Seeking Advice From Older Christians (of All Ages) -- on How to Not Get Old.
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I'm gonna tell a story on myself today and then I should probably leave the singles alone. Even though you all are so much fun.
I decided to tackle my boxwood bushes today. They suffered damage this winter so I let them go hoping they would grow out on their own. They were planted before we moved in to the house. I'm no gardener,I'm trying to learn. So I started out to trim the hedges and it would not work. It kept getting caught in the leaves and I was getting more upset by the minute. I was trying to help my hubby out and thought he'd be surprised when he came home and saw the boxwoods trimmed and yard looking tidy.
I decided to go inside and Google boxwoods. I watched a few videos and learned you have to cut out the dead leaves and branches because it needs the sunlight to get to the roots and grow new foliage. And I suddenly got super spiritual and it made me think of how we let sin entangle us until God's light is no longer reaching us. We need to let Him prune those things out of our lives. Then I thought " that'll preach"! So I got on Facebook and thought I would share. Then I went back to clipping dead leaves and branches out of the bushes.
It got hot really and so I decided to go inside and cool off and maybe get back to work later. I left all my tools out but hubby came home early. He called up from downstairs and said " Babe, were you using the chainsaw today?" I said "no" thinking what an odd question, why would I need a chainsaw?! He waited a moment to let it sink in and said " Babe were you trying to trim the hedges with the chainsaw?" "Nnnoo--" Well doggone it!! That's why it wasn't working!! I have no idea why it didn't hit me. I'm claiming an early senior moment. smh A couple of my neighbors were out and here I was feelin' all proud of myself and they're saying " look at that nutcase of a women, out there trimming hedges with a chainsaw!!" Talk about a humbling moment. Not sure about the spiritual lesson on using a chainsaw for hedges, but if I think long enough it will hit me. Now I have to go back to Facebook and come clean. I learned another lesson today, learning to be humble!
I decided to tackle my boxwood bushes today. They suffered damage this winter so I let them go hoping they would grow out on their own. They were planted before we moved in to the house. I'm no gardener,I'm trying to learn. So I started out to trim the hedges and it would not work. It kept getting caught in the leaves and I was getting more upset by the minute. I was trying to help my hubby out and thought he'd be surprised when he came home and saw the boxwoods trimmed and yard looking tidy.
I decided to go inside and Google boxwoods. I watched a few videos and learned you have to cut out the dead leaves and branches because it needs the sunlight to get to the roots and grow new foliage. And I suddenly got super spiritual and it made me think of how we let sin entangle us until God's light is no longer reaching us. We need to let Him prune those things out of our lives. Then I thought " that'll preach"! So I got on Facebook and thought I would share. Then I went back to clipping dead leaves and branches out of the bushes.
It got hot really and so I decided to go inside and cool off and maybe get back to work later. I left all my tools out but hubby came home early. He called up from downstairs and said " Babe, were you using the chainsaw today?" I said "no" thinking what an odd question, why would I need a chainsaw?! He waited a moment to let it sink in and said " Babe were you trying to trim the hedges with the chainsaw?" "Nnnoo--" Well doggone it!! That's why it wasn't working!! I have no idea why it didn't hit me. I'm claiming an early senior moment. smh A couple of my neighbors were out and here I was feelin' all proud of myself and they're saying " look at that nutcase of a women, out there trimming hedges with a chainsaw!!" Talk about a humbling moment. Not sure about the spiritual lesson on using a chainsaw for hedges, but if I think long enough it will hit me. Now I have to go back to Facebook and come clean. I learned another lesson today, learning to be humble!
No, THIS should be one of those family stories that goes down in infamy, the one in which your husband is telling your grandkids or grand nieces and nephews years down the road things like, "Yeah, back in the day, your Grandma was trimming hedges -- WITH A CHAINSAW!!! Sure, she COULD have used boring old clippers but she needed MORE POWER! RUH RUH RUH RUH! (Insert Tim Allen's patented Home Improvement growl here.)"
I mean seriously, how bad apples is that???!!!
And if this were the 80's, you'd fit right in because it sounds like something Rambo would be doing after he retired.
I don't think that I'd ever even try to start a chainsaw, let alone put it to use on landscaping!
@ThereRoseaLamb, I salute you for teaching those hedges who was the REAL boss.
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I laughed out loud at this, @ThereRoseaLamb, and I have to gently disagree with you here -- this is NOT an "old person" moment AT ALL.
No, THIS should be one of those family stories that goes down in infamy, the one in which your husband is telling your grandkids or grand nieces and nephews years down the road things like, "Yeah, back in the day, your Grandma was trimming hedges -- WITH A CHAINSAW!!! Sure, she COULD have used boring old clippers but she needed MORE POWER! RUH RUH RUH RUH! (Insert Tim Allen's patented Home Improvement growl here.)"
