It’s the odd question people ask you, especially at the milestones. My quick answer to everybody that has asked is, just like I did when I was 59, a couple of minutes, hours, and now days ago. Is there some physiological change that you are supposed to go through? Are you supposed to gain some new profound insight into the meaning of life? Was there a pin, plaque, or exclusive membership card (other than AARP like when we turn 50)?
Let me try to answer and see if it resonates with anybody else that has reached the six-decade mark. Here’s a list of questions I asked myself in order to make an assessment, feel free to use it as your own benchmark and add any measurements that evaluate how it feels be a certain age:
- Do you feel like the invincible godlike/goddess warrior that you were in your 20’s?
- Does the weather, especially cold, affect me physically and/or mentally?
- Can you still touch your toes?
- Do you think your generation is better than the current one?
- Are you wiser?
- Do you make what my kids call “old man” noises when you get up, bend down, or get up off the floor?
- Do you feel hopeful about the future?
- Do you dread the future?
- Are the accomplishments of your life measured in the number of years that you achieve or the marks you will leave that make up the dash between your start and end date?
So, I feel good! It feels good to be 60, as I’m sure it felt to be any other age. I always say “you don’t want to ever F* around and miss a birthday!” I feel mentally (some of you may argue against) strong, I feel physically strong. And best of all I still feel.
