Pelican Masraum's response on the thread on movie lines that have taught you something got me thinking (always dangerous)
My beloved mother is teaching me how NOT to behave as I get older! I am 53, she is 83.
Here's what I am thinking: When we get truly older we all begin to lose our independence and our dignity bit by bit. We may need others to help us with things. Left heavy objects, read that small print, our driving priviliges (DOH!). You get my meaning? There is a certain loss of dignity in these things IF you think of it that way but eventually, if we live long enough there is not much diginifed about someone else wiping...uh...well,... food off your chin (you know what I meant). You have to rely on others more.
So shouldn't we WANT our loved ones to spend time with us out of love and enjoyment of being with us, instead of out of obligation?
What I have learned? STOP complaining! Be positive. No, don't be "Pollyannaish", but LOTS of people would like being alive at your age. Dont make noises as you get up or sit down. DON'T say (supposedly to yourself) "Oh God, help this old lady" like there is something wrong with you - there isn't, you're just older and a bit slower. Don't tell everyone you see how you don't eat much anymore or how many pills you take a day. I love my mother and I bite my tongue (off, sometimes!)
but I have learned these things from her as she has aged and I have silently (til now) vowed not to do them myself with my children.