Life’s Too Short for Grumpy Aging
As our Canadian citizens get even older, there is an increasing emphasis placed on the process of aging. For me, now 75, I’m finding the news is not only not funny but downright frightening. If the old saying is true, laughter is the best medicine, and no one needs medicine more than us elderly folk, whose bodies are in many cases turning against us, it makes perfect sense to me to find some fun in aging. We as seniors have a choice, we can either choose to be happy or just complain about the parts of our bodies that don’t work like they did when we were in our twenties.
It is now August 2025, and for me this year is flying by. It feels like life is speeding along faster than ever. Aging isn’t just about wrinkles and white hair, it’s also about everyday moments that catch us off guard, make us laugh, and remind us that life is never what you expect. When faced with my own health issues, I had a choice; I could give up, or I could just go on living life to the best of my ability. I decided to live and do whatever makes me happy for as long as I can. During that time, with much support from my husband and children, I wrote and published my first book. I think that’s pretty awesome.
So, let’s face it – we are all getting old. We can either try to remain active and somewhat cheerful about it or we can bitch and moan about it for the time we have left. Stop for a moment and think, who do I want to spend time with? A senior who is full of fun and laughter or one who spends every conversation moaning about their latest health issues? That is your decision to make, but for me I’d rather not be miserable for the days I have left. Just keep in mind that no matter how old you are now, whether your in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, old age is coming, ready or not. It’s a natural part of life and we need to either embrace it or at least accept it.
It goes without saying, but the longer I have lived, the more friends and family members I have seen pass away. It’s also been a real privilege to watch our three sons develop their careers, build their relationships, and watch our grandchildren as they embark on their journeys through life, from the youngest still in school to the older ones now thriving in their chosen professions. Better yet, this fall, Lord willing, we will become great-grandparents for the first time, not once, but twice as two of our grandchildren are expecting their first son or daughter. One was born a couple of weeks ago, 10 weeks early but doing well. Little Elliana is tiny but determined to survive. That means even at 75, I still have something wonderful to look forward to!
I realize I’m blessed in so many ways, and I’m grateful every day for all that I have, all that I’ve done in life, all the things I’ve seen, as I travelled with my husband on trips with him in the big rig when he was trucking across Canada and down into the US, and last but not least all those who I have loved and who have love me. I’m sure there’s more to come in the years I have left. To sum it up, aging has its advantages, we just need to appreciate what we have and enjoy life the best way we can.
Keep the Conversation Going!
We all have a choice in how we embrace the golden years, don’t we? What’s your secret to finding joy and purpose as you age? Or perhaps you have a funny story about a moment that reminded you to laugh in the face of aging? We’d love to hear your insights, experiences, and any wisdom you’ve gained about making the most of every “Canadian Senior Moment”! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Marilyn and Bill met and married in 1972. Having raised 3 boys and accumulated a respectable number of grand-children and great-grand-children, she wrote her first book and published it in 2024. A collection of short stories titled The Kendricks of Glasgow Junction. She is contributing short stories about growing up in Nova Scotia to this website and will be publishing a collection of them in the near future.