What Is Old

For the first time I've noticed people now think of me as old, or that I'm still young. Now which is it? Young people see me as old and people over 80 see me as "still young." How do you know when you're old?

If I schedule an appointment with a new doctor she has no idea what she will be dealing with from the number 75 written on my chart. She could open the door to find me in a wheelchair not knowing  my own name, or the days of the week. It's also possible she could find me running in place in my jazzy exercise outfit, anxious to get back out on the street and continue my morning run. (not likely).

Sometimes health ages a person prematurely. Loss of sight and hearing can have a severe impact on aging. Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and many other health issues have a direct effect on how we age.

Some personalities age better than others. My sister-in-law asked me recently why I seem to be happy most of the time. I don't have an answer but I know that her melancholy personality is doing a real number on her when it comes to aging.

I think our view of life is a factor. I have no scientific proof, but I believe curiosity is anti-aging. It would be nice if we could drink from a bottle. Some people are old at 50 and others young at 100.

Looking at a stranger in a crowd, where you have only their physical being to go by, what tells you a person is old?

How do you decide who is old?