As some of you know, my previous opus (it will pop up on your screen if you click here) examines the travel bug that bit me when I was a young adult, and highlights a few of the trips and destinations I’ve been most taken with over the course of my life. At the tippy top of the most–taken–with list is a three-week trek, in November 1982, through the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal. I’d never done anything as demanding or adventurous as that endeavor turned out to be. And I haven’t come close to equaling it. I think about the trek fairly often. It made a huge impression on me, bringing me nearly face-to-face with some of the world’s tallest peaks, including numero uno itself, Mount Everest.
I cherish my Himalayan memories. And I’ll never add to them, because it would be physically impossible for me to ascend high into the Himalayas at this point in my life. My legs would give out after two or three days on the trail, for sure. Or, far worse, my ticker might stop ticking before my legs cried uncle. Hell, the trek took place 43 and a half years ago. I was 35 at the time, fully feeling my oats. I’m 78 now. And though I’m extremely fortunate to be in decent shape, a whole lot of the oats I feel nowadays are literally oats. In the form of oatmeal, which I spoon into my mouth for breakfast about once a week. In other words, decent shape is relative, and I definitely ain’t what I used to be. Nobody in my age bracket is.
Seventy-eight? Are you shitting me? How is this possible? How did time flow by so quickly? Man, by just about anyone’s definition, I’m real old. That’s why, completely unsurprisingly, I now and then ponder my eventual demise. What will get me in the end? The possibilities are more than many. As with everything, time will tell.
The crazy thing about it, though, is that I can’t fully wrap my head around the fact that an expiration date is stamped in invisible ink somewhere on my body. (By the way, my guess is that it’s on my ass. On both cheeks, probably.) I mean, I still think of myself as being kind of immortal, just as I did decades ago. Basically, I want to keep going on and on and on, and for everyone of like mind on the subject to keep going on and on and on too. And, let me assure you, serious bodily ailments would be no more for those of us choosing non-ending sojourns on Planet Earth. Yeah, you better believe that a major restructuring of earthly realities would be instituted pronto if I were in charge. Vote for me! Damn straight I’d set matters straight!
In autumn 2025, my wife Sandy and I gathered with family in Hawaii to attend the bar mitzvah of one of our three great-nephews, as Hawaii is where the bar mitvah boy resides. We stayed with a bunch of other family members in a rented house for a week. On the grounds was a huge swimming pool. The pool was a magnet for the great-nephews, who at the time ranged in age from six to thirteen, and for most of the adults too.
One afternoon, Sandy and I were standing in the house with our sister-in-law Sara, who was regarding, through windows, the three youngsters splashing away in the pool. Sara turned to me and Sandy and said something to us that has stuck in my mind: “Our lives are ending and theirs are beginning.” Wistfulness and wonder were in her voice.
Well, Sara meant ending in a broader sense, not in the imminent sense. Nevertheless, she was right. She, Sandy and I are in our 70s. Even if we each hang in there for another 20 or more years, that won’t be all that much compared to the number of years we’ve already said goodbye to. On the other hand, the future is wide open for my great-nephews, and I hope it treats them well.
So, that’s life. We come and we go. And, hopefully, we live productively and lovingly during our stays. My wishful thinking described above isn’t about to change the way things roll here on our orb. Though I’d be delighted if it did.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
I would be delighted, too! Crystal clear thoughts on the golden years!
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The nature of things needs to be re-designed. No more dog eat dog. No more decay. Etc.
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Amen.
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Thanks for sharing that. I’ve long wondered if I’m the only one who obsesses about ageing. I wonder if anyone can envision their own demise. I just can’t imagine a world without me in it.
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“I just can’t imagine a world without me in it.” — I know what you mean.
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Thank you, Neil, for the wonderful thoughts on getting old, which resonate with me as time fly fast now while it was slow when I was a child, and I couldn’t wait to be grown up. I agree that having an interesting life we would like to stay for as long as possible, and leaving good memories should be our legacy.
Joanna
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Right — when we’re gone, there will be folks who remember us fondly.
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I am sure of that, Neil, as you are entertaining, do volunteering work and are helpful to others!
Joanna
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Those are inescapable truths, Neil, but your concluding paragraph has a lot of wisdom.
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Thanks, Audrey.
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I love your post, Neil. Your points are so very, very true and expressed so well. I have had a full, interesting, adventurous life, and I’m fairly certain that I know what is going to take me. Nevertheless I’m also very much aware of the fact that it’s really not my time anymore and I’m completely fine with that.
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Hi. You are a very well-adjusted individual. More so than many, I think.
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I don’t think that much about my age, but my body likes to remind me that I can’t do once what I could. Still, it behooves us to remain active if we want to remain healthy.
Mt. Everest? That’s impressive. How much did the elevation affect you?
