I don't smoke, and while I love whiskey, these days I mostly drink red wine for its reputed health benefits. As to "wild, wild women," I really don't like to discuss my personal, um, issues (although I try to be democratic so I once conducted a poll to let readers vote on what my issues ought to be). Overall, I think my sex life would probably not be considered wild enough for me to set the world's longevity record.
Well, darn then! A virgin centenarian I will never be.
I don't know where this leaves me. Perhaps I should double up on the whiskey and start smoking. Interestingly enough, I came to know a woman who had finally retired to a rest home at age 97, and she was one of those loquacious grand dames who would sit and hold court on the porch. While smoking like a chimney. As I got to know her, she complained to me about the staff's attempts to get her to stop smoking. I will never forget the way, in a loud voice, she bellowed,
"They want me to stop smoking -- 'FOR MY HEALTH!' Honey, I'm NINETY SEVEN YEARS OLD!"
It struck me as cruel, ironic, and hilarious. She was full of life, sharp as a tack, and had lived longer than her "helpers" probably would.
So while I don't know what anybody's "secret" is, I found myself thinking that this defiant old girl might not have made it to 97 had she done as she was told.
posted by Eric on 07.18.09 at 12:17 PM
Comments
I think about this frequently, as one turning 55 in Sept might.
Damn, am I glad I chose the full speed ahead approach to life. I tell my kids two things- which 30 years of life will be the most fun 20 to 50, or 50 to 80?
And my favorite prediction- that all these back to nature organic no fun assholes are choosing to spend the extra 20 years they live as a reward for their Puritan lifestyle in a fucking wheelchair having a daily diaper change.
Not me.
dr kill · July 18, 2009 6:07 PM
LOL, dr kill.
As one a few years older than you... yeah, I second that.
And as the daughter of an 86 year old man who isn't through having fun yet (and who makes me laugh and appreciate his wisdom almost every day) I contend that the years between 50 and 80 aren't that bad.
I'm just now getting to enjoy my grandchildren. They are much more fun than your children were, and I know from my experience with my children that my mother and father had at least as much impact on them as I did.
I totally get your point that being a no-fun back to nature asshole is useless... but living to 90 while enjoying life in all it's dirty glory is priceless.
Eric We love you at my house,thanks for all the insight,regards your post,I smoke,I drink beer and have a great sex life(too much info?)
And I'm 46,God bless,
Bob
Bobnormal · July 19, 2009 2:59 AM
Well, these comments are very encouraging because I'm 55 and I normally assume that most readers are less than half my age!
dr kill: And my favorite prediction- that all these back to nature organic no fun assholes are choosing to spend the extra 20 years they live as a reward for their Puritan lifestyle in a fucking wheelchair having a daily diaper change.
The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler
Don?t bang your head!
I think about this frequently, as one turning 55 in Sept might.
Damn, am I glad I chose the full speed ahead approach to life. I tell my kids two things- which 30 years of life will be the most fun 20 to 50, or 50 to 80?
And my favorite prediction- that all these back to nature organic no fun assholes are choosing to spend the extra 20 years they live as a reward for their Puritan lifestyle in a fucking wheelchair having a daily diaper change.
Not me.