Musings of a Nonagenarian
Webster: nonagenarian: being 90 or between 90 and 100 years old.

On the 8th day of August, I was an octogenarian, and one day later, I became a nonagenerarian. Suddenly, on one day a startling change occurred. Moreover, it became evident that something of a profound nature was in progress. I had now become a member of a special group. Associates, knowing this, evidenced a kinder, more respectful attitude and became embarrassingly helpful in pulling out chairs and other obstacles, opening doors, helping with awkward outer garments, and excusing minor memory lapses. Also, those kind friends accepted, without the usual argument, diverse opinions on politics, and more surprisingly, they listened (though often with glazed eyes) to advice on such matters as investments. All this because I was one day older!

Of course, as in all things, the law of compensation is not to be denied and applies to this situation as well. Now one arises during the night more frequently and more carefully. Then there is the difficulty in pulling on socks and tying shoelaces. One climbs the stairs one at a time and at a slower pace. There are other physical efforts that become a chore.

But you know what? I enjoy it – can’t do anything about it anyway—so youngsters, you sexagenarians, septuagenarians, and octogenarians, bear up and be of good cheer. The best is yet to come!—by Russ Bowen