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The final climb to Kala Patthar was really difficult. Each step was an effort. The air was very thin up there.
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If you don’t quit acting like early 70s = OLD I may have to round up a few of my early-90s friends and come over there to punch you out. Maybe even a few of my mid-90s friends, since that’s almost where I am now . . .
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Fran, you truly set a high bar. Few people your age are as active and with-it as you.
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Goodness, Neil, we have been here sipping the last of our morning coffee and chatting about very similar topics, before I turned to read your blog. We have both passed the 70 mark. Mary is in good health, thank goodness. I have had a series of interventions though nothing terribly worrying. And we talked of the passing years, children grown up, settled, and with lives of their own which don’t include us – as happens and as is natural and understandable. And we talk of making our wills, wondering where we will end up should health fail us, of realising we are on our own, that we will have to deal with life as it comes to us by ourselves – and it’s a worry, a concern, a sadness. We are very happy together and each fears the day when the other dies first. We feel we must give time to ourselves, time to enjoy ourselves, opportunities for doing things which bring us happiness, to no longer continue a life geared to the care of others, children, but to turn our attention to caring for ourselves, to having a good time and to sliding into that grave singing our hearts our with a glass of champagne in each hand.
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Paddy, I’ve always liked the way you think. Your head is on very straight.
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I have similar thoughts, Neil, being of a like age but I keep my edge by keeping active — gym, three times a week, long walks twice — and my mind engaged and extended : our writing sees to that 🙂 socially, of course, there’s family and friends and, like you, a keen sense of humor 🙂
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You’re doing all the right things, and it pays off!
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Lovely, thoughtful piece.
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Thanks very much.
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Well said, Neil. Life will go on, even when we don’t. Meanwhile, best to keep smiling…and to remember to take the painkillers!
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Amen!
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During the past few months, I’ve had similar thoughts. The cycle of life continues.
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Everything comes and goes.
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Joy Lennick
Hi Nei!,
Take my word for it. . . you are still ‘a Babe!’ Hubbie and I celebrated our 73rd wedding anniversary recently!
Your Himalayan experience sounded amazing, although I like flatter terra firma. . .but I have an insatiable curiosity re travel and people, and the scenery must have been magical! My teenage time coincided with the end of WW11, so the mores of the time were very different, but exciting, as all the wonderful music, films and entertainment were emerging from the USA at a perfect time for my avid consumption, for who didn’t like to jive?! Fast forward. . .I then had the unbelievable good fortune to meet a handsome young, Jewish lad. Suffice it to say he had all the right ‘ingredients’ to make a very noshy wedding cake!! AND he had an excellent sense of humour! What more could I have wished for?! We – gradually – had three, worthy sons, travelled when we could in the UK and across Europe (hubbie was a passionate driver. . .) and especially enjoyed Italy and Spain (to where we are retired). In 1957, we visited ‘The Great Apple’ (NY, Brooklyn, and Florida ), and then lived and worked in Toronto, Canada for 18 months, which we loved, returning to the UK (homesick!) As for ‘old age’ Neil, despite being nearly 94, and husband 97, although a bit doddery. . mentally we are fine and ‘Im indoors’ has a retentive memory, still does the shopping and insists on cooking dinner each night! We both, luckily, beat cancer, and I have just finished my 10th book (Memoir: My Gentle War) present book The Dobrowski Portrait, awaiting publication. Husband also wrote a Memoir: A Life Worth Living, and we wrote a modest, humorous book The Moon is Wearing a Tutu. Forgive so much ‘self publicity!’
Keep taking your great photos and hitting that pavement, Neil! I aways look forward to your entertaining blogs Cheers. Joy xx
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Joy, you continually amaze me. Ditto for your husband. The two of you are one of the world’s great couples!
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Your Himalayan experiences sound wonderful! I can relate to what you say about ageing; you put it so well! I think knowing that I’m over the hill, so to speak, now helps me to get more focused on doing the things I actually want to do.
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Hi. Right, pursuing our interests is the way to go. They make life more interesting and enjoyable.
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I’m heartened to know that you’re still feeling immortal at 78. I’m a little ways behind you age-wise, but I still think the same way. Admittedly, I know I can’t do the things I used to, but at least I’m still vertical!
Have a great day, my friend.
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Stay vertical!
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Great reflections Neil! The end of that forever road is getting closer, although I don’t dwell on it my body reminds me at times. In my head I’m still 20. I’m okay knowing that I’m not forever, but looking at my grands it’s often hard to imagine what their world will be like.
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Yeah, humanity’s future isn’t looking all too bright, what with global warming, nuclear weapons all over the place, over-population, etc.
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Turning 85 in May and having waded through tons of life challenges I’m just sitting back and letting the rest of my term here roll out as it will. Don’t care how long either. Good reflections, Neil.
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Hi. I know what you mean: what will be will be.
