VVJan22

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My Thoughts on Aging
By: Linda Salmon / Guest Column
want to share some of my reflections on
I turning 80 years old. When I was 79 it did
not seem that old, but now that I am 80 it really
seems old.
When I was a young girl, I always thought all old ladies looked like
Eleanor Roosevelt. They all wore funny dresses, strange shoes and put
their thinning hair in a bun.
And even though Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t live to be 80, when she was
still in her 70s I had to ask myself did Eleanor bowl in a mixed bowling
league once a week? Did Eleanor golf in a ladies club every week? Did
she walk one mile every morning?
Did Eleanor play bunco with friends or go to champagne Sunday
brunches or happy hour at local restaurants once a month? Did Mrs.
Roosevelt wear short shorts, flip-flops or tennis shoes?
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January 2022
Because I was pretty sure all of these answers were NO it made me
somehow feel younger at 80 years old.
Remembering that all my life I had fine, straight hair and always
wanted curly hair. Well, in my late 70s my hair started to curl. I now
have curly hair at 80 years old.
I have a good memory and wonderful memories about my teenage
years in Burbank, California, including my three close friends, Jean,
Linda and Michelle. Michelle and Linda never made it to 80 and this
makes me sad, but I still talk to them and remind them of funny times
and stories we had. Many times this makes me smile.
I have regrets, but I try not to beat myself up reminiscing about them.
I have now come to accept that I am 80 years old and will, hopefully
continue to enjoy every day of my life that I have left and continue to
be happy and content.
And why shouldn’t I be happy? I can do more things than Eleanor
Roosevelt could when she got old - plus I now have curly hair.
Linda Cook Salman is a faithful Vegas Voice reader. You can
contact her by email: lmsalman41@gmail.com.