Wednesday, October 22, 2008

What Does Age Have to Do With It?

I wear hearing devices. I had to get them a year ago when I finally had enough with the “What did you say?” format of my conversations with students and friends. I’m OK with the hearing devices…one in each ear. I have severe hearing loss. Some day I may even have no hearing at all. The ENT doctor and the Audiologist attributed my hearing loss to age, (ugh!) and the possibility that I had gone to too many rock concerts in my day. Now listen up people…one can NEVER go to too many rock concerts! I go today. I may be one of the elders at these gigs, but I go, and I have fun. Why do I write about this? I am doing so because I am amazed. I am amazed at my body, its degeneration; and my mind and its youthfulness. How can the two coincide? This must be an age thing. I know I never questioned my body’s ability to keep up with my spirit (and boy oh boy, my spirit sure is something else). I just did what I wanted to do –whenever I wanted to do it (within respectable limits and reason). Just a few years ago I went motorcycling with a boyfriend across Colorado. I really did (girls, it helps to be single for this one; it adds to the fantasy that you may be having just about now). I went skiing at Jackson Hole, Mammoth Valley and other Western slopes just a few years ago, too. I have gone whitewater rafting, hiked the trails of the Grand Canyon and camped out near there (too advanced for me to actually camp in the Canyon, but if I was braver, I would have), and meditated with a Guru, ate vegetarian, and did Yoga for a while. I don’t think I have done it all. I still desire a safari in Africa, a waterskiing adventure on the Caribbean, and a helicopter ride, maybe parasailing, but that scares me so I don’t know about that one. So there it is…my mind is restless. It’s because the pain in my knee is gone and I am feeling “youthful”. Maybe it’s the ever present desire to do something “alive”. Do you know what I mean? The degeneration of my body speaks volumes of the desire to continue to live life to the fullest. Just because I can’t hear and just because my knee went south on me, doesn’t mean I have to stop living. Am I right? What do you think??

11 comments:

Unknown said...

feeling your age is a pain in the butt........

my knees scream everytime I stand up....

but my brain is still active! and I have never been interested in physical things.......

Beth said...

What? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. Hahaha, sorry, I couldn't resist!

I think staying active is not only admirable, it's necessary. Whether it's your body or your mind (preferably both). My Mom and Dad are 80 and 85 respectively, and while they've learned that they have to slow down with some things, and can't do as much as they used to, they still do yard work, lots of things around the house, etc. They also both love to read, and they enjoy visiting and having conversations with many different types of people. They are my role models in every way.

I bet you're kind of feeling like the Bionic Woman right about now, so just make sure you don't overdo it until you're completely healed...then HAVE AT IT!

BTW, I believe I damaged my hearing with all the concerts and clubs I went to over the years. I can't say I really regret it, though, other than when I was right in front of the speakers at the Aerosmith and AC/DC concert. Ouch!

Love, Beth

Jan said...

Hi Karen you are VERY right ,and Iagree you can never go to too many pop concerts ,people tell me Iam in my second childhood oh no ! I havent finished with the first one yet! ,you go girl ..love Jan xx

Alice said...

Certainly hope others don't expect us to change our taste in music just because we got older. To me there's nothing better to make me feel ALICE than dancing but it's been about six years now :( Maybe some day.hmmmmmmmm alice

Joyce said...

It's amazing to me that my mind still feels 16 while my body has surpassed what I consider old. I still have some things on my 'Bucket List' as well. Hope to get to at least half of them.
Hugs, Joyce

Missie said...

I think age is just a number! As long as you can still do things, you go girl!

Paula said...

You have it right Karen. Just be careful who you take up with some of them will try to put a damper on you. Look at me and I use to dance several times a week. lol

Debbie said...

You only live once, go for it!
Hugs
Debbie

Lucy said...

Karen I recieved your email on both AOL and Yahoo. I probably goofed. Just continue the way you have and we will see shat happens.

Lucy

Janie said...

Sounds like you have enjoyed life. lol Have a great weekend and don't boggie too much! lol Janie

Sage Ravenwood said...

Huh? Since when does age have anything to do with hearing loss. Noise pollution..yes, age no.. Trust me on this one. I'm only 43 and the progression started when I was in my teens. It is ideal to protect yourself and what hearing you have left. It's most certainly no picnic in the park to have no hearing.

Now on to the age mentality thing. You sound alot like me. I doubt I'll ever slow down. I actually think my 40's are the new 20's. Sometimes things (our bodies) steer us in a different direction than we want to go. I just find a way to bring a new element to what I can do.

For example...I was diagnosed with Emphysema this past Summer. I took it upon myself to learn breathing exercises and condition my lungs. Why? Because in a few years I want to go on a Mountain retreat which will require me to hike for days and live in the wilderness. *Winks*...Life only gets as much control as you allow it. (Hugs)Indigo