Lala Dinsmore

Do you remember “back in the old days” of one’s youth how we always felt that “age made a difference” in so many things? As I have steadily grown older, I am realizing that this statement really doesn’t always make much sense. I’m thinking of how great it is to be with a couple who are my own children’s ages or close to it. The point is that age matters little if you are interested in the same things, and can even join them in some activities. I’m thinking of Ginger and Larry who ...Do you remember “back in the old days” of one’s youth how we always felt that “age made a difference” in so many things? As I have steadily grown older, I am realizing that this statement really doesn’t always make much sense. I’m thinking of how great it is to be with a couple who are my own children’s ages or close to it. The point is that age matters little if you are interested in the same things, and can even join them in some activities. I’m thinking of Ginger and Larry who actually live in two places: Falmouth, Maine, and Shelburne, New Hampshire. They enjoy doing many of the similar things that my friend John and I do- such as skiing and bike riding. You see those are the activities that, if you don’t stop doing them when you are 50 or 60, you can keep on for a surprising number of years!

Take bicycling for instance. Very few people I used to know in the past kept on biking after they are, say 55 or 60. On the other hand, I believe today’s 55 or 60s will carry on because it is now a different period of time, and I say, “Hooray” for that! Anyway, if you old fogies have a bike that you “used to ride” and it’s down in the cellar, get it out, have it rehabbed and get on it. Some “scaredy-cats” say they don’t ride any more because they are afraid of their balance on a bike. But just tell yourself that if you used to ride, there’s no reason that you can’t continue. Maybe you think it will look odd to see someone your age riding a bike? Absolutely not! But I will suggest that it might look odd to see a lady riding down the street wearing a dress and nylons! ! Maybe that’s why we don’t see more “older” women (or men, for that matter) riding a bike. Just get a pair of bike shorts (yeah, from my friend Mike Miccuci), and you will be comfortable and you’ll look great.