REMEMBERING...

I'm Not Old ... Just Mature 

Today at the drugstore, the clerk was a gent 
From my purchase this chap took off ten percent.

I asked for the cause of a lesser amount; And he answered, because of the Seniors Discount.
I went to McDonald's for a burger and fries; and there, once again, got quite a surprise.
The clerk poured some coffee which he handed to me.
He said, for you, Seniors, the coffee is free.
Understand---I'm not old---I'm merely mature; but some things are changing, temporarily, I'm sure. The newspaper print gets smaller each day, And people speak softer---can't hear what they say. My teeth are my own (I have the receipt), and my glasses identify people I meet.
Oh, I've slowed down a bit...not a lot, I am sure.
You see, I'm not old...I'm only mature.
The gold in my hair has been bleached by the sun.
You should see all the damage that chlorine has done.
Washing my hair has turned it all white, But don't call it gray...saying blond is just right.
My car is all paid for...not a nickel is owed.
Yet a kid yells, Old duffer...get off of the road!
My car has no scratches...not even a dent.
Still I get all that guff from a punk whose Hell bent.
My friends all get older...much faster than me.
They seem much more wrinkled, from what I can see.
I've got character lines, not wrinkles...for sure, But don't call me old...just call me mature.
(copied)

With so many of us aging and our adult children taking care of us, I'm hoping there is a widespread understanding by the younger crowd the importance of keeping in touch. It isn't the practice in many households to allow elders to remain in the home of their oldest married adult child, but in other countries that fact is understood. In Korea and many Asian countries when the son marries a woman, she moves into the family house where the elders have lived most of their married lives. This meaning of family is apparent. What is your option of having to care for your aging parents in your home with your married partner?

As for me, I with my. husband stayed in our home which we sold to our daughter and her husband. Within five years I was ready for my own place, since in that time period my husband passed away. When I moved, I was free to do as I please: stay in my pajamas all day, watch movies, not in their living room, but in my own, nap whenever, and many other tiny activities that take up more space than in my original home. 

However, there are many informed seniors who need the attention of their loved ones and must remain at home. What a responsibility for the adult children!

What is your opinion? Are you out of your home and into a private apartment or small house? Or are you continuing to live with your adult children?