I don't know about ya'll, but ever since I was little and was able to watch cartoons and read, I've had it drilled into my head that old people are WISE. They've lived, they've learned, they've cultivated wisdom. You too can be (Insert Figure Of Wisdom From TV/Books/Movies Here) in your old age.
But like the Cake, peeps, this too is a LIE!
Yes, there are wise people out there (young and old ones!). Yes, some of them gained their wisdom by living their lives. But most of us? We're the same as when we were twenty, only now we're just wearing an older meatsuit. So if we didn't have a lick of sense back then, it's highly likely we won't have much more in our golden years.
Now that doesn't mean we don't know nothin'. You young whipper snappers do need to remember that. The wisdom gaining might be a big old fib, but it does not necessarily make you smarter than your elders. I'm just sayin'.
But it is something to keep in mind. When meeting new people, when writing about them, when socializing with them. The old bod might not allow for older folks to do the same stuff they used to when they were younger, but this doesn't mean they don't still enjoy those things.
If you were a biker Mama in your 20's, no reason you can't still be one in your 60's if the eyesight and bones are holding out. Of course, some of that mythological wisdom we were supposed to have magically acquired would help us to make those determinations more easily, so we don't make bad choices, but since it's a lie... :P
My husband and I have hung around the same circle of friends off and on our whole married lives. Many are a little grayer, a little wider than they used to be, maybe even a little smarter, but wiser? Errrrr.
So cultivate your wisdom. Grow it inside yourself as best you can. Old age will not be handing you the secrets of the universe on no silver platter. And remember that next time you go visit old Grandma or Grandpa, they might just surprise you in what they might consider fun and would be willing to learn to spend time with you. Despite their wrinkly exterior, they are more than likely still just big kids at heart. :)
Yes, yes, yes. I'm just a recycled teenager. Maybe a little smarter than when I was a young thing. Maybe not. Not so daring. Come to think of it, I was always the cautious type anyway. I see the consequences of my actions better now. But wiser ... What does that mean?
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me think about it, Gloria.
Heh heh heh. It's a bummer though. I really wanted to be immensely wise and controlled. But I'm still just me. :P
DeleteFunny how that works, isn't it? I'm still looking for a grown-up to give me advice in a few areas.
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