Passing another milestone

So, I turned sixty-five the other day. I am now one of those characters that the blurb on the back of a novel sometimes refer to as “elderly.” In fact, over sixty is usually enough to warrant that description in a synopsis. Of course, once you get here you realize that “old” is one thing—you can feel that in your knees—but elderly, surely that must be closer to eighty.

American Presidential age.

With senior citizenhood come certain benefits, especially if you are of modest means, but the application processes can be fraught and demeaning. However, I did manage to take advantage of one of the services that come with age—I claimed my annual free eye exam. I’ve been struggling for some time, assuming that all I needed was new glasses and determined to wait unitl my birthday because the meagre benefits applicable toward glasses on the benefit plan I’ve been paying for also roll over this month and I would at least be able to save something on what is inevitably an expensive purchase. Ah, but I don’t need glasses after all. At least not yet.

I need cataract surgery.

If I was struggling with eye strain and dizziness before, now it seems ever more profound and constant. Especially because surgery (fortunately covered by government insurance) is probably six months away. Or more.

I’m not sure if this is where I thought I would be at this age. Are we ever where we thought we’d be? So many of my contacts are much younger, fretting about turning thirty (imagine), agonizing over turning forty (as if). But if there is one thing about getting older, the more milestones you pass, the less ominous they seem. I thought fifty would be profound but it passed without comment and ushered in a decade that would be upended by illness, grief, and unexpected opportunities to travel distant lands. Then sixty arrived in the pandemic and my plans to mark it with flair faded.

So here I am. Living in the city, but walking every day through forests and along the river. Reading interesting books. Content to be writing about them on my own site—an exercise I take very seriously. Happy to have a rewarding (volunteer) editing gig with a great team. And grateful for a local group of friends who are my age or older to remind me that getting older does not mean you have to act your age!

Photographs copyright Joseph Schreiber

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Author: roughghosts

Literary blog of Joseph Schreiber. Writer. Reader. Editor. Photographer.

30 thoughts on “Passing another milestone”

  2. Such a heartfelt and genuine reflection. I believe it’s what we fill our (limited) time with that gives it / us value and meaning. And you seem to be filling it with appreciation, empathy, beauty and sharing! Yey & to many more coming along (in good health and excellent eye sight 🙂 )

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  3. Many happy returns! I hope the surgery can happen sooner than expected – I know from relatives having it that it can be a wonderful thing and make a real difference. And I feel like one thing to take away from your words is that it is possible for us all to have a Good Life, we just need to appreciate what is around us, even in really difficult circumstances.

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  4. Happy Milestone! May there be lots of days of walking in forests and along the river. And infinitely many interesting books.

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  5. Happy Milestone! May there be lots of pleasant days of walking in forests and along rivers. And infinitely many interesting books.

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  6. If you are apprehensive about cataract surgery, please don’t worry at all. It’s copleyetly painless and when you come out of anesthesia you’ll won’t believe it was done to you. You will see the benefits immediately after you remove the occlusor. Just be faithful about post surgical eyedrops. They usually do them one eye at a time. I was astounded by how much better my eyesight was, so you should not be fearful, but rather be looking forward to a real improvement in your sight.

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    1. Thank you for your comments. The more I’ve learned, the more I wish I hadn’t let financial concerns keep me from going in for an exam sooner. But I am looking forward to the future improvements.

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  8. Congratulations, Joseph! I’m actually happier now at 68, though my body says otherwise. I had cataract surgery in 2023 and it has improved my eyesight significantly. I wish the same for you.

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    1. Thanks, Jay. I only hope time slows down a little now. 60 to 65 passed in a flash. And now that have the cataracts confirmed, I hope the surgery is not too far away. (Isn’t that the way it goes—we want time to pass slowly in some cases and quickly in others!)

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  11. Happy birthday Joe. Sorry I’ve been AWOL for so long but I have been checking out your posts.

    I’m with you on elderly. I accept that in number of years I, now in my 70s, am old, but I am not elderly. I define “elderly” in terms of function, and right now I can function – drive, walk unaided, live independently (cooking my own meals, bathing myself etc), manage my finances, plan and go on holidays. I define “elderly” as when these things start to become difficult and I need help to do them. That’s elderly!

    Keep enjoying where you are now. And good luck either way the cataracts.

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    1. Thanks, Sue. I agree with your assessment of elderly. But then I remember when I thought 30 was nearly dead. And among some young influencers I hear that 25 is “over the hill.” As for the cataracts I am now looking forward to seeing clearly again. Until then I’ll judge a book not by its cover but by its font size!

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  15. Happy Belated birthday. Thank you for your sharing your thoughtful reflections and beautiful photo of the forest.

    Hope the cataract surgery goes smoothly. In the meantime, thank goodness for large font and magnifying glasses!

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