
He had recently retired… he was mostly bald… he’d experienced one heart attack in his late 50’s… he exercised little beyond walking… he was an old man (like most men his age at the time)… he was 65… he was my father.
Dad was in the winter of his years as his health went into a steady decline and he slipped his earthly bonds at age 73.
This year I’m turning 65 too, and as such I’m feeling an inner psychological change. It’s a perception…
It’s like I’m entering a new season. Maybe my leaves are turning from green to yellow and red. But it’s not winter… not YET!
Life comes in seasons.
Let’s set this scenario up, shall we?
SPRING – 0-25 years
SUMMER – 25-65 years
FALL – 65-80 years
WINTER – 80+ years
I’ve made these seasons up.
You’ll likely agree with these parameters… or… vehemently disagree. No problem… it’s an artificial construct and totally based on today’s average lifespans and my whim.
I’ve had all of those life experiences that come with the spring and summer of a life: dependence on Mom and Dad, the naive, wide-eyed early school years, the tumultuous teens, high school, college, early romances, marriage, jobs, kids, travel, hair loss, “retirement”, first grandchildren.
The early seasons are full: full of expectations, full of dreams, full of stresses, full of ecstasies, full of busy, full of sorrows, full of joys.
Today, the hair on my head, once my pride of luxury, thick and soft, is grey, thin and wiry, the skin on my face is lined and wrinkled, my legs don’t run as fast as they once did, my eyes struggle to read anything close up without “readers”.
Yes, I’d say I’m in the fall of my timeline, and while I’m not terrifically excited about aging, I accept its inevitability, although the increasing speed of time passing by me now is a daily shock.
For sure it’s not the beginning, but it’s also not the end (I hope).
It’s not my winter… and I’d love to write another post here in 15 years telling you that turning 80 is also not truly winter. Time will tell, right?
I have lots of passion and energy remaining most days, enthusiasm thrives inside me for the many things I enjoy: running, playing guitar, songwriting, travelling, grandparenting, cooking, swimming, volunteering, gardening, cycling… the list goes on.

In my life’s experience and cultural awareness, 65 was always the turning point where we shed the working world and settled into a rocking chair on the front porch… waiting… stagnating… imparting wisdom to little minds (kids, not idiots!)… counting the minutes and days until… until…
It’s time to look at age and aging afresh with a new awareness.
So going forward I’ll start reminding myself that these seasons, these artificial constructs, are markers but not barriers. Newness, learning, and physical movement don’t have to fall by the wayside because of our chronology.
I’m saying all of this to you as a reminder to me that our minds are our biggest enemy (at times) but also our best friends.
Let’s (Yoda) try to cherish and nurture this friendship regardless of the season where we find ourselves.

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re going don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
Lori McKenna (popularized by Tim McGraw)
Jul 31, 2022 @ 06:22:25
Keep duking it out with Father Time Larry!!! You’ve definitely got the upper hand my friend. As you note above, age is a construct….”you’re only as old as you feel” and I haven’t felt you lately so I can’t give you an official opinion…😁…so we’ll all rely on your self-assessment. I’m not too far behind you as we both hit 65 this year…what a journey this life has been, eh!!!! I can say with 100% certainty that my life would have not been as enjoyable or as complete without you and Maureen in it. No question about that.
Peace
Uncle Nim
Aug 02, 2022 @ 20:07:17
Thank you old friend for your lovely sentiments as well as your comic take on not feeling me lately!! You combine a wonderful seriousness in your global and human views while simultaneously laughing at the absurdities and “frights in the night”. Your optimism and zaniness has buoyed me over the years 😉 Cheers to our next 35 years!
Jul 31, 2022 @ 13:25:49
Happy 65th there young fella. 🎉🎂🍾🥂. You are still young at heart and doing so much more at your age than your father’s era did. Don’t sweat the numbers…just enjoy the days filled with all the things you love to do and you won’t be “old” for a long time yet.
Aug 02, 2022 @ 20:09:51
Many thanks for your kindness Joan from this Numbers Guy … I feel a kindredship with you and your desire to help others, and appreciate your comments! 🙂
Aug 01, 2022 @ 09:16:05
I’m with you all the way on this one Larry.
Some days I’m more with you than others as I’m a bit further down the line or up the ladder- whichever way the like to look at it.
Aug 02, 2022 @ 20:14:58
Oh, you’re way above me on any ladder Florence… and in only the very best ways!! Thanks for your comments and Across the Seas perspectives! You may have “retired”, but we’ll never lose the teacher in you… 😉
Aug 02, 2022 @ 10:35:20
Thanks for your thoughtful musings on ageing from one fall to another!
Love to you and Maureen,
Jane Cowell
Aug 02, 2022 @ 20:18:08
HA! Now we’re both “Fall Guys”… never thought of it that way 😉 Thanks so much Jane… we think of you often! May our winters be long distant…