What Is It Truly Like to Be 94 Years Old?
We understand the struggles of growing old, but what is it like when you finally get there — when you ARE old?
Recently, I invited a lovely 94-year-old woman to join me on a vacation to the beautiful storm-battered coast of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula.
Ninety-four years is a very long time to live — few people make it that far. I’d like to.
My grandmother died at the impressive age of 102 and my aunt passed away a few weeks after her 100th birthday. The elegant lady who joined me on this excursion (let’s call her “Ann”) is the third-oldest person I’ve spent quality time with.
What is it like to be very old, I’ve always wondered. If my grandmother's and aunt’s lifespans are an indication, it’s likely I’ll be very old one day too — and that makes me curious about my future.
What does one do when one reaches such a distinguished age? And even more importantly: What does one think? Will death infect my thoughts all day long, or will I push it away until I can no longer ignore it? Will I pine for the old days and live in the past? Will I cower in fear or face down the Reaper with an indomitable spirit?