I mean seriously, how bad apples is that???!!!
And if this were the 80's, you'd fit right in because it sounds like something Rambo would be doing after he retired.
I don't think that I'd ever even try to start a chainsaw, let alone put it to use on landscaping!
@ThereRoseaLamb, I salute you for teaching those hedges who was the REAL boss.
No, THIS should be one of those family stories that goes down in infamy, the one in which your husband is telling your grandkids or grand nieces and nephews years down the road things like, "Yeah, back in the day, your Grandma was trimming hedges -- WITH A CHAINSAW!!! Sure, she COULD have used boring old clippers but she needed MORE POWER! RUH RUH RUH RUH! (Insert Tim Allen's patented Home Improvement growl here.)"
I mean seriously, how bad apples is that???!!!
And if this were the 80's, you'd fit right in because it sounds like something Rambo would be doing after he retired.
I don't think that I'd ever even try to start a chainsaw, let alone put it to use on landscaping!
@ThereRoseaLamb, I salute you for teaching those hedges who was the REAL boss.
Hahah I love your POV!! It's definitely a story that is gonna stick with me. I do like more power, must be the Pentecostal in me, ba dum bum ching !! Remind me to tell you all the story of when hubby and I were engaged and I near killed him with.... toothpicks! Don't worry singles, I've done just about everything wrong, you can't fail more than I did. And he's still here 10 yrs later, shaking his head at me and wondering how I've managed to live this long. lol
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If we have the hope of eternal life, then we are not really "getting old" in a spiritual sense.
2 Corinthians 4:16
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."
Naturally speaking, we are ever-aging and ever-approaching death because of sin, but spiritually speaking, we are being renewed day by day.
Romans 8:10
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
As easy as that is to say, it is much harder to live out in reality. I mean, none of us want to get old and eventually die, but it is a reality that we all must face, embrace, and, most of all, prepare for by making ourselves right with God through Christ, so I continually remind myself of such things and live accordingly by the grace of God.
I'll just be honest. As much faith as I genuinely have in the hope of eternal life through Christ, getting old and dying is not something that I am really looking forward to. If I only had myself to think about, then I would probably look forward to it more than I presently do. However, seeing how just about every single person I know is lost, I'm hoping to positively affect some of them so that they might be saved before I die.
I try to avoid sinning as much as possible by the power of the Holy Spirit because sickness is directly related to sin at times in the Bible. I also pay pretty close attention to what I put inside of my body. I definitely eat healthier now than I did when I was younger. I also do some body weight exercises at home to try to keep in shape.
That's just where I'm at.
Personally, I truly feel the same on the inside, aside from the Holy Spirit now residing in me, that I did when I was but a child. After all, I'm still me. However, my body is slowing down in some aspects. I especially notice it when I have to walk up a lot of stairs. I'll end on a bit of a weird note:
Life is scary, and I am ever-aware of my own mortality and the mortality of others. This mindset doesn't really ever leave me feeling like I'm missing out on any fun. If I could have God grant me one request, and I have made it several times, then it would be for a true friend to walk this scary path with.
2 Corinthians 4:16
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."
Naturally speaking, we are ever-aging and ever-approaching death because of sin, but spiritually speaking, we are being renewed day by day.
Romans 8:10
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
As easy as that is to say, it is much harder to live out in reality. I mean, none of us want to get old and eventually die, but it is a reality that we all must face, embrace, and, most of all, prepare for by making ourselves right with God through Christ, so I continually remind myself of such things and live accordingly by the grace of God.
I'll just be honest. As much faith as I genuinely have in the hope of eternal life through Christ, getting old and dying is not something that I am really looking forward to. If I only had myself to think about, then I would probably look forward to it more than I presently do. However, seeing how just about every single person I know is lost, I'm hoping to positively affect some of them so that they might be saved before I die.
I try to avoid sinning as much as possible by the power of the Holy Spirit because sickness is directly related to sin at times in the Bible. I also pay pretty close attention to what I put inside of my body. I definitely eat healthier now than I did when I was younger. I also do some body weight exercises at home to try to keep in shape.
That's just where I'm at.
Personally, I truly feel the same on the inside, aside from the Holy Spirit now residing in me, that I did when I was but a child. After all, I'm still me. However, my body is slowing down in some aspects. I especially notice it when I have to walk up a lot of stairs. I'll end on a bit of a weird note:
Life is scary, and I am ever-aware of my own mortality and the mortality of others. This mindset doesn't really ever leave me feeling like I'm missing out on any fun. If I could have God grant me one request, and I have made it several times, then it would be for a true friend to walk this scary path with.
