Getting Older

I don't usually complain about getting older. I mean, let's be honest—getting older has given me one of the best roles of my life: Grandma (a.k.a. Monga). But lately, I've started to notice some things... shifting. Not just in my schedule or in how many naps I require (more on that later), but in my body too.

Let's start with the obvious: my vision. I really wish arms grew longer with age because holding books and phones far enough away to actually see them has become a full-body workout. Every time I try to read a message or a recipe, I find myself leaning back like I'm dodging turtle shells in Mario Kart.

But what's really getting me is my mobility. Arthritis is creeping into my hip and knees like an uninvited guest, and something weird is definitely going on in my back—I've become my own percussion section with all the creaks and groans I make just getting up from the couch.

This has me wondering... am I still middle-aged, or have I officially crossed into senior territory? AARP says I qualify. The senior center says I can join. So maybe I'm there? I don't know—but what I do know is that I'm feeling more connected than ever to Annie the Porcupine's grandparents.

Did you know that North American porcupines live about 5 to 7 years in the wild, and up to 10–15 years in captivity? So Annie's grandparents are getting up there in porcupine years. They're slowing down, not as agile, probably struggling to climb trees these days. They're less active and need more rest. Ha-Ha, I totally get that because I could nap just thinking about it.

And then there's the dental talk. Porcupines have continuously growing incisors, just like other rodents. As they age, those teeth start wearing down and growing improperly. Meanwhile, on the human side, I've had more than one recent conversation with my fellow seniors about dentures. Coincidence? I think not.

And let's talk hair—or in the porcupine world, fur and quills. I haven't experienced hair thinning (yet!), but I've definitely noticed it in some of the people around me. Annie's grandparents are probably right there too, with thinning fur and brittle quills starting to fall out. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

But enough with the comparisons.

They say, "You're only as old as you feel," or maybe it's "You're only as old as you act."Well, in that case—I'm definitely five.

And proud of it. Because being older doesn't mean being done. It just means I've earned more stories, more memories, and a few more naps along the way. And the memories as a grandparent will continue to keep my young.