A few days ago Vivian de St. Vrain aka Dr. Metablog began his last year as a septuagenarian. His next birthday, 80. Astonishing. Unbelievable. And kind of miraculous.
When I was boy, I thought that people of such an advanced age were very likely extra-terrestrials or possibly members of another species. I remember my ancient ancestors and relations as very small people, odd-smelling (chicken soup and mothballs), whose faces were covered with knobs, whelks and unsightly dark spots. As a group, they appeared to my youthful eyes as swollen, distorted, asymmetrical.
But now, at this present age, I don't feel even the slightest bit extra-galactic. I feel like me. Except, of course, when I catch sight of my reflection in a shop window as I stroll the mall. Who is that white-haired guy?
Here's my status report at age 79. I'm healthy. All my organs might work a little slower, a little grumpier about doing their jobs, but none of them has crapped out completely. My joints are relatively supple, especially my knees. I have great knees. I experience muscle pains and muscle spasms occasionally, and my back is bad, but it's better than it was a decade or two ago, thanks to the surgery. I tire more easily and recover from fatigue more slowly. My memory is not as sharp as heretofore, but it's still pretty good, better than most. I'm learning a new language and I admit that I have to look up new words two or three times before they stick. Sometimes four or five times, truth be told. My capacity for abstract thinking, never strong, has definitely diminished, but my sense of humor is intact.
I'm not taking any medicines, except for an occasional sleeping pill. The bifocals and the lens implants are working just fine. So are the hearing aids. And the tooth implant is still firmly in place. The rest of me, I'm proud to say, is all original equipment.
On the whole, I'd say that I've come through some dark times and that I'm enjoying a personal renaissance. How long will it last? Impossible to predict. A day, a year, ten years? But hey, I have love in my life. Children who are thriving. Lovely grandchildren.
I must acknowledge that at my age I could be growing something deadly and that the least little twinge could be an early sign of a fatal disease. And although nothing of that kind has happened yet, it's inevitable that something will happen. Life is term-limited and I've lost too many friends and relations to deny the obvious. I'm acutely aware that each day is precious.
You started this blog when you were 67 and now you are 80? Holy Jesus, thats awesome. Just found your blog looking for an explanation for my inability to find my way to the local grocery store, even though ive been there dozens of times. I think you call it dysgeographica. I love your style of writing and Ill start following your blog. Keep it up!
Posted by: Danilo Morães | March 20, 2018 at 08:16 AM