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😊
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Just like you l have many memories of trips in past especially the year l spent in Europe living and skiing in Innsbruck for 6 months and traveling 6 months. I was 20. Now l am 80. I still am healthy going 3 times a week for weightlifting class and in summer tennis 3 times a week and walking. Hopefully Neal you and l will be around and enjoy life for awhile.
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For way, way more than awhile, let’s hope.
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As a mere youngster of 70, I love this one. Keep sharing the wisdom.
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Thank you kindly.
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Hi Jerry, and thanks. He’s someone who definitely did it his way.
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Of your many essays that I’ve read, this is my favorite. I can totally relate. I’m 74.
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Thanks a lot, Jerry. I appreciate the compliment, and I appreciate your being a loyal reader. Take care.
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As a relative babe at 66, you provide some nourishing thoughts. I remain in excellent health, though my Mrs (a couple of years older) is suffering from some chronic maladies that are unlikely to improve. We do what we can to create good memories in those around us, and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.
But I am a veteran of caring for parents through slowly cascading health failures. I hope this is not my lot, but accept that it eventually could be. I hold to a faith tradition that says the end of life here is the beginning of something else that will (hopefully) be better and is not to be feared. So I will try to be ready to accept whatever comes at me.
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Hi. My parents, too, had cascading health failures. It was heartbreaking.
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Amen, brother! And now I can’t unsee that invisible ink.
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I hope I didn’t depress you!
Who is this, by the way? You’re listed as Anonymous.
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Sorting out how not to leave things in a mess when I pop my clogs……no point getting emotional about what is inevitable, just want to ensure a smooth transition.
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That’s a really good point. It’s wise to get one’s affairs in order.
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Well you know what they say, when the party is good, no one wants to leave it.
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Absolutely true.
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I tend to not overthink my expiry date. I decided to live everyday as if I am going to live another 35 years. So far it’s working for me.
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Hi. Being optimistic is a very good approach to life.
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I read about Granny Gatewood (60’s–young by our standards) who walked the Appalachian Trail when it was the longest trail in the world. That feeling you’re having–am I done? No! I’m not done!–drove her. I’m seriously impressed you trekked through the Himalayans. Woah!
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Yeah, it was an amazing experience. Plus, while in Nepal I also spent a week in Kathmandu, which is an old, fascinating city.
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I like your wishful thinking, Neil!
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If only it could come true.
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It’s fun to read about your long-ago travels & trekking, Neil, and even if you’re not climbing in the Himalayas, you seem to be staying in motion pretty well. I still have the urge to pull up stakes, pretty much every morning when I leave for work, but I kind of get the appeal of learning to observe and appreciate wherever we find ourselves, even if it’s very familiar already. Wow that almost sounds philosophical I must be getting old!!
I’m enjoying your posts, too.
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Hi. I always look forward to your comments. They often go in unexpected directions!
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Well, after reading through the comments I’m beginning to feel like a mere youngster! So, thank you, that feels good.
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I’m here to serve!
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Now you have me checking myself all over for the expiration date stamped in invisible ink.
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Examine your rear end closely!
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I always enjoy seeing pictures of your travels. But this one blows my mind away congratulations on conquering such a difficult mountain.
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Yeah, that ridge was way up there. 18,500 feet high!
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Sunrise…sunset….
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Hi. Yeah, that’s reality.
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That was a very impressive accomplishment, no matter what your age was at the time. Congratulations! And to have that memory with you forever…no one can take that away from you.
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I’m still into having adventures. But they are on a smaller scale than the Himalayas!
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I enjoyed this reflective piece about past accomplishments and future likelihoods. I felt much the same way when I wrote this haiku verse a while back—
the sails of my youth,
one hoist, are mostly furled now,
‘though the winds still blow
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We’re both hanging in there pretty well. May that continue for a long, long time!
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You have every reason to be proud of your three-week trek through the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal. What an amazing accomplishment!
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It was a great experience, that’s for certain.
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I’m still caught up in your Himalayan trip—wow!
I think we just keep forging, barreling, creeping ahead—trying to worry less and appreciate more. It’s hard to do, but… I keep practicing.
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Yeah, staying active and engaged is where it’s at. No different, really, than what we did in our younger days.
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The CInque Terre in Italy was my last do or die adventure and I think I was 45. My knees had been shot by that time (too much adult soccer) – something I realized on the sometimes slippery terrain! I have friends who are 78 and planning to do some hikes in Nepal! Last time they pushed themselves they ended up having to get new knees and over six months of rehab. Better just to savor the memories and wonder at youth. I think.
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I guess that shorter treks at lower altitudes in Nepal would be okay for people pushing 80. But if they are thinking of trekking to Everest base camp, or something like that, then they might want to reconsider.
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So much to learn and read and see. And taste. May you have many more healthy years!
