I like to think I am simply getting older, but I have proof positive that I am now officially OLD! I grew up watching Saturday Night Live, back in the days when we had John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Eddie Murphy, Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, etc. I always enjoyed the musical guests, all folks whose music I knew well. About five years ago I began noticing that I had no clue who the musical guest was. When they were finally introduced and began “singing,” I honestly thought it was an SNL skit. Most of these people were bad beyond belief. It was a freak show. Now the reason I know that I am old is that for the past year I didn’t have a clue who the host was. People like Miles Teller, Jack Harlow, Keke Palmer, Aubrey Plaza, and Quinta Brunson. This makes me out of touch and old by almost any standard...but I’m OK with it, and have come to accept it.
IT'S NOT ALL BAD NEWS
And finally, I leave with some good news. Most people shrink when they age, some by several inches. I have had the very good fortune of growing taller. All my adult life I have been 6’ 1” tall. I’m pretty sure I am now about 6’ 4”. I know this because when I sit down and to put on my shoes and socks my feet are clearly 3” further away than they used to be. It’s a miracle!
Tom Petty may have said it in the most succinct manner possible: “If you’re not getting older...you’re dead.” How true. Getting older is by far the best alternative. So, embrace it, live the heck out of your life, smile, dance, start a synchronized swim team for seniors; just do something that makes you (and those around you) happy.
Tom Johnson is a Northsider.
