Passing the Torch
Several posts ago I talked about the fact that I consider myself older and that I would not use the word old. I thought I would elaborate here. I left this on Richards blog today after reading his post about his feelings on this subject.
Great post.....as you know I believe in the word, older and not old....the primary reason is, that I believe people buy into their own labels :) Artist, Old, Beautiful, Ugly, Smart, Dumb I will not even go into the other labels, that make the hair on my neck stand up.......*cringe* We should as human being, be evolved enough to know that we are what we believe we are.....or in the labels we attach to ourselves.
That being said, it is not easy being an old or older person in today’s world. Take for instance the computer. Young people have grown up with computers and related technology. Most of the older generation have not and has to make a conscious decision, whether or not embrace the new technology. When the decision is made, the older generation turns to the younger generation for instruction and help, many feel this is backwards. Most every thing such as music, movies, fashion etc. is geared to the younger generation. We see much of what was drilled into us as children, table manners, courtesy, respect for our elders etc. has changed.....I will not go into whether I feel it is for the better or for the worse, the fact is, that it has changed. This, to many, is irritating and confusing.
What we need to do, is to see the world for what it is, not the way we think it should be. Every generation has had the opportunity to get it either right or wrong. We have done our job, now it is their turn, we are in the process of passing the torch. At the same time, I will be working with them, enjoying their company and giving them my respect. There is much right about the world and for that I am grateful. I also realize that the younger generation has much work ahead of them. My hope is that they have been well prepared.
Great post.....as you know I believe in the word, older and not old....the primary reason is, that I believe people buy into their own labels :) Artist, Old, Beautiful, Ugly, Smart, Dumb I will not even go into the other labels, that make the hair on my neck stand up.......*cringe* We should as human being, be evolved enough to know that we are what we believe we are.....or in the labels we attach to ourselves.
That being said, it is not easy being an old or older person in today’s world. Take for instance the computer. Young people have grown up with computers and related technology. Most of the older generation have not and has to make a conscious decision, whether or not embrace the new technology. When the decision is made, the older generation turns to the younger generation for instruction and help, many feel this is backwards. Most every thing such as music, movies, fashion etc. is geared to the younger generation. We see much of what was drilled into us as children, table manners, courtesy, respect for our elders etc. has changed.....I will not go into whether I feel it is for the better or for the worse, the fact is, that it has changed. This, to many, is irritating and confusing.
What we need to do, is to see the world for what it is, not the way we think it should be. Every generation has had the opportunity to get it either right or wrong. We have done our job, now it is their turn, we are in the process of passing the torch. At the same time, I will be working with them, enjoying their company and giving them my respect. There is much right about the world and for that I am grateful. I also realize that the younger generation has much work ahead of them. My hope is that they have been well prepared.
5 Comments:
I feel great being older. Never felt better than after 50. The greatest thing happening to me was the menopause.
Death? You can die any age, today, tomorrow.
Youth? It is probably difficult to be young at any time. Decide what you are going to do in life without knowing anything about it? A jump into the water with closed eyes. It seems unfair. I know that I found it terrifying.
Be happy, you are lucky, you have arrived at THAT age!
Manners? Fuck manners, they are different from country to country anyhow. Just try to be a NICE person, than the manners will be great.
You are using the computer, I am, I know a 85 year old who is fascinated by them and another the same age who is terrified- maybe "a computer" is just a state of mind? And what is wrong to learn from the young ones? The more I learn the more I know what I don´t know... My, my, I am so wise, sorry.
Let it be as it is... nice to have met you!
Clever words, my friend.
One of my classmates said at a reunion, (it was 10 years ago, in fact):
...We are now at a time in our lives when we should not be considering the past so much, even though it can be a lot of fun pulling out some drawers in our minds to have a look at what nice memories we keep there.
- Now is the time, at this stage in life, as it´s starting to get shorter towards the other end, to consider how we want to use the time that remains for us...
Clever word, too... :o)
Biene:I have always been able to accept by age. I may joke about not wanting to tell my age when in fact I embrace it. Sixty three is great, I feel healthy and happy. Arthritis is a bump in the road and I feel lucky that I am living in a time when there is a replacement awailable for damaged knees, hips etc., I also look forward to becoming a Bionic Woman.
No ones life is without strife of some kind.....mine has been mild next to what some have had to deal with and endure.
Manners.......well I am not ready to give up utensils.....I still prefer them to fingers, even with a sandwich, perhaps because I never use more than one slice of bread LOL :) You and I will always stay young in mind and attitude, because we are ready to learn from the young and keep up with the times. Don't be sorry that you gave your thoughts here.....they are always welcome. I admire your way of thinking....after having read your blog I see that you are an honest person who has handled what life has delt her with great strenght an honor.
Greta: Thank you for your compliment. I will keep what your friend said at the reunion, in my, words to live by, folder.It is a priviledge to have come to the stage in life that one has learned that looking ahead will get you a lot further than looking back.
Auntie, auntie...we try the best we can...but it is so hard...everything seems to become so much more difficult each day. New ways, our world is getting bigger everyday...there are so many choices! It is so easy to take a step in the wrong direction...but we are trying. We´ll never give up on this world and that is a good start. We are grateful for the world you have given us, built for us. All we hope: is that we´ll make you proud in one way or another!
My dear Monica, I am sure you will do just fine.....there is so much to admire in the younger generation......we are all in this together.
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