Getting Old is Inevitable. Feeling Old is a Choice.

It's Day 7 of my FUNemployment.

The Plan:  1. Bring kids to school.  2. Go to the local recreation center.  3.  Return books to the library.  I was ready for a productive day, but little did I know that today will somehow make such a huge impact on me, it compelled me to blog.  I also realized that Anika's joke earlier turned out to be true ... Flashback:  Anika was amused when I said I was going to the "recreation" center gym.  Ever the witty child, she said, "They call it recreation because it will RECREATE you, Ma, by making your body fit-TER".  We laughed at her play with words.  Later, I realized the visit did recreate me, in a different way.

So, kids dropped off, I walked 2 more blocks to the gym.  It was my first time today.  Another attempt to put idle time to good use.  I've been meaning to get fit so this is the best time start.  When I arrived at the gym, I was amazed at the number of senior people there.  I was even more amazed at what they were capable of doing.

Senior #1, beside me on the treadmill.  For the first 20 minutes, she was walking briskly.  Same pace as mine, thank you.  I kept looking at her dashboard and yes, our speed were almost the same.  I ran for a while just to show off, but got tired 5 minutes later.  I was almost afraid of passing out. Chicken.

Anyways, on her final 10 minutes on the treadmill, she started walking backwards.  She turned around, held on to the rail and continued walking.  I almost asked her if she wanted to stop and step down so I can help her but no! It was her routine!  She was really exercising that way, and she was doing it so well.  Admirable. I swear if I did that, I will trip big time.

Senior #2 (another woman, as fit and slim as Senior #1), off at the machines section.  She had a trainor who looked so much like The Rock, or Arnold Schwarzeneger.  She was doing chin pull-ups (or whatever they call it).  I counted ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4 ... 5 .. blah blah blah ... 12.  Rest. Repeat.  *#&!(*^#!&.  I'm sure I won't even make it to 5 and here she was, doing the routine twice.  OMG, these ladies are so petite yet so strong and fit! 

I will stop there.  I will not talk about Senior #3, a man who was running and lifting himself alternately at the treadmill; or Senior #4 who was lifting weights at the far end of the room.

Amazing.  I was really impressed and felt a bit embarrassed at my 30-minute treadmill routine I hardly finished.  No wonder I see a lot of very agile senior citizens walking dogs, doing groceries, and even laundry on their own here.  It's all that walking that's doing them good, and the no-fat meat they sell at groceries (promise, all the fat are gone!  Di masarap mag-adobo dito!).

Then off I went to the NY Public Library to return my books.  From fitness to cerebral pursuit. Wow, todo na ito.  Plastered on the door were the free classes offered by NYPL - from ballet to yoga to computer lessons. At the counter, I overheard a Senior inquiring about the ballet lessons and again, I was amazed and impressed by it all.  She was really interested, and it made me think about my old age -- whether I will still have the same passion for things as this lady. She was determined to enlist, practically forcing the staff to sign her up even if she was told that she can just appear on the day itself.  No, she wanted to be sure she had a slot. Such persistence and did I say it was for BALLET?!

Looking around at the library, it dawned on me that 80-85% were seniors.  Naturally, they are retired and they have a lot of time on their hands but still, it's wonderful that they still prefer to brave the winter cold and go to the Library to read the papers, borrow books, and a couple were even busy using the computers (Twitting or posting on Facebook?).  There was even a couple who just returned their books and were on their way to have breakfast together. Sweet.

I felt HOPEFUL after today's experience.  Often, I fear getting old, being sick or not having anything to do.  I fear that my kids will outgrow me physically and intellectually.  I fear that I will outlive Joric, be on my own, waiting for my kids and grandchildren to visit me (telenovela moment!).  I wish I will always be sharp, agile, able and healthy but I know time will come, these will all go away but after today, I felt that it doesn't have to be that way.  I have an extremely myopic view of aging.  I now know that it can still be exciting and full - if we choose it to be that way. Life doesn't stop after retirement.  It's just another phase, one that we should be prepared to embrace and live to the fullest.

I also felt INSPIRED.  I realized that I still have a lot of time to prepare for my old age - to be fit now, so I can be healthy longer; to learn as much now, so I will gain the habit of learning; to continue to seek other people and be excited about life.  And amidst of all this, I realized that I should appreciate the time I have with loved ones and to nurture meaningful relationships that will make the years ahead more fruitful. Often (and I know Moms like me can relate), I am bogged down by too many things happening at work or at home. I complain about not having enough time, having too much work, boring chores to do, and too little sleep.  That mindset needs to change NOW -- there's always enough time, busy is good, and sleep can wait.  Thank God for today.  Thank God for Anika for saying that this day will recreate me.