There I was a couple of Thursday afternoons ago, manning the information desk at a medical office building not far from my home. I’ve put in several thousands of hours at this volunteer job since 2010. It gets me out of the house and into the real world and keeps me on my toes. That’s why I like it.
Halfway through my shift, in wandered a white-haired guy with his wife. He looked a bit like Santa Claus . . . chubby and jolly. I don’t know which one of them had an appointment. In any case, I could tell they were having trouble figuring out where the appropriate doctor’s office was. I got their attention and asked if they needed any help. Santa strolled closer to me.
“I’m lost,” he said, “which isn’t unusual for me.”
He gave me the name of the doctor, and I told him which suite to go to. But he didn’t walk away. Instead, he gazed at me, curiosity pouring from his eyes, and continued the conversation.
“We’re about the same vintage, aren’t we?” he asked.
Huh? I sure as hell wasn’t expecting those words to come out of his mouth.
“Well, maybe,” I replied.
“I’m 80. Will be 81 in October,” he told me.
“I’m not quite there,” I said.
He gazed at my visage for a second or two more, and then, joined by his spouse, headed to the elevator. Just before stepping in, he delivered parting words with pride and amazement in his voice: “I’m still here,” he said. Meaning, he hadn’t become worm-food yet.
“Yeah, we’re hanging in there,” was my reply.
Holy crap! Had it come to that? Was it possible that I, a mere lad of 75, could pass for an 80-year-old? Man, I’ve been thinking about this ever since the encounter, and I’m stunned.
Sure, for a nice big bunch of years I’ve realized that no lady, unless she’s nearsighted as hell, ever again will give me the eye. I might be 50 years old in my mind, but the wrinkles and bumps on my frigging face tell a far different story. 80, though? Shit, unfortunately Santa probably was right. There’s a real chance that plenty of people peg me for an octogenarian. Excuse me for a moment . . . I feel a cry coming on.
I’m back. And feeling better. I guess. Yup, any way you look at it, I’m old. But when you get right down to it, that doesn’t matter too much. What does matter is this, and it’s not as though I’m the first person ever to have these thoughts: Life is fleeting. It goes by so fast it can take your breath away. So, whatever your age, a good policy to follow is to keep on truckin’, doing that which brings you pleasure, for as long as your health allows you to. Needless to say, loving, helping and supporting others should be part of the equation too. And finding new avenues and vistas to explore ain’t a bad idea either. In fact, it’s a very good one. Might as well live life fully till the Grim F*cking Reaper decides to pay you a visit, right? You bet.
To wind up the proceedings, and to add some emphasis to what I just said, let’s turn to the one and only Ringo Starr. He’s 83, which is a shocking truth. But his advanced age doesn’t get him down. He’s full of pep, touring and recording like crazy. And he has his head on very straight. He was quoted as saying the following in an interview published last month in People magazine: “Nothing makes me feel old. In my head, I’m 27. Wisdom’s a heavy word. [Getting older] is what happens, and you try and keep yourself busy.”
I’ve always thought that Ringo is cool as can be. He’s smart and funny and gives off really good vibes. It doesn’t surprise me that he plans to keep on rocking until he can rock no more. In my own modest way, I intend to do the same.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
You need to enjoy and appreciate whatever age you are right now since you won’t be any younger tomorrow. Very enjoyable post, Neil, thanks.
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We only live once.
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When I complain to the doctor that my back hurts and my hips are stiff, he says, “You might want to consider quitting the mountain biking.” Is he crazy?! As Mr. Natural sez, “Keep on truckin.”
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You love what you do, so it’s worth a little pain.
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“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas
You can be old at thirty, young at ninety. It’s all down to attitude. Keep on (art on) truckin’, Neil!
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“You can be old at thirty, young at ninety. It’s all down to attitude.” — you’ve hit the nail right on the head.
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To my mind, Neil, you are young because your mind is! Also, being funny
as you certainly are, takes attention from any sign of age. Your today’s essay on growing old is proof that you have a long way to go before starting to think
any such thing. I predict that you will feel young forever!
Joanna
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Thanks. May your prediction come true!
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It will, Neil, trust me!
Joanna
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I like your philosophy about aging. I’m a few years behind you and Ringo so I’m adopting you two as my role models.
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Hi. I might not be the best choice. But Ringo for sure is.
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Wonderful on so many levels!
I always imagined you were in your early 50’s.
