There are times when I get thoughtful, like just now):
At the time I am writing this article, I am 59 years and a month old. Time goes by and the clock goes on mercilessly, not just with respect to my own curriculum vitae.
Basically, I still feel quite adventurous, resilient and physically fit, almost young. In a way, I would not want to do without what I experienced as I grew old, and I do not want my younger days back.
On the other hand, I know how fast 10 years spin away. And I have friends who are 10 years my seniors – who in some ways give me the impression of being a little worn out. Looking at people who are another 10 years older than that, I often distinctly notice senility, if not dementia.
Thus, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, I enjoy life to its fullest – yet I know that most of it must already be behind me. Slowly but consistently, I am moving towards the end.
My only consolation is that this is what every human being has to go through. However, I often get the impression that many people – especially in my generation – artificially push away all thought of old age. Something like an obsession with youth is prevalent.
RMD
P.S.
The best drama on stage I ever saw on the subject of “Old Age” was “Bauer als Millionär (The Farmer as Millionaire) by Ferdinand Raimund, when it was performed in the Münchner Residenztheater. The title role was played by the unforgettable Jörg Hube. Jörg Hube died a few months ago aged 66. I was lucky enough to see his last performance as “Sugardaddy”, I am grateful for his playing in the theatre until shortly before his foreseeable death.
(Translated by EG)
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