A Positive Attitude To Ageing As A Gay Man
23.08.2022 - 13:59
/ starobserver.com.au
“I am not the sum of my histories. I am a collection of my possibilities.”This sage advice neatly sums up my recent experiences with other older men. After retirement, and especially reaching the age of seventy, men seem to divide into two different streams. Some seemingly decide that life has become dull, and dormant, and they continue to live in the memory of past glories. Of continuing friendships but only with ex-work colleagues.
Of past sporting achievements. Of no active sex life, and now in a succession of medical appointments, fear of change and other such end-of-life scenarios.By contrast, other men embrace each day with an enthusiastic fervour, knowing that by the time they hit their grave, they will have lived a full life right to the last moment. They are the ones who actively seek to keep their sex life meaningful, who willingly look for potential new friends, who join clubs, take that daily exercise walk, or do the gym routine, and mentor younger people in skills, manners, and knowledge.
They say ‘yes’ to invitations that might sound challenging, seek opportunities to tick more items off the Bucket List – and live for the day.These men have enthusiasm. And as humans, we are attracted to energy. Consequently, they attract other people who enjoy being in their company.
Sure, they have medical issues like all of us, but they also have the attitude of making the best of it. To which group do you belong? And which group attracts you?Positive and negative attitudes play a huge part in our lives, and my own experience suggests that negativity brings all those associated with it to a dull, depressed level. Whereas a positive attitude is infectious – it gives inspiration, the energy required to overcome inertia, and
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