I recently led a discussion with my university students on the subject of aging and leisure and the physical and mental effects of aging on our bodies and on our society. When we age, of course our bodies naturally slow down.
My students took a short, online assessment “How Long Will I Live?” and had to write their reaction to the number provided. (Click to take the test–it’s free and interesting).
Some students were afraid to see what that number might be, hesitant to face their mortality. Others saw it as a wake-up call to become more healthy while still young. Most got a number between 77-94 years of age.
When I read the theme of the Weekly Photo Challenge, Wish, I knew I had to share something about our wishes for good health and a long life.
Our allotted 80-ish years on this planet are fleeting and should never be squandered. With that said, sadly we take our own time for granted, then gradually lose touch with our elderly loved ones. The lovely ladies in the above photo are all in their 80s, with two of them not in the best of health.
This quote spoke to me:
Spend time with those you love. One of these days you will say either, “I wish I had,” or “I’m glad I did.” Zig Ziglar
In the photo below, my father is hiking Mammoth Lakes with his brand new trekking poles…on his 80th birthday! It took a lot of coordinating with the family to surprise him with this trip. My dad and mom took us to Yosemite as young children and forever planted the love of the outdoors within our hearts. This was a tough hike, he admitted later, but you would never had known that day.
Here is a photo of my mom, who at age 76, continues to reside in a convalescent home because she cannot care for herself. In this picture, nine years ago, she was able to use her walker and stroll along her beloved San Diego beaches.
In this photo below is my spunky, Auntie Kim, who began life as a Korean orphan. Now in her early 80s, she is still going strong! She lives near her oldest daughter, my cousin.
Oh, how I wish I could spend more time with these precious ones. My aunties and mother-in-law live in the Pacific Northwest, my mother in San Diego. At least my father lives within a two-hour drive. Sometimes distance limits our time together.
Mortality surely limits our time together.
But we can still wish.
Make the best of your time with your loved ones before that time runs out. It will, no matter how much you wish it differently.
Second Wind Leisure Perspectives 
What is YOUR perspective? Please include your name if WP identifies you as “anonymous.