"Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were."?

To me, there does not seem such a wide "generation gap" these days. When I was 18 people of 60 - 70 were OLD, compared to how they are today. But things were so much different, in many ways a lot harsher.

I have electricity and do not have to spend all my time getting wood or coal to heat a boiler so I can scrub clothes by hand. I do not have to lift the carpets and beat the dust out of them over a clothes line. I have central heating and air-con, running hot and cold water. I have a car of my own that I can drive where I want, when I want. I have so many modern gadgets that take the drudgery out of everyday living. Many people never had holidays let alone flew anywhere. Popping over to "The Continent" (the common name in the Uk for europe back then) for a weekend break, was unheard of, except for the very rich. The list of differences could go on forever.

When I was your age I looked at people over 50 and dreaded old age. Now I am 60, and look at 70 - 90 year olds who are still farming, driving. going abroad for holidays, even healthy enough to do a part-time job, if they so wish.

"Old age" does not have the same dread, as I now view it as just another new and different aspect of life, and no matter what "age" of your life you are in, there is always something new and different to challenge and interest you.

I find most young folk I know, and speak to are more able or willing to accept age difference and take it in their stride. They do not fob me off because I am "old". I went on an outward bound course not long ago. I was a bit edgy at first in case they made "allowances" for my age. OK I did puff a bit on some of the hills, and scramble a bit when gorge walking, but so did they. If I did get a bit behind they yelled "Come on old woman,what's keeping you/?". Some of the time it was the other way round so I asked "What is wrong with you lot...getting old are you?" Ok there are some young folk that are intolerant, but you get that in every generation, and the real intolerant ones find it just as hard to accept members of their own generation that are outside their personal circle.. I find the ones that are a pain are usually in their 30s and 40s. They develop ageism, and dismiss people over 50 as useless and over the hill, and people under 30 as incompetent.

Basically my outlook is positive, but if anyone has a problem with how I am, it is their problem.

God bless

Beulah

Good question.

Nothing has changed as much as we might think.

My daughter (teacher) was giving a lesson on the fifties and used some of our old family photos for the fashion segment. When they saw one picture from 1958 one of them said "Look! Converse! Did they really have Converse way back then?"

As a child I was utterly fascinated by the seniors in my family. At family reunions we would sit around a campfire and listen to their stories for hours on end. One great grandmother had crossed the plains in a wagon train, one great uncle had survived being run over by a logging wagon in the mountains of northern Mexico. Because of their longevity I have actually had conversations with someone who was born in 1868. So basically, in my family "old" was a good and respected thing to become.

I really, really miss those people.

If I could tell young people anything it would be:

1. Take care of your body and your finances on a daily basis.

2. Life is all about the journey, not the destination.

It's just the music and the clothing that change. Human nature pretty much stays the same. People mature (hopefully) and as a result they (we) see life differently than we did when we were 18/27. But that change comes about because of the maturing process. When one gets older one has more experience to draw from.

The affect it has on me as a senior, and toward younger people, is that it helps me to be more tolerant and understanding. I was once where you are. I once thought and felt as you do. I can feel compassion and empathy. I can be patient with you, because of my life-experience.

You are quite correct in the feeling that there is a cycle of life involved here. The human experience is remarkably repetitive from generation to generation especially within a family line. I assure you the day will come when you question that in fact you have become your father. As to the effect of this realization, well it fills me with great fear for you because I know your future... but for stubbornness the young seldom listen and therefore do not steer away from the mistakes of the past and instead simply repeat them. My advice to you is to go to your grandfather, sit down, and ask him about it all. Best wishes and good luck.

Great song too. I've always had much respect for my senior citizens. I was raised that way to show respect. I've always been able to relate to older folks since I was a little kid. I had two neighbor ladies that I use to visit and just sit and talk for the longest times. No matter what age, I have respect for any age as long as they too are respectful.

Cats in the Cradle is a good Life song. Cat Stevens

Alone Again Naturally Gilbert Sullivan

well,the music went from heavy metal to rap.the clothes are pretty much the same,jeans and t-shirts,only we wore jeans super-tight,y'all (well,some of y'all)wear 'em baggy and semi-falling down.important things then-wine,women and song.important things now-wine,my wife,and song.not much difference.except for the extra 20 pounds i keep losing and re-gaining every year.....i think the attitude may have changed for the better?????? my friends and i were into "sex,drugs and rock and roll".i think people may be a bit more serious now?or not?

Really the clothing hasn't changed that much either.

"The man in the moon"... was just a figment of our imagination!!!