"Love Life and Life Will Love You Back"
There has been a lot of coverage in the national media recently about getting older. Apparently, new research shows that one in six of us will now live to be 100. Is that a good thing do you think, or a bad thing?
I would certainly like to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up, but I'm not sure that I would want to live to be 100. I suppose it's alright if you are still in good health, but my real dread is that I would end my life being totally reliant on someone else. Certainly, I wouldn't want my children to be worrying about me all the time.
It would be interesting to see what you think about this. To be 100 or not to be 100. That is the question. (With apologies to Shakespeare's Hamlet).
This evening, I will be going to my Book Club. As soon as I complete this post, I must get my head down and try to finish it. I don't usually leave it until the last minute like this, but what with Christmas and the New year, and then being away, I'm afraid I've got a bit behind.
To be honest, I'm struggling with this one. It is called Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver. Perhaps it will improve as I get more into it.
As I went into the internet to get this photo, I see that this book is actually a sequel to her first novel, The Bean Trees, so perhaps that's why it's not so enjoyable, because I don't know what went on before with the two main characters.
Has anyone else read either of these books?
Only two more days now until my Guest Blogger makes her appearance on Friday! Watch out for it.
37 comments:
I haven't read either book - but looks intriguing. Let me know when you get farther into it, please. I am always looking for something to read. [I seriously need to buy a Kindle I read so much.]
Pooldad's grandmother is 98 years old [she will be 99 on the 12th of this month] and she is the happiest, fiestiest, sharp person I know. The only reason we had to move her into assisted living this year is because her daughters were too old to physically care for her [they are in their late 70's]. She wouldn't let her grandchildren do it - so she chose her new home and is doing great.
I do agree with you tho' - if I was a burden on someone at that age I wouldn't want to live that long. I don't like being one now and I am less than half that. So I don't really think I have to worry about that kind of longevity. ;)
I'm not sure it's my health I'd be concerned about, more of the state of the world that we're living in. If it goes on as it is, with the selfishness, hurt and greed around I think I'd rather bale out earlier!
I would not want to live to 100. I have a great-grandmother who is 98 and although she is still sharp,(she still wears high heels everywhere) in her old age she has also become well a bitch. She has told my father on numerous occasions that he is looking fat. Most of us at this point just want to punch her most of the time. I can understand why she is this way, I mean so far she has outlived 3 of her 4 children. I actually think she wants to go so she doesn't outlive all of them. I would not want to outlive any of my children and therefore do not want to live to 100. Personally I think I'd be a bitter too!
Skippy - I wouldn't bother with that particular book! I wouldn't recommend it to anyone and, speaking to friends from the book club on the phone, they feel the same. Much better books out there! That is incredible that pooldad's grandma is almost 98 and still a lovely person. It would be interesting to know what she really feels about being that old, but I guess she is still enjoying life.
Gawgus things - that's a good slant on the subject, and so very true. I keep hoping that things will turn round so that people can be more caring towards each other, especially by the time my grandchildren grow up.
Jackie - lovely to hear from you! Isn't that amazing that your great grandmother who is 98 and still wears high-heeled shoes! But such a shame that she has become so nasty in her old age. But, as you say, you can understand it in a way. It must be awful to out-live your children. Thanks for your comment.
I can look at your question in two different lights. One being my Aunt Katie who is now 102 and still living alone with her dog Polly. Her mind is still very sharp & she is in better shape than many people I know that are 72. On the other hand I know others in their 70's & 80's that are dependent on others for survival. I personally would not want to ever be in a position that I had to stay in bed or have someone do the basic things for me.
Odie
I haven't read either of her books but if you are struggling then I probably would be too :)
Living to a 100? That's ok if you are hale and hearty and your mind is still sharp but if it's a long drawn out painful last few years then, thanks but no thanks! I think my opinion is coloured by what Jack goes through daily and my mum suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
http://lyndylou-whocares.blogspot.com
What a great post! ~ I agree with you. I only want to live to be 100 if I am in good health. But, I also agree with those above that wouldn't want to outlive their children. My grandmother outlived ALL of her children and she was only in her early 80's when she passed! ~ My husband's grandmother is 98 and still doing well. She doesn't walk much and has a live-in assistant, but is generally in good health. ~ My mother, on the other hand, is only 78 and lives in a nursing home because she can not care for herself. It's sad. ~ I hope your next book for the book club is better!! :)
yay new book to read and as for living to 100 not sure
I'd love to live to be 100 or more, Thisisme, and I exercise every day and eat foods that will help me to achieve it. I celebrate every birthday by making my exericse program a little more challenging and vigorous than it was the previous year. I add more weight or exercise a little longer. Aging starts the moment you ease up and start to coast. The harder you are on yourself (in terms of discipline and preparedness) the easier life tends to be on you. That's my philosophy.
hmmm...i haven't read either book, but they both have interesting titles! let us know how you end up liking it:) it's always hard to get into something that has a prequel. you feel like you've missed out on so much! and to answer your previous question, i'm on the fence as well about being 100. if i could maintain my sanity and health, then certainly, but to stay alive but not really be living? i'm not sure i'd prefer that:) happy wednesday, sweet friend!
If I'd be in good health, I'd like to live to 100. But like you, I would not want to be dependent on anyone. It also depends on if I'd be alone. If say my husband and/or children have passed, I wouldn't want to live in a world without them.
