Perceptions

If I now start to wear with pride my signs of ‘seniority’, not just shudder at them, and l work on my new smiling face, I wonder how I will be perceived by other people. Will they see that I am an individual who still has a life to lead and can they accept that I am not a has-been who is fit only for the life of a spectator? Is this how most people still see the older generations and how merited is this view?

How do I see other people of my generation and how do I relate to them? Do their signs of ageing repulse me or is it that I can accept them in others but not in myself? Well I think lots of the men of my own age, or older, look great! The fit, slim, bright eyed ones, out enjoying the opportunities that their good health offers. You see them sailing, jogging, cycling, skiing; the benefits of exercise and a healthy life-style are self-evident. The future looks good for them.

They are not all so lucky though. Many are already suffering from ill health, creaking joints or failing hearts. Years of sedentary working, too many calories and lack of exercise has taken its toll They have no choice but to accept the status quo and find enjoyment in less active pastimes.

From Images© by VM. Shared with the author’s permission.