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Moses' Psalm says, "teach us to number our days," so going with that I figured I'm roughly 19,675 days old, and that's sounds pretty young to me. It helps me realize how generous God has been to me, each day is a gift. Even 100,000 days old sounds awfully young, don't you think? That's 274 years old, btw. Scripture says that though our bodies are withering away, our spirit is renewed day by day and I think that 'new' perspective is what we should look forward to daily. How did I become new today? Not the same as I was yesterday, and not the same as I'm going to be tomorrow. Today, I actually enjoyed cleaning my house! And I don't remember ever doing that (but that might be only because I don't remember as well as I use to ).
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Moses' Psalm says, "teach us to number our days," so going with that I figured I'm roughly 19,675 days old, and that's sounds pretty young to me. It helps me realize how generous God has been to me, each day is a gift. Even 100,000 days old sounds awfully young, don't you think? That's 274 years old, btw. Scripture says that though our bodies are withering away, our spirit is renewed day by day and I think that 'new' perspective is what we should look forward to daily. How did I become new today? Not the same as I was yesterday, and not the same as I'm going to be tomorrow. Today, I actually enjoyed cleaning my house! And I don't remember ever doing that (but that might be only because I don't remember as well as I use to ).
).
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
Somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
- Chris Rice
Moses' Psalm says, "teach us to number our days," so going with that I figured I'm roughly 19,675 days old, and that's sounds pretty young to me. It helps me realize how generous God has been to me, each day is a gift. Even 100,000 days old sounds awfully young, don't you think? That's 274 years old, btw. Scripture says that though our bodies are withering away, our spirit is renewed day by day and I think that 'new' perspective is what we should look forward to daily. How did I become new today? Not the same as I was yesterday, and not the same as I'm going to be tomorrow. Today, I actually enjoyed cleaning my house! And I don't remember ever doing that (but that might be only because I don't remember as well as I use to ).
).
I know some people become senile as they get older and its like they regress to being like babies and they just dont remember anything so any long held grudges and complaints would have disappeared... which could be a good thing cos they feel young right? In their minds they are still young doesnt matter about their bodies...
The other thing is theres this book called Old Before my Time about a girl who suffers from Progeria, its kind of like the Benjamin Button movie or something (actually not seen it but heard of it) where those afflicted age ten times faster than the normal population so be kinda glad you dont have that problem...
Ecclesiastes had everything anyone could want or hope for and didn't have to work for or fight for any of it all the days of his life. God just told him He would grant him whatever he asked for, and because he asked for wisdom and discernment, and everything else was added to him. Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom (2Chron9:22) and yet, he concluded that it was all meaningless. I think this is because none of it is actually the source of life and that is all we really long for and, whether we realize it or not, that is God.
Hey Everyone,
First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.
I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.
Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)
I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.
Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.
When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)
More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.
By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.
What about all of you?
* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?
* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?
* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?
I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!
First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.
I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.
Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)
I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.
Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.
When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)
More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.
By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.
What about all of you?
* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?
* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?
* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?
I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!
2. Exercise
3. Exercise
I'm 72. I had some health problems that hindered me from exercising. It is much harder to get back into it when you are older. Excercise needs to include strength, stamina and flexibility training. I ride a bike and do light weights for upper body strength. Walking is one of the best exercises, especially if you have hills to add a bit of strain.
Panicking does not help. If you are unfit, especially as an older person, overdoing exercise is too easy.
Simple things become harder. I'm not keen on climbing a ladder these days.
Keep mentally active also. I found that the brain is similar to a muscle. Keep reading, doing puzzles; something to stimulate the brain.
Chess is good.
Don't give up. Some days, the bike ride is fairly easy. Others, it's a battle to go the same distance. I measure progress by what I could do weeks ago, not by the last ride.
I believe in divine healing, but I also go to the doctor for a check up. I take meds for blood pressure and blood thinner because I had atrial fibrulation a few years ago.
Ask God for wisdom with what you eat. I do not believe that everyone's metabolism is the same. Getting obsessed over food is not Biblical and not necessarily healthy.
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Amen, and here it is written, and it is a very wise conclusion by the preacher (Solomon) himself:
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
- Ecclesiastes 12:10-14 (KJV)
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
- Ecclesiastes 12:10-14 (KJV)
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Too many of us behave as if this life is all there is, and trying to keep in mind that many people live their lives believing this, I don't mind letting them go ahead of me or moving over if it they seem to be in a hurry to pass me. They only have this life to enjoy, although they are chasing the wind, but I have forever and figure that the wind will certainly be back around.
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Yes, as he set his heart to search out wisdom and found it only in God. There is a Hebrew/Greek linguist Bible scholar whose thoughts I often visit which claims this to more accurately read "for this is the whole man."
Yes, this same scholar I referred to says that He is called HaMakolm, The Place, and although there might be one or two ideas that I don't agree with him on, this idea seems on spot to me.
Yes, this same scholar I referred to says that He is called HaMakolm, The Place, and although there might be one or two ideas that I don't agree with him on, this idea seems on spot to me.
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