Your post does remind me of going to a museum in Munich. We went to the German lady at the entrance to buy tickets and navigate the various reduced fare options for admittance, for people over 50.
While we were mulling this over, she cut to the chase. She said to my husband,
“You old, you do not have to pay.”
To me, “You are not old enough, you have to pay.”
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Hi Cindy. That’s a great anecdote. Was your husband offended by what she said?
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Keep volunteering. Someone might come along a guess that you are 65.
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Now, I could go for that!
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I agree with you and Ringo. In fact, I recently wrote a song about aging, with the line “in my mind I’m 19, not 93” in it. If only I’d written “she was just 17, you know what I mean” instead (back in the early 60’s), maybe I’d be touring with Ringo.
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Hey Lori. I once read a bio of Paul McCartney, by Barry Miles. In it, Paul says that every time he and John Lennon met for a songwriting session, they came away with at least one completed song. They were a great team.
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I really believe it’s your head keeps you young, as obviously the body has other ideas. Don’t let the old man in!
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Believe me, I’m trying. Hi, and thanks a lot for adding your thoughts.
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As an old Beatles fan, I’ve often enjoyed Ringo’s energy and talent long after the Beatles disbanded. In my mind’s eye, the Beatles broke up only a few years ago. I hope Ringo and Paul have many more years of creativity ahead of them.
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They seem to have almost unlimited creative energy. Paul especially, I guess. In any event, they both are very admirable individuals.
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On the other hand, perhaps Santa felt he looked as young as you did to him 🤔It’s fun that his meeting with you brought about an interesting encounter full of thoughts to make us all think a bit more about life and aging gracefully. Yay for Ringos in the world. PS – your clever wit tells me your brain is NOT aging.
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Hi Shelley. It was an interesting, brief encounter. And it led to the writing of this story for my blog!
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The perfect recipe for a blog post!
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Ringo is 83? Hardly seems possible. Sounds like he has the right attitude. Keep on going as long as you can. There is so much to do in this life and so much to enjoy.
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Laurie, you have the right attitude too. I can tell that’s true from your essays.
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Thanks so much!
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It never bothered me when I noticed they were allowing children to become dentists and doctors, but the aging of my favorite musicians does get to me a bit. I keep looking at people like Ringo — or Willie Nelson, for heavens’ sake — and thinking, “How in the world did they get to be so old, when I haven’t aged a bit?” Then, another sacker at the grocery store says, “Could I help you get those groceries out to the car?” and it’s back to reality. I’m just glad that Ringo and Willie still are singing, and that I don’t yet need help.
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“I’m just glad that Ringo and Willie still are singing, and that I don’t yet need help.” — DITTO!
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Few things bother me about getting older – on the cusp of 70 – but the, at times,
the condescending attitude and presumption of stupidity and incompetence on the part of some yourger people does annoy me: old age = stupid!
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I know what you mean. I had that exact thing happen yesterday at my volunteer job. I’m pretty good at it. But, because of my age, someone presumed that I wasn’t.
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Great post! You definitely don’t look anywhere 80. You keep yourself in good shape…work hard working in yard and having fun. Watch out Sandy! 😜
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Hi Joyce. However old I may look, it blows my mind that I’m as old as I am. Time ZOOMS!
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What about me…l am older than you and feel 30!😜
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I thought you were going to say that the Santa guy you helped was Ringo! Ha ha. Good thoughts.
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Hi there. It would be cool to have a chit-chat with Ringo.
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Yes, just keep buggering on….my husband might be in a wheelchair and have problems with his lungs but nothing stops his interest in the world about him, and you, keeping active and helping people, are as young as your head says you are.
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Right, we keep on keeping on as best we can.
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Ringo’s got the right attitude , as do you. We all get old. Mick Jagger celebrated 80 today, so there. You’re definitely the youngin!
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It seems like only yesterday that I was in my teens, and Mick and Ringo et al were in their twenties.
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Love this! Age is a state of mind, my friend, and it sounds like you’re definitely in the right frame.
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Hi, and thanks for the thumbs-up. Appreciated.
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Keep on rocking and rolling! You have the goodness of Ringo and the toughness of Mick. Now if you just had the hair of Willie…
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Willie is 90! And still doing his thing with lots of energy.
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The upside of being an old guy unnoticed by ladies is that the same phenomenon seems to occur, to some degree, with female mosquitoes, who are the only ones who bite.
