Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
Everyone over 70 with whom I've been close enough to have the conversation - everyone, both relatives and friends, people from all walks of life, the sole exception being my mother who can manage to find the bright side of the most horrific situations, and even she has been faltering lately - every single other one of them has told me "don't get old." Usually in those exact words. At 52, I'm at the age where I'm very much inclined to take their advice.
Wow, that strikes me as very sad. Are they just not dealing with how life has changed for them, or is it really that bad?

Both of my parents are now over 70 and they both enjoy life more every day. They get a tad sad/depressed when then think about friends they have lost, but for the most part, they are very happy with the progression of their lives. And trust me, neither of them would be considered overly optimistic. Maybe it's because they still have each other?