I remember the year I turned 55. I went to Missoula for doctors' appointments. Since I was still working, I would just scheduled everything I could into one very busy day. After seeing my endodontist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, the radiology department for a mammogram, and my general practitioner, I found that I had written over $2000 in checks and had absolutely nothing to show for it! Not even a pair of shoes! That was 11 years ago. Since then, the only good thing that has happened in that respect, is that I got Medicare. And now that I am retired, I can spread out my appointments a bit more.
Mind you, physiologically speaking, there is nothing really wrong with me. I just believe in taking care of my body as best I can...I kind of figure that this is the only body I am going to have in this go-round and I had better see to it that it lasts as long as the rest of me!
However, nobody ever told me to Really Appreciate my 20 and 30 year old body. For instance, I had no idea how skin changes...no longer is it soft and elastic-y. Unless I put moisturizer on it Every Single Day, it looks like crocodile scales. I mean, I knew I could expect wrinkles, but peri-oral dermatitis?? And why am I suddenly losing so much hair? I have dry mouth issues, but 8 cavities in a one year spread due to "Geriatric Mouth"?? And don't even get me started on sweaty boob issues...you can get a yeast infection THERE?? Honestly, if it were not for the alternative....
All I have to say to you cute young things is this...Appreciate what you have while you have it. Do not look at us 60-ish year old women with any kind of derision. Your day will come. Sorry...
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