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Thank you for that insight!
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I distinctly remember the first time I looked at a “woman of a certain age”, thinking she did indeed look old, and then realizing (with a shock) that she was MY age. Yeah, it’s a hard pill to swallow……
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I know. But it is what it is., as the saying goes. I say that with a sigh.
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You and Ringo definitely have it right. I recently had a birthday which put me at official old age pension age. How did that happen? When I was young OAPs were old ladies with perms and beige macs. That is not me and never shall be! I hope to keep on gallivanting till I drop.
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Hi. You set a fast pace, and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so.
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Hope so!
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Good story, Neil, and so true. With age comes the ability to focus on Other Stuff. I love that.
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Life’s a process, for sure. And not always a predictable process.
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Ringo’s never had the same artistic angst as the other Beatles and that’s probably helped him survive with such a cheery point of view. Bless you for making Santa’s day!
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It ain’t easy being Santa Claus.
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Hey there, Neil. Nice essay. Phyliss Diller had some inside on getting old – “You know you’re old when you find out your blood type is discontuined and folks compliment you on your aligator shoes without realizing your barefoot.” So be on the look out for these signs. Meantime, like Ringo, rock on. Have a great day, Jerry.
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Phyllis Diller was very funny. Coincidentally, I mentioned her to my wife a couple of days ago.
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Ohforheavenssakes, octogenarianism is so last year. Being kind & carrying on wins every time. Or, you can bring a 101+ yr old friend like my friend Rita Semel (Google her) over for dinner as I’m doing tomorrow. Xo from your newly nonagenarian admirer.
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Likewise, I admire you. Like Ringo, you know where it’s at!
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I just saw Dave Barry speaking at a conference. He’s 76, but still looks 30. I guess maybe laughter really is the best medicine. Keep smiling, Neil.
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He’s got the secret to “eternal” youth.
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Totally agree about Ringo and his approach.
When I hit 80 a few months ago, I managed a cheery outlook until one of my daughters said, “Holy crap, Dad! You’ve started your ninth decade!”
Thanks for helping Santa…he still fills my stocking!
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Once in a while, Santa needs a helping hand. Hi. Have a good week.
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From what I’ve been able to tell from reading your blog over the years, you’re doing exactly the right things to keep yourself both mentally and physically in good shape. That’s all we can do, right? (And as a drummer, I appreciate your Ringo reference. His drumming was deceptively spare and economical but genius.)
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Ringo’s drumming was brilliant and highly creative on any number of Beatles songs. Especially on the White Album, I think. And I think he might have invented psychedelic drumming on the song Rain.
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Age is where your head is. You fit enough to go on long walks, astute enough to write about them and good natured enough to want to help people. Sounds like you’re in your prime Neil!
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Mucho gracias!
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It’s a real shock when we don’t see our aging selves as others do! This is when the face mask comes in real handy 🙂 In my head, I’m twenty-five. Like Ringo, I plan to keep on rocking until I can’t rock no more 😀
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You’ve got the right approach!
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Keep the mind and the body engaged and healthy and “the number” is essentially irrelevant. I hope I have half the energy and drive my 90-year-old dad did if/when I achieve the same decade.
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You’ll be busy as you can be, and fully engaged, when you reach 90!
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Funny how old sneaks up on us. I cringe when I read something about “the elderly” and realize they are talking about my age group! All I can do is keep moving and enjoying life. Kudos for volunteering – and rock on! Good post.
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“I cringe when I read something about “the elderly” and realize they are talking about my age group.” — I cringe too!
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It just seems to happen more and more frequently that something happens, like the guy looking for the doctors office, that makes you shake your head and say: “Jeez, I’m old.”
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Yeah, there’s no getting around it.
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Ringo and Keith Richards are great models for we seniors; keep on rocking! good one, Neil 🙂
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Rock on!
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Ringo is 83! Oh that is something that’s going to take some time for me to wrap my head around.
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I know. It’s startling. What’s more, it’s 60 years since Beatlemania began.
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Completely well said, Neil. Keep on truckin’ indeed! And I agree, Ringo is a marvel. – Marty
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You know, I’d sort of forgotten that I’ve seen him in concert with his All Starr Band. This was in the 1980s I think.
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Wise words, Neil. And regarding Ringo, he was always my favourite Beatle, maybe not the most talented but definitely the one I’d feel most comfortable sharing a few beers with. Peace and Love, man.
