I’m Not Old!
I know that I’m not a young chick, but do I have to be reminded every day in my mail and my email that I’m old? I’ve learned that the more that is known “out there” about me—mostly through information that I’ve provided—the more I am treated to all sorts of age-appropriate junk stuff.
I don’t have hemorrhoids, acid reflux and restless leg syndrome. (What is “restless leg syndrome” anyway?) My hearing is fine; my teeth are all mine and I have so much hair that my hairdresser marvels about its thickness. I don’t need a scooter to get around my house and I haven’t even considered senior housing options. My heart is working well and I’m not constipated on a regular basis. I remember things, at least most of the time, and why would I want to preplan my funeral? (I’ve done so much for my kids over the years; I want to leave something for them to do!) Besides, death isn’t anything that I think about. I haven’t even started to read the obituaries in the newspaper!
It’s hard for me to think about age when I’m so busy exercising (at least 45 minutes on the elliptical machine three to five times a week), volunteering—I’ll be a clown this year in America’s Thanksgiving Day in Detroit—and heading a committee that feeds the needy and aged three times a year. I go kayaking with a group of 16 women every summer—we even went spelunking on this year’s trip—and I read fortunes for charity events as “Madame SaSu.”
I’m physically and mentally active and I eat healthy foods. I get all my annual medical exams. I continue to add new friends—many younger than me—to the multitude that I have. (I’ll have these younger ones to take me to my doctor appointments when I do get old!)
Okay! So I know I’m not old, but how do I let the advertising and marketing world know this? I’ve tried to keep my age off of any application that needs to be completed by putting an “n/a” in the space afforded to this information. Doesn’t work! The applications get rejected. I’ve even tried transposing the numbers—putting down “26” instead of “62.” (If I’m caught, I chalk up this mistake to my advanced years!) There is, of course, a problem with writing down any number in the age space. I’m still deluged with junk mail and email. It’s just that the subject matter is different. I’ve been told how to handle PMS; where to find a date (now this sounds interesting!) and to invest early for retirement (too late!).
I know; I know! Just use the “delete” on my email and throw out the junk mail. So what’s the big deal?
To be honest, the “old” messages do have a way of making me feel old. I’ve learned the hard way that you really can’t keep the wrinkles from coming—those age-elimination products really don’t remove all the smile lines—and you can’t stop the years. What I do do is to keep a positive and “fresh” attitude and work on crossword and Sudoku puzzles. (Experts say doing challenging puzzles will keep your mind young!) Aren’t the latter fun? And experts say doing challenging puzzles will keep your mind young!) You’re only as old as you think! That’s the belief. Advertisers and marketers may think otherwise, but I’m young!
Comments
It's funny how we still feel 16 in our mind. But life really is short and eternity is just ahead. "When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" Romans 5:6
Posted by: Carol | November 21, 2006 10:52 AM