• What is Senioritis?
Well, on the occasion of my birthday this month, I began to ponder the implications of being sixty-five years old. I always thought that anyone who was sixty five was very old, like ancient. Now that I have arrived at this magic number, I am not so sure. I still like to think that Sharon and I are just growing older gradually, with no urgency. But all this antiquity has come fast enough. I guess I am learning that when you get 65 a lot of things change. Senioritis used to mean a state of anxiety that Seniors in High School or College felt when they were about to graduate and were anxious about their marital status.
Now, Senioritis has another meaning.
Senioritis is a malady that afflicts those over 65. I believe the root cause of Senioritis is change. The symptoms are a world of change. You go a little slower, want to sleep a little longer, you pace yourself, so you can make it through a long day. You just are not in such a hurry about anything. You try not to do “too much” of anything. You want to arrive earlier. Waiting is easier. The little things matter more. You do not want anything, if fact you realize that you have too much. Downsizing is a new word in your vocabulary. You think more efficiently, more strategically, more deliberately. Your grand kids contribute to your identity and worth (l love you, Pappa!)
There a number of benefits that shear age brings. 1. Now I get to park in the Senior Parking Lot at my Church. 2. I get to order from the Senior Menu at most restaurants. 3. There are now senior discounts and special cards, senior parking, senior fees, and senior menus. 4. I don’t have to impress others, as much, just be myself. 5. Growing awareness that I have this long view of life, my accumulated life experience is a factor in everything, majoring on the minor things is not important. 6. Selective hearing, what was that you said? Would you mind repeating that? 7. In Missions with Asian cultures, I am always asked to pray. This is their cultural way to honor and respect the oldest one in the group. 8. And qualified membership in AARP, maybe I should join.
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