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Hi, and thanks. Same to you!
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Your post hit me in a strange way—but a good way. It got me thinking. You see, I have been feeling “old” lately, and since I am in my sixties, I am. However, I also can’t wrap my mind around an eventual expiration date, either. But I liked your idea that we come and we go. It is a simple, straightforward concept—and a true one. So, I guess before our expiration date, we should just continue to live loud. BTW, your Napal trip was impressive.
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Hi. Keeping busy with activities we enjoy, and with people we enjoy, is a good recipe for life.
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We are on the whole aging far better and you three seeing another 20 years isn’t unrealistic. I keep hearing in the news about a person being classed as elderly at 60 plus. The media are so annoying some days or perhaps they hit a nerve with me?
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I think that turning 70 didn’t bother me much. But I wasn’t thrilled about turning 75. And now I’m 78. Anyway, I’m glad to still be here.
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Perhaps the age was related to what was happening at the time?
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As long as you have made the most of your 78 years, Neil. No regrets and all that! Here’s to many more healthy and happy days ahead, Mel
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Hi, Mel, and thanks. I appreciate it.
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I recently asked another blogger about time travel and if she knew how to reverse time. She gave some great advice. Her words ‘keep thinking young, stay fit, and engage with intelligent matter, and vital people´. This is how we stay young. Great piece, keep writing and sharing your humorously serious thoughts with your many thankful readers. Keep vital. Looking forward to more truck photos.
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Hi, and thanks.
As for the trucks: I’ve wanted to get into Philadelphia and do the next installment of Art On Wheels. But we’ve had a bad winter (real low temperatures; snowstorms). I’m hoping for a warm-ish day fairly soon, so that I can do the story.
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What really gets me is that in our heads, we are still the same young adults as we were 40+ years ago – then we look in the mirror.
Sounds as if you are doing pretty well so many years in the tank yet I’m sure. Keep on blogging, walking, taking trips and having arts-filled excursions. Seems to serve you well.
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Hi. The end will come when it comes. Till then, we should keep on truckin’.
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One of your best, Neil. The comments from your other readers, too, are well-written, too. Keep on keeping on, friend!
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Thanks for the thumbs up.
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I’ve always wanted to do some hiking in the Himalayas. Interesting to hear that your three year trek there had such a lasting impact. Time does seem to have a way of slipping by so quickly. A good reminder to try to slow down and cherish all the moments and memories.
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Hi. There’s no holding time back. It’s relentless!
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Wow, what a terrific post. I’ve had all of these thoughts and feelings recently (I just turned 70), including thinking about my newly-born grand-nephew and the fact that he has his whole life ahead of him. In some ways, I suppose, that actually makes me jealous.
One of my favorite movies, Mi Familia, ends with a scene in which the mother and father of an immigrant family from Mexico sit at a table and reflect on their lives. The mother had suffered terribly getting to this country. Their oldest son had been murdered. Their daughter-in-law had died soon after giving birth. But ultimately their remaining children and their grandchildren had found their way in life. As the parents savor their coffee and reflect on their marriage and family, José says, “Maria, we’ve had a good life. We’ve been very lucky.”
She nods but then pauses. “It would have been even better if . . . .”
But José won’t hear of it. “No, Maria, don’t say it,” he says. “Don’t even say it. It is wrong to wish for too much in this life. God has been good to us.”
“You’re right,” Maria says. “We have had a very good life.” And they kiss.
Such a lovely and brave attitude!
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Hi. Many thanks for adding your thoughts. I’m going to try and track down that movie. I know I would like it a lot.
See ya!
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Same thoughts…
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Hi. We’re on similar wavelengths.
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This has to be one of my favourite posts of yours, dear Neil. It made me think about how time is the one thing we can never get back. Once it passes, it cannot be recovered, making it the most precious, non-renewable resource we have. That’s why it is very important to find joy in simple, everyday occurrences—sunlight, conversations, laughter, books, music—rather than waiting for big milestones. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Wishing you many more happy years ahead. Cheers, Aiva xx
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Hi. Thanks very much for adding to the discussion. I love this sentence in regard to time: “Once it passes, it cannot be recovered, making it the most precious, non-renewable resource we have.” You have nailed it!
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🥰🥰🥰
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Time truly is precious … and so very fast and fleeting … but also full of wonderful people and events and resulting memories. God bless, Neil. Sending you a hug.
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Thanks, Tyler. I appreciate the hug. I’m sending one to you too.
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🙂 Thank you.
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I am rapidly approaching the big 70 and have to say that the speed of it has caught me out. I’m mentally not ready for it at all, but have to admit that my body seems to have gotten the picture, which I also don’t like one little bit.
I find myself looking at my grandchildren and thinking those same thoughts. Thanks for putting them into such eloquent words.
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Hi there. In a blink of an eye, we become senior citizens!
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