This...this makes me think about Rich. He knew there was no cure. He knew that it was a terminal prognosis and he knew that he still had 2-3 years if his tumor was 'killed'. They offered him chemo drugs to try to prolong life but all he cared about was the quality of his life. He did not want to be a burden to others and he certainly didn't want to feel worse than he already did. I'm only 50 and I have such aches and pains now from disks and arthritis. I cannot imagine how bad it is going to be in 20 years, let alone 50 more. No thank you! I just want to enjoy "quality" not quantity.
Odie - that's wonderful about your Aunt Katie. If only we could all be like her, age wouldn't matter so much!
lindylou - don't bother with the book!! I'm so sorry to hear about your poor mum - that really is a dreadful disease and, as you say, dealing with Jack as well is bound to cloud your thinking on these things.
Becky - glad you liked the post. My mum was the same as yours, and was quite frail from about 76, which I consider to be young these days. She passed away at 84 after a series of strokes. Yet her mother lived to her 101st year and was standing cooking up until a couple of weeks before she died. Amazing!
Shady - really good comments, and you are so right, but I do admire you your discipline and motivation. I wish I had some of it, believe me. I haven't even opened the Wii Fit that I had for Christmas yet. Still, I'm only 17, so there's plenty of time!! LOL!
vintch - I really wouldn't bother with that book!! When my mum had a series of strokes, she had to go into a Nursing Home for the last fifteen months of her life and, believe me, when you visit these places on a daily basis, you really don't want to go there. Still, you have many, many years to go yet before you have to start worrying about things like that!
Jumble - As you say, it all depends on having good health and, unfortunately, none of us knows what's round the corner in that respect. It must truly be awful to be the only one remaining out of your family.
Bouncin'Barb - it must have been awful for Rich (and you, of course) to have to go through that, but you are so right, it is definitely quality of life rather than quantity of life that truly matters. Sending hugs.
Becca - I wouldn't bother with that book, if I were you! It didn't really get any better even when I finished it.
As I look at Ron (he'll be 63 on Saturday) I marvel at those who are in such great health at 70, 80, 90, and beyond. There is definitely something to be said about "how" a life has been lived - exercise, eating right, etc. - but I also think there is something about the genetics in one's life as well. The men in Ron's family have all passed at an early age; the women lifed longer - except for his sister who passed at 65. As bad as he is now, I can't imagine how he'd even remotely make it to his 70s or 80s. We know that it's doubtful he'll make it too many more years as it is (or, months even). But... (shameless plug) he's got a great nurse who always happens to be in the right place at the right time to get him to the hospital.
100 does seem like a really long time...
Tanya - it doesn't seem quite so long at my age!! LOL!
Teresa = sometimes it does seem a little unfair, doesn't it, how some people just seem to sail through life in very rude health, and yet others seem to have a constant battle from quite an early age. Ron is, indeed, very lucky to have that great nurse!! LOL!
I think I read the Bean Trees, but can't remember it all that well. I do remember reading The Poisonwood Bible~ I absolutely loved it! As for growing old, I say "Bring it!"
Kelly - Like your comment about growing old!
I definately do not want to live to be 100. I don't think I need to worry about it as I am not in too great shape at 60! My mom is 83 and her sisters are 93 and 91, so genetics might have a surprise for me.
Belle - well, that was a very firm response! I guess a high percentage of it is all down to genetics. I think we're both going to have to take a leaf out of Shady's book (see his comment above) and really get ourselves going on some sort of exercise regime!
I haven't read either book. I agree with you about turning 100. I have VERY mixed feelings. To be honest, I'm NOT looking forward to getting older!
Haven't read them, so can't comment...as on to be or not to be...:D, well...I don't think I'll be a very healthy person at 100...and I don't want to be dependent on anyone....I think 99 would work just fine for me... ;)
All the best for 2011!
Maureen
I would NOT want to live to 100 unless I could be healthy and still do for myself...otherwise, take me home Jesus... No, I have not read either of those books.
Daydream Living - Thank you for the good wishes, Maureen. Here's hoping that 2011 will be a good one for all of us.
Donna = I think most of us think like that. I couldn't bear not to be independent.
My great grandmother lived to 105...she had full capacity to move around and lived by herself in an independent apartment in a retirement community sort of thing. She was a feisty old lady who could still paint. She fell and broke her hip right after her 105th birthday...she died six weeks later....she had to go into a nursing home for those six weeks to get better...I swear I think it was the first time she felt old in her whole life. She was happy to be able to see all of us grow up and shared so many stories with us- but she was lonely. She saw two husbands dies and almost two lifetimes worth of friends.
She always said to me that she had one saying to live by (and I know someone else said it but I am not sure who) " I want to live just as long as you do minus one day- so that I never have to wake up one morning without you"
Col - that was a great comment about your great-grandmother, and how wonderful that she kept so well right up until near the end. Such a shame about the fall, and that she did have to end up in a nursing home, rather than passing away peacefully in her own apartment. I think the being lonely bit must be pretty awful. My mum was only 84 when she passed away, but she was the last of her family and her friends had passed away, so I was the only one she had left. I always thought how sad that was. I so love that saying at the end of your comment, and I will probably use that in a post if you don't mind.
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