Reminders- age but different life choices

[Crankin]

Emily, I went to my 40th HS reunion in 2011 (well reunion of the HS I would have graduated from, if I hadn't moved, which is for me, really a reunion of my childhood friends). At the last moment, like 3 PM that day, we decided to stay downtown at the hotel. As we checked in, I asked the person at the counter where the reunion was, as I didn't see it listed on the board. This person, about 25 years old, looked at me and said, "Wow, you guys all look SO fantastic. I can't believe it's your 40th reunion." To her, we were ancient. I laughed and said, "Oh, they probably all had work done," but seriously everyone did look really great. Although, when I met my close friend outside the room, before going in, the comment scared both of us . The guys did look in worse shape, too. I had gone to the 25th reunion in 1996 and the guys didn't look so awful at age 43.
After seeing these people, I realize a lot of what I do is really a cultural value; while I lived a bunch of different places and done lots of things, but I guess I really internalized a lot of this stuff from my upbringing. We were all so very much alike, despite different experiences. People make fun of the place I grew up, but... a lot of good came out of those years.

[shootingstar]

Well, in a few days I will be a meeting a sister of a close friend to go hiking in Banff National Park. I believe her sister is around 8-10 years older than my friend (54). This long time friend is also a long time cyclist, x-country skier ...and now also tennis player.

However her sister is different since she said sis has health issues, etc. I guess I've been accustomed to her having 2 other healthy, active siblings also in their 50's. I met them also.

Well anyway, I have a 51 yr. old sister whom I dearly wish she would be willing to go at least for hikes, etc. But she has some walking problems for long distances, when she developed a mysterious balance problem. But I don't advise her on exercise or anything. I know she is reasonably careful with her diet. She is single and child-free. We're just glad to spend time with one another. This is in contrast to 2 other sisters (43 & 48) who jog/do pilates often. These 2 sisters each, have several young to teenage children. My brother could use some exercise at 45 yrs., but his face still looks youngish. I think he went through a bout of jogging and lost some weight. But has regained it.

But none of us have yet developed any heart/respiratory problems. And we are all aware, because of our upbringing, on what /how a proper diet looks like. It's how we implement that um....knowledge.