What do people over age 80 think? How do they see life?

Question

My father will be turning 84 and I was just wondering how old age changes a persons thinking about life in general? He is active, goes for walks, volunteers, his mind is clear, but at that age how does one live without dreams and long term goals. How does one live a happy life when the end is so near? This isn't something I would talk about with him but I'd like to understand people at that age. I am 48 and getting old seems depressing.

Answer 1

you should ask him!!!! & ask him about events in his life, you'll regret it if you don't, don't wait to say "i wished i would have asked him about that"

Answer 2

Well, I'm older than you, but not 80 and I am constantly surprised at how my mind feels and thinks the same as it did when I was 20. (For instance, I thought then that no one over the age of 65 should be allowed to drive. I still think that, except for short trips to the store, or something, but not on highways; and never should anyone over 70 drive anywhere. I plan to follow my rule.)

The difference is that I am more calm and accepting now than I was then. It seems that biology has a way to make the mind accept the aging of the body, or else we'd all kill ourselves when we turned 50 or 60.

I am constantly surprised and irritated when I look in the mirror and see more signs of aging; now that is depressing. However, the main old person complaint that I have is even more irritating to me and my children, and that is that I boringly repeat family stories when we are all in a group together. I remember old people I have known doing that. Does your father? To me, it is a way to remember and remain connected to them, since they are all grown and gone and have their own lives now that only include me on the periphery.

One lives a happy life at 80 because no matter how close death is one perceives it in the future, not as an immediate tomorrow sort of thing. It is a coping mechanism that all humans have, else we'd be paralysed by the fear of knowing that we are going to die. You might die tomorrow, or before you read this answer, but you don't think about it, what good would it do?

Answer 3

My mother is also 84. She is active and healthy, and just retired this year from a 20 year second career as a missionary in an inner city mission teaching english. I have been worried about her, but to my suprise she is not slowing down. She is travelling, visiting friends and relatives, and doing things that she felt she has missed doing in the past. She doesn't dwell on dying, she lives. I just hope that I can be like her when I am her age.

Answer 4

You are very lucky and blessed to have a Dad of that age who is still so active and alive. My mother in law is 84, still works full time taking care of an "elderly" woman and has so much energy. She never sits still and I think that's what keeps her young. She has the philosophy of living one day at a time and living each day to the fullest. She doesn't think of herself as old and doesn't asct old. Of all of the older people I've met, either they are lonely and bitter or happy and still going strong. I think we have a choice in how we handle our later years. I hope to be like my mil and your Dad.Don't worry about getting old, it happens to all of us and you are still in your prime!

Answer 5

It depends the person.

My grandfather enjoyed travelling to other countries, smoking, walking around downtown. Sadly, he passed away at age 84.

I'd say they're just like any other person. They don't want to feel depressed, they just want to feel alive.

So they probably want to live every day like it's their last because tomorrow might be.

That's how life is and make sure you cherish every moment you have with your life and your loved ones.