Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Staying young often just a matter of attitude

Just had two things happen in the span of 15 minutes that says something about aging and life.

I was visitsing my mom today and two nurses were there to meet with her -- ask a few questions, take a little blood. I briefly introduced myself and one of the nurses then asked me if I was their client's "husband".

Right. My mom is 87 and looks 110. I know I've been showing my age recently, but do I really look like I'm ready for assisted living? I actually said to the nurse, "Are you kidding?" Then I explained that I was their "client's" very young, healthy, and particularly good looking son! I also mentioned that I might look a little weary at the moment because I'd just finished walking TWO HOURS at the river! Arrrrrrggg!

Fast forward a few minutes and I was back home, back at my computer, checking my e-mail. A friend had sent me a link to YouTube that features a couple who have been married for 62 years -- the man is 90. Apparently they had an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., spotted a piano in the lobby, and decided to take a few moments and play a duet.

The video captures something special -- joy, a sense of fun, life ... and, well, the ability to play the piano! There's that old saw about being only as old as you feel. Going by that measure, then these two folks are just making it out of their teens.

So take a look at the video HERE and the next time you grumble about feeling old -- or someone mistakes you for an octogenerian -- recall this couple and start thinking young. You'll feel better! Oh, it might help if you and your significant other can learn to play the piano really good and really fast!

2 comments:

  1. Funny...

    Obviously, the nurse must either be dumb, blind or both.

    One often presumes to know someone at first glance. It is advisable to first listen and ask questions last.

    Please allow me to share a cute and somewhat humorous story with you.

    After finishing dining in this lovely restaurant, my friend requested the bill.
    My friend is in his mid to late forties.
    Upon paying, he noticed that he was automatically allotted the senior discount.
    He politely approached the waitress and asked her to guess his age. Without missing a beat she replied: "Honey, I can spot a senior citizen a mile away. I thought you might be shy or something, so as not to embarrass you, I went ahead surprised you. Sure hope you don't mind, darling...

    Thank goodness my friend has a fairly descent sense of humor and approached this situation with the right "attitude."

    The video illustrates the lively, rhythmic, and superb attitude these individuals possess.

    In life, looks are important but what is essential is having a "good attitude."
    Beauty fades but character and attitude are eternal.

    Our world is filled with unusual and interesting people, though out of all, I wonder how many possess a real good attitude?

    Every day may not be great, but there's something great in every day. Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

    Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.

    Sincerely,

    Ava

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  2. Oh, come on!! More anecdotal evidence for not putting too much faith in eyewitness accounts.

    I feel your pain, though: About 6 yrs ago, when I was STILL in my (late) 30's and my dad (who was in his early 60's at the time) was in the hospital, one of the nurses mistook me for his "lady friend." To be fair, his lady friend is younger than he is. On the other hand, she is Indian, with fairly dark skin.

    Do you think people just don't even bother looking at each other anymore? I also agree with Ava, that people make instant assumptions and then blurt them out. It's filter-failure!!!

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