Yes, there is life after 80! This 81-year-old and my 80-year-old husband went blueberry picking recently. We really did!
It was a sunny day, not too hot, and we decided to return to a place where we had seen many blueberry bushes about a month ago. Most of the bushes were covered with blossoms, hopefully indicating that there would be a great crop of berries.
We were somewhat disappointed, though, as the blueberries were not as plentiful as we had hoped. Besides that, they were small! We did manage to pick a Tim Horton’s cup full, mostly by my husband, as my back was not co-operating as much as it should have.
Oh well, the experience of being in the bush following a narrow trail was worth it. Neither one of us 80-year-olds fell, although the trail was challenging at times.
We walk often, good exercise for our hearts and muscles. I’m not afraid to admit that at times I use a cane. Better safe than sorry, as the saying goes.
We have a small vegetable garden where I grow beans, peppers, zucchini, lettuce, brussels sprouts and my amazing tomato plant, which is producing more fruit than I expected.
I enjoy gardening immensely! Watering that gardening is necessary, but pleasurable, too, as I check on the growth of the plants I put into the earth months ago. Numerous planters filled with pleasing, colourful flowers adorn my balcony.
Every morning I deadhead any plants that have flowers that need it. That promotes development of new blossoms almost immediately. Next, I give all my flowers a generous drink, which they need. By letting their leaves droop, they remind me of this craving. A delightful activity for me every day.
Both of us are active in various organizations that we love. I am an executive member of an organization for retired women teachers. I enjoy singing in the church choir and being a more than 50-year member of the Catholic Womens’ League.
Also, I am an executive member of the Older (that’s me!) Adult Board at the apartment building where we live. My husband is a board member of the Alzheimers’ Society and president of a non-profit housing authority. Community involvement is important to us. We are both still driving our beautiful red car thus maintaining our independence as long as possible. That’s vital to us.
It allows us to get our groceries on our own schedule. Appointments – and we have so many of those – we are able to attend those as necessary. They are not always fun, but we never miss any. We carefully follow doctors’ advice, otherwise why go?
Personally, I love to be pampered. Having manicures and pedicures satisfies that desire periodically. My husband does not understand how that affects my moods. I know why that is … he’s male. I actually heard him make that comment one day. There were mostly females in the room who soon set him straight.
Massages make me feel so great. I must make appointments more often for those. My back and neck demand it. It’s important to listen to my body at this age, in fact at any age.
My body orders me to take naps, sometimes daily. No need to apologise for that for sure. I feel so energised when I awaken ready to tackle the rest of my day. It certainly makes that time spent well worth it.
Reading is my relaxation, my escape, my passion. I carry a book with me wherever I go. I never know when I might have to wait somewhere, whether that is in line or in a waiting room. Doctors are not always on time, neither are certain establishments. Having a book at hand passes the time very quickly and keeps me in a good mood for when I do meet the doctor or whoever else I am awaiting. Better service is guaranteed than if I were irritated or upset.
My other activity of choice is writing. Having completed my book of memoirs entitled “Behind the Green Door” has been an immense satisfaction for me as it was a goal for many years. It has been fun to sell so many copies from my home. Last count was 230.
As you can see, our lives at 80+ are far from boring. We absolutely do not sit around and watch TV all day. Life is too short. Enjoy!
Erna de Burger-Fex lives in Sudbury.
