Suddenly becoming a fish in the wrong pond

On a recent trip to the drug store for cough medicine I made a startling discovery. While reading the labels I noticed conflicting terms in the precautionary notes.

“Seniors use with caution” and “this medication might not be suitable for the elderly” consult your physician.

I wandered over to the pharmacist to clarify the terms. My mind had decided that senior meant 60ish, so elderly was probably 80 and older. I was horrified to learn that they mean the same thing! It is basically just different wording used by various manufacturers.

Only recently had I became comfortable with being labelled a senior citizen. Suddenly I am uncomfortably labelled elderly as well. I like to push myself outside of my comfort zone doing “fish out of the water” activities to recapture youthful feelings.

Now that I was suddenly “elderly” I realized I am not a fish out of water I am a fish in the wrong pond.

Where do the elderly fish hang out? What do they do? Karma stepped in to guide me.

An “elderly” woman at Weight Watchers mentioned that the following Saturday the Penticton Lawn Bowling Club was having an open house. Come on out and have some fun learning to lawn bowl, she invited.

Lawn bowling and fun did not have connecting dots in my mind. In fact, “Kill me now” came to mind. However if this is where the elderly fish frolic then I had to explore that option.

I began with research. What does one wear to lawn bowling? Apparently all white is traditional but white makes me look fat. This was not endearing me to the sport.

After watching a YouTube video of what appeared to be a rather stuffy English sport I was second-guessing this idea. A video interview with the Penticton club mentioned they hoped some “young folks” would join since many members were in their 70s and 80s. “Right between the eyes” flitted through my mind again.

My husband, The Saint, who humours me on these crazy adventures, looked like I had suggested a trip to the gallows. My mind’s eye had this group in various stages of decay and decomposition but off we went anyway. And I was so wrong. We were greeted by smiling energetic club members all decked out in their bright green club shirts. They set us up with balls, called bowls, and assigned us a volunteer instructor.

Stepping out onto the green lawn the first thing I noticed was all the laughter and fun people were having. My perception of this sport being stuffy quickly evaporated.

Admittedly it was mostly an elderly crowd, albeit very energetic and fun. The game is suitable for many ages and physical abilities. I could easily imagine three or four generations enjoying the game together.

Lawn bowling is sort of a cross between bocce ball and curling without the heavy rocks. It takes on a “twist” since the balls are weighted to curve left or right and do not to roll straight.

There are simple rules and is easy to learn. If you really get into it there is a lot of skill involved with ball placement around the target, which is called a jack.

The Saint seemed to catch on quickly, which is normal, but a slacker like me can have tremendous fun as well. It is a gentle sport that gets you out in the fresh air and sunshine.

I certainly had my preconceived notions of the sport and my definition of elderly rearranged. It makes me wonder what other activities and groups I have missed out on?

I am on a mission to explore new ponds and streams. Throw on a life jacket and jump in because the water is fine.

Jan Hickenlooper Aboussafy is happily test driving retirement in Penticton after 42 years in Alberta. Positive thinking, humour and insights are passions she likes to share. She can be reached by email at sandpilemissives@gmail.com