Will You Still Need Me, Will You Still Feed Me When I’m 64?

I couldn’t imagine 64 when this picture was taken on my 15th birthday!

When The Beatles released the song “When I’m Sixty-Four” in 1967, I was nine years old. I couldn’t even imagine being old enough to drive, so the age of sixty-four seemed absolutely ancient and beyond my imagination. I had no idea how the years would fly, something every old person will tell you, whether you want to hear it or not. But fly they did, and tomorrow, I’m turning The Beatles’ magical age of sixty-four.

Every year on my birthday, I like to think about things I’ve learned in the last year. By doing this, I hope I’ll make improvements, learn some vague lessons, and improve my life? So far, it hasn’t really worked, but I’ll keep trying. Wisdom is supposed to be associated with age, but maybe they mean ninety or one hundred because, at sixty-four, I feel like I’m still a novice at life. Here’s my annual birthday list of the ten things I learned this year.

1. Tell your friends what they mean to you!

One of my lifelong friends died several months ago, and I still miss her terribly. I think she knows how important she was to me, but I’m not sure. Now I tell my friends how much I value our friendship. Sometimes the words come out a little awkward, but I can’t take the chance of leaving them unsaid.

2. It’s so easy to get out of shape and very difficult to get back in shape.

I’ve known this truth for years, but it becomes more evident as I age. Remaining active is an essential component for healthy aging, so I’m fighting to get fit once again. If I think about how many times I’ve had to start over, it’s embarrassing. But I focus on the fact that I do keep starting over instead of quitting.

3. Knowing something and doing something are two separate issues.

See number two for more on this.

4. Love deeply, love unconditionally, because what else truly matters?

To quote The Beatles again, “All we need is love, love, love is all we need.” Food, clothing, and shelter are essential, but so is love! It’s not enough to just feel it. You must also say it and show it. My space-loving grandson loves to hear me compare my love to the galaxies, the universe. I tell him black holes shrink away from my love because they’re scared of how big it is.

5. Collect experiences, not things.

I wish I’d listened to this advice when I was young. I have had many great experiences, but I’ve also collected too many things. Our house went on the market this week, but before we could put the “For Sale” sign on the front yard, we had to get rid of way too much “stuff”! You can keep the memories without hoarding all the things!

6. Gratitude is the key to happiness.

That’s not exactly breaking news, I suppose, but it’s become more apparent to me how important gratitude is to finding a place of contentment.

7. Live your life authentically.

Be true to who you are meant to be, and follow what speaks to your heart. Don’t waste this one precious life trying to conform to what other people expect you to be. Many people in my generation compromised who they were and who they loved because of societal pressures. They lived to regret their choices. Surround yourself with others who accept and love you for exactly who you are.

8. Celebrate each birthday!

Getting older can be challenging, but I’ve had too many friends and acquaintances die in the last few years not to understand how fortunate I am to be celebrating another year of life! Celebrate your birthday, Taco Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, your dog’s and cat’s birthdays, and any other excuse to revel in the joy of life!

9. Only look at your 401K report when the stock market is on the upswing.

Unless you’re planning to sell, why depress yourself? Same with the scales. Sometimes living in denial is a very happy address.

10. If you choose a partner to go through life with, choose someone who will still answer yes, when you ask, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I’m 64?”

Lyrics to “When I’m Sixty-Four”

When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine

If I’d been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four

You’ll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you

I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride
Doing the garden, digging the weeds
Who could ask for more

Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four

Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight, if it’s not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck and Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away

Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four