ;)
http://www.millan.net/minimations/toolminis/mermaid3.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[Frangyomory]

.....and don't forget all those senior citizen discounts!!!!!

[chelsea24]

Privileges of age to me:

To have the time to just be still.

To realize that every sunrise and sunset counts so I can soak in every moment of them.

To stand in awe at the amount of wonderful people that I have the honor of calling friend.

To look back at the journey of my life, every peak and valley, and know that it is what makes me unique on this earth.

To feel the mischievous child that is still inside me giggling somewhere and have the time to act on it.

To really like myself so I can look in the mirror and think "God, I love hanging out with her."

To snuggle my hand in my husbands hand and know that they are a perfect fit and feel an overwhelming love.

To be able to say I have witnessed true miracles like the birth of my daughter.

And most of all, to feel closer to God and know that my relationship with Him has grown through the years, and that His plan for me was and is a perfect one.

[JohnnyM]

Privileges of age to me:
And most of all, to feel closer to God and know that my relationship with Him has grown through the years, and that His plan for me was and is a perfect one.

Boy I don't think that could have been put any better :agree: Johnny

[redwitch]

Hey, Jan, shouldn't this be in non-Villages forum? roflao

[nONIE]

Chels,

Wow! That is really beautiful and so true! :agree: :agree: :agree:

Thanks for the reality check that getting older has some wonderful advantages. You made my day!

[Sidney Lanier]

Greater flexibility with time in our (retired) lives to utilize our gifts to serve others without the guilt that we are taking that time away from roles that we HAD to fulfill in our working lives....

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi,

Just read the thread and :agree: :agree: with many of the thoughts written by all of you.

I feel unbelievably lucky in so many ways, and you all have expressed it quite well.

HB

[samhass]

Chels, that was beautiful. :agree: :agree:





Privileges of age to me:

To have the time to just be still.

To realize that every sunrise and sunset counts so I can soak in every moment of them.

To stand in awe at the amount of wonderful people that I have the honor of calling friend.

To look back at the journey of my life, every peak and valley, and know that it is what makes me unique on this earth.

To feel the mischievous child that is still inside me giggling somewhere and have the time to act on it.

To really like myself so I can look in the mirror and think "God, I love hanging out with her."

To snuggle my hand in my husbands hand and know that they are a perfect fit and feel an overwhelming love.

To be able to say I have witnessed true miracles like the birth of my daughter.

And most of all, to feel closer to God and know that my relationship with Him has grown through the years, and that His plan for me was and is a perfect one.

[kathy and al]

Despite all the advantages, I'd take all the disadvantages and go back being 18 years old once again!!!!!!!!!!
Although a lot won't really admit it, I think many would prefer to do the same.

[JohnnyM]

Kathy & Al be careful of what you wish for. We are all still standing no matter what our ages now. You can go back to 18 again but never make it 20. Illness, car accidents who knows? At least you have the memories of that lifetime and a bright future at TV. I thank God every single day that I have made it this far and I still will get bonus time to spend in TV. If you never reach a certain age then certain things can't happen for you. When you turn 65 you may hit the Mega Millions Lottery but if you don't allow yourself to age and reach 65 it just won't happen. Think of all the pluses coming your way that you haven't experienced yet. ;) JohnnyM

[Beltlady]

Despite all the advantages, I'd take all the disadvantages and go back being 18 years old once again!!!!!!!!!!
Although a lot won't really admit it, I think many would prefer to do the same.
Not in this day and age. I like it right were I am.

[billethkid]

I totally agree with Beltlady......I like where I am...who I am.....and from whence I've come.
Being young again means I might have to deal with all the things being swept under the carpet to make us all feel good......
Terrorism.....social security short fall...medicare short fall.....being around to experience further deterioration of our great country.

Nope....let's all enjoy what we have as our predecessors did a good job for us to enjoy life as we have.
I have no confidence the generations behind us will have it as good.

I love to be proved wrong and do hope sensibility and core values some day will prevail.

BTK

[Russ_Boston]

I feel that one of the best privileges is that much of the complexity has gone out of life. I don't mean in a bad way like it is boring now but more in the way that professional athletes feel after their rookie years.

For example when Tom Brady was asked about he plays now versus when he was a rookie he said someting like "I see the whole field now because everything seems to be in slow motion". That is exactly how i feel about my life even though I'm busier now than i was when i was 25!