Life in the Slow Lane Still a lot left in dem ol’ bones
Why is it when the elderly feel and act young they are ridiculed by the younger set? At a shopping mall a lady, probably in her sixties, passed by me, sporting a purple mini, short boots and purple stockings. I overheard a young couple giggle with the girl remarking, "Ag, no, man, mutton dressed up as lamb".
How cruel. How uncouth. The lady probably felt good in the outfit, reliving spring chicken years. And why not? Do we expect her to stay at home, sit in a rocking chair and waste away? And that while she's obviously in good health, walks up straight and shops 'till she drops. Good on her, I say.
These thoughts crossed my mind when attending what was called a musical evening in a church hall. It was packed with a mixed audience of young and old. But, here's the rub, the musical items were done by over sixties. Mostly amateurs, but supported by retired professional musos.
The mall young couple would probably have giggled at what they would call an old motley crowd. But let me tell these ignoramuses, if they were to close their eyes and listen to the band (piano, guitars, flute, saxophone and drums) they would think they're at a gig of modern-day pop artists.
What would further have shocked these whipper-snappers was the number of participants with walkers and crutches battling to get onto the stage without assistance. One of the singers, with the voice of an angel, stood before the mic holding on to her walker. Another suffered a chronic back injury, but in no way did it deter her from singing like a Vera Lynn.
And the band? Cliff Richard and the Shadows would've been blown away with the faultless performance of each player. One guitarist, probably in his seventies, could have easily been an Eric Clapton, Brian May or George Harrison.
The leader of the band on guitar, also pushing 80, had the audience (some in wheelchairs) singing, whistling (with or without dentures) and stamping their feet.
What a way to spend your senior years. Modern medicine and technology are keeping us living longer, so why not squeeze every ounce, staying young at heart?
Oh, young upstarts, what's wrong with matured mutton?