Having just received the latest issue of the AARP Magazine, my attention was immediately caught by an article titled 50 Reason to Love Being 50+. So I read the article and was laughing a t some of the reason,however,Number 40 spoke of attending school reunions. The writer spoke of the early class reunions as being just an old rerun of a few years gone past and that once you are over 50,as 60% of our Decade is, you look at and appreciate the reunions that much more. At this age there really is no need for showing off and strutting your stuff. We are now able to laugh and joke about a lot of the crazy and stupid things we did,which at the time were anything but crazy and stupid.
For those of us who admit to being 50+, it's only getting better and for those of you about to get here, you have much to look forward to. Oh and don't be afraid to admit you received your copy of AARP.
I also sent a letter to the editor about our Decade of the 70's Reunions.
8 comments:
Well, either the AARP circulation department is falling down on the job, or my family is being very kind and tossing the magazine out before I see it. Even though I crossed the Five-Oh threshold a few months back I don't think I've actually beheld an issue of AARP yet. Or maybe my memory is going.
Anyway, very good sentiments there on being 50. Through my musical activities, I've gotten to know quite a few people significantly younger than me -- in their 20s or 30s -- and this provides some valuable perspective. I just find that many of these friends deal with issues and questions (about personal identity, relationships, etc.) I just don't have anymore, because through time and experience they've largely been resolved in some way, shape or form. This doesn't mean, obviously, that I _don't_ have matters of concern, just different ones (like "How are my children going to support me in the manner to which I've become accustomed?"); it's just that I generally feel settled and secure in comparison, and that's not such a bad thing. And yes, I know all that can change in an instant, so I try to remember to be continually grateful for what I have.
Also, with my musical crowd, I have the historical advantage: Someone will be talking about a great performer he/she admires, and I can say, "Oh yeah, I remember seeing them back in the '70s." Instant credibility.
As for the AARP Magazine, I'm sure it's on the way.
You mentioned the 70's music and I just went to see WAR do a show on the Albany river front last week. Went up with 4 other 50+'s and one 9 year old. He totally enjoyed the show, which was awesome. It was free too. WAR played and rocked the place for about 90 minutes and were spectacular.
Anyway keep looking for that magazine,it's there somewhere. At your age you probably forgot where you left it.
Wow, I went to see War -- when Eric Burdon was still their lead singer! -- at the Fillmore East in New York City when I was 12 or 13.
In fact, Fillmore East at one point organized/sponsored concerts at Tanglewood. I recall going there to see Chicago ("25 or 6 to 4," "Make Me Smile") and Santana.
I don't remember the exact quote or who's credited with it, but didn't someone say "Growing old is no fun -- unless you consider the alternative."
Speaking of turning 50........went for my first dreaded colonoscopy yesterday.......NOTHING TO IT..........if you are over 50 and have not had one, GO ! It saves lives and much to my surprise it was a painless and unstressful event. I don't remember a thing.
Tomas
Ah yes, Bob, glad(?) you reminded me. That's on the "to-do" list.
Last year, I was with a group of friends and we were comparing ages to see who was youngest and oldest. When I said I was 49, one of the group said, "Hey, congrats! Only one more year 'til your colonoscopy!"
Maybe I'll do it as an early Christmas present to myself.
see, bob, I told you that the colonoscopy would be a piece of cake. nothing to it, right? I wanted to go to curves after mine and they looked at me like I was crazy! anyway, essteess, have you become a AARP member yet? I believe you have to become a member in order to receive your copy of the magazine.
speaking of "Oldies" music, I came across something that sounds like fun that was in the Times Union. on sept. 11th, there is a frankie valli & his jersey boys tribute, a salute to our armed forces, and a tribute to neil diamond @ michael's banquet house in latham. I betcha I probably couldn't get barry to go to that. would anyone go?
Hmm, I guess I figure that if I don't become an AARP member, then somehow I'll magically stay forever on the cusp of turning 50. So filling out the card is like letting go of the last illusion of youth -- or some poetic crap like that, y'know?
Hey, speaking of "oldies," I was looking through the '73 yearbook recently: Do you guys remember the concert at the high school by First Gear during the 72-73 term? They were a rock/soul/funk band that did some originals as well as covers of songs like "I Feel the Earth Move" and "Saturday in the Park." The group also had a coordinated-wardrobe thing going on: The members wore black pants with a white stripe down the side and black denim jackets with white fringe -- except for the group's African American vocalist, who had the combo in reverse!
They put on a pretty good show, as I remember, and on impulse I bought a copy of their album at the concert. But -- as can often be the case -- their studio album was really nothing special. That being said, I think I may actually still have the LP!
I for one could not wait to be old enough to be an AARP member. Whenever I went to my parents' house I used to read both the bulletin and the magazine. I found a plethora of useful information and resources. Finally reaching the age to get my own copies, I continue to find both of them valuable publications, not only for my own purposes but for dealing with elderly parents as well.
This year five of my closest friends lost their fathers. It was a sad occasion for all involved. One can never prepare for such a tragedy as losing a parent. Lynn Lauber's essay in the most recent pulication of the AARP magazine is a thoughtful portrayal of a daughter (herself) facing haunting imaginative scenarios of her father's death and the fear of something lost. Considering herself somewhat capricious, she finally realized that she had reached a level of maturity in her life, which gave her the courage to speak at her father's funeral.
I have found many interesting articles and essays such as this which pertain to real life situations. Although sometimes sad, I find them to be quite purposeful.
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