Things I Hate About Growing Older
Posted: Monday, February 15, 2010
by Laura Trahan
On a trip to visit time with extended family recently, we played a new game called Things. I can't explain how hard I laughed while playing this game with my brother and his family.
For those who do not know the concept of the game, you are given a topic and each player writes down an answer. The answers go into a pile in which a reader reads them while the players try to guess who wrote what.
In the true spirit of depression about growing older, I decided to compose a list of all the things I hate about growing older.
My kids grow too!
It is the most depressing site thus far in my life. My son is now up to my shoulders. My daughter is up to my chest. Another few years, and I will be looking up to them. Growing a year older makes me closer to that milestone. I always hated seeing moms in the mall looking up to their teens trying desperately to reach them. I don't want to grow older because it means one step closer to me having to look up to my kids.
Body changes
This has to be the grossest part of growing older. Parts start sagging while other parts you lose all control of entirely. My sister-in-law and I were shocked to find out that we both put "no bladder control" on our answers during the Things game. I want to be able to keep up with my kids, but physically I pay for it. My husband, alone, is now facing a torn ACL surgery for playing soccer. Why do we have to give up what we love because we get older? Sure, those Olympic gals are in their 30's and skiing down the hill side and Tony Hawk seems to be more popular today, but somehow my body protests any movement.
I am not even going into all of the medical exams doctors now find necessary just because you are older. Do we really need to have every poke and prod every year?
Responsibilities
The older you get, it seems the more responsibilities you have. Between paying off debt, saving for your kids, getting your kids to school on time, it is endless. I dream of being back in college when that alarm goes off and actually having the option of ignoring it. Of course, that may be why I am at the place I am right now! :)
Hormones
Seriously? Did we not suffer enough as teenagers. Now we find ourselves in constant battles with out hormones and each year older grows a step closer to a bigger battle.
Lack of sleep
When you first have kids, there is no other worse time for sleep then that time. Those first few weeks waking up every couple of hours are endless and draining. However, as I grow older, I have found myself in need of more sleep then ever. I wake up at 4 in the morning for no reason at all. What is that?? I always wondered what was wrong with my grandma, why she was up at that hour. Now I know! There is no explanation!!
Every year, I go kicking and screaming into my birthday. I realize I have no control over turning a year older. I am determined, however, to live in denial.
Then another year passes and I have to admit that it wasn't as bad as I though. Although, this week, I just want to turn back time. I refuse to admit another year has past.
Maybe, I just need to make one of those lists that people make of things they want to accomplish before a certain age. I better get on it since I have one foot in the grave after tomorrow! :)
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total). . . . . Anicca.Thanks E!
Hi Laura, you are completely on my wave length - I love your writing as it is all so true!Thanks Jennifer! It is so nice to know I am not alone!!
Yah, and just wait a few more - however getting older beats the alternative (well, maybe not!) GRIN....my odometer will turn over to 64 in April!Thanks Marijo! I take that as you have a ton of wisdom to share!! thanks for commenting!!You know what they say "too soon old and toolate smart..."
A few things Laura, first, you're too young to be talking about growing old.Secondly, you reach an age where you experience a 're-birth', so you have that to look forward to! And third, if it works for you, denial isn't such a bad thing. Hang in there, it gets better, trust me!Brianna! Thanks for commenting! Looking forward to the rebirth, but settling with denial until then!! :) And I am not going to touch the being too young-I wish!!
Hi Laura I enjoyed the article but your only a chicken in my eye, and yes all that you mention is oh so true. The body always reminds me of those wedding vows " for bettter or for worse" and I feel for every year you get older the body's workings and functions don't get better, but worse. The best is yet to come. I will look out for the next article you write when your another year older
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