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If you ever have beers with Ringo, please invite me to join you!
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This was a really fun post, thanks Neil.
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Hi, and thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
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Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, and you are keeping young! Age is just a number, as the famous saying goes. Oh Santa…!
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Hi Christy. Jagger became an 80-year-old a day or two ago. It’s hard to believe.
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Hey Neil:
Unlike all of you old people, I am a freshman at this age game. I retired a year-and-a-half ago, and just turned 64. The events that brought me to this day are not all good; children are gone from the empty nest, and two years ago I said goodbye to my wife of 39 years. But the NOW of my life is extraordinarily beautiful. This ranks up there with the greatest joys; marrying my beloved, new babies, raising children, a daughters wedding, grandchildren. But this NOW is unique, in that I have time to pursue my every dream, and no one to answer to. I had first compared it to a second childhood, free to play the day away. Then I realized it’s a thousand times better. I have money now, and full authority to spend it as I please. I have total control over my time, whether it’s rising with the sun or recording in the studio ’til 2 a.m.
I must acknowledge that not everyone does so well, and I do so on a daily basis. Infirmities of the flesh and of the mind can make this time a grueling marathon, or a strange and sometimes frightening odyssey.
“I’m so lucky.” I say, without exaggeration, EVERY DAY.
At turning fifty, I wrote a song called “Over The Hill”. It has a line that goes “He’s over the hill, and picking up speed.”
It may be downhill from here, but I’m pushing the pedal to the metal, and I intend to hold it down until I hit the wall.
Slainte,
Paz
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Paz, you’re an amazing guy. It won’t be downhill from here for you. You’ll continue to do your thing for years and years.
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Rock On!
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Hi Jan. I shall try!
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Yes Neil, aging is for the shits! Keep on rockin’ as long as you can.
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Ringo sets a fine example for doing that. Hi, and take care.
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Even Santa isn’t always right, Neil. Keep on rocking!
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Recently I went to several high energy, rocking concerts. So, I’m trying!
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👍
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Keep on dancing’. Just be careful not to throw something out.
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I’m not as limber as I once was, that’s for sure.
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This is really touching.. never have I been as thoughtful about ageing as I have been in the past few years. On the one hand feeling grateful to age after having loved ones pass on too soon too young, and on the other hand realising how scary it can be to age and have society look at me different to how I feel inside… I think my main take-away from your always witty post though is that you are definitely eternally young spirited which is such a special gift!!!
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Hi. Thanks for adding your thoughts and observations. Becoming old isn’t the greatest thing ever, that’s for sure. But there’s nothing anyone can do about it. So —- onward!
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So weird–and wonderful–to read your post today. Just last night, Ed and I were talking about this very issue. I remember my 50th b-day quite clearly–NOT concerned, because I could easily imagine making it to 100, so that was a half lifetime left. But it’s harder to convince yourself of that at 60, and at 68, well, I hope I’m still here at 136, but … I’ve lately realized that sooner or later probably all of us have to mentally/emotionally come to grips with this unpleasant truth: We will not be an earthling forever. In my heart, I still feel 34. I have lots of energy, am active, BUT. I’m still searching for a way to make peace with this reality. To stop wasting (precious) time thinking/worrying about it. Ringo IS an excellent example for us all. To quote The Grass Roots: “Shah-la, la-la-la-la, live for today.”
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Hi Amy. Yeah, we ain’t getting any younger. But there’s nothing to be done about that. So, I have to agree with what The Grass Roots said all those many years ago. And speaking of Ringo: He is quick-witted and lively and sharp as a tack. He was a perfect fit as a Beatle for those, among other, reasons.
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Yes on all of the above re: Ringo. He looks great, and the man can still drum. John Lennon sang his praises often.
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I’m of the belief that the head-and-heart age (figuratively) is one’s real age, and the chronological age is irrelevant. So that makes you 50, Neil. And when did you go back to your volunteer job? I seem to have missed that post.
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Evening, Annie. The health care system I volunteer with began bringing back volunteer, including me, about 12 months ago. Due to the pandemic, volunteers were on an extended hiatus for 27 or so months prior to that.
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Thanks for clarifying, Neil. I don’t like to think I’m missing any of your posts!
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Keep on rockin’, Neil! You’re an inspiration to us sixty-something youngsters.
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And you’re an inspiration to me!
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