When I first started this blog, I was 70 years old and amazed at how people began to perceive me as old. I wrote this to show whoever would read my blog that being 70 was not necessarily the end of my capabilities to think, to feel awe, to be physical, to learn, to love, to travel, etc.

Now that I am 79, I still feel this judgement from others implying that I cannot do things because I am almost 80. Who are these people that want to judge me without even knowing me! What gives people the right to judge anyone by their age. We have vast experience that benefits everyone. We have feelings. We have different abilities and desires. A 79 year old can be healthier and wiser than someone younger.

If you can tell, I am upset because yesterday I was told by someone who doesn’t know me that I was too old to adopt a puppy. She went on to say that I’m not physically able because I’m old and I can’t run and I would die before the puppy would. This lady just went on and on about me being too old to adopt a puppy and she shrugged off all my reasons for being able to do this. I was heartbroken and hurt by her unkindness. She had all the concern for a pet, but none for me.

Today I felt so hurt and so old. Of course, I am old and maybe I don’t have a lot of years of health and life. Of course, I think about it occasionally, but I don’t dwell on it because if I do, I start thinking old thoughts and maybe feel that I can’t do what I want to do.

I sent this lady an email today to let her know that I felt that she was unkind. I told her that I admire her for being a volunteer for rescued animals, but I am also a volunteer and an advocate for elderly people, who deserve respect. I don’t know if she read my email, but I felt better for standing up for myself and other senior citizens. By the way, I was very nice.

Words and actions toward us, do influence us if we let them. I decided not to let her words tear down my confidence in myself.

I may be old, but I am not done!