I May Be a Senior, But . . .
Courtesy: Starbucks
A few weeks ago I stood in line at Starbucks to order my favorite latte. I pulled out my phone, scanned the Starbucks app to pay and that was that.
As I turned a young man behind me exclaimed. “You have a Starbucks app? I don’t even have one.”
I felt like a creature from another planet. I thought for a moment and then smiled and replied, “Yes. It’s so convenient. You ought to give it a try.”
“Maybe I will,” he remarked to his buddy standing next to him.
A few minutes later I heard my name, picked up my cup, and off I went. Chalk one up for this old gal, I crowed silently. It was one of those moments when you realize that gettin’ old ain’t so bad! I don’t know much about rap and rock as my ‘grands’ will tell you, but I know a thing or two about Macs, smart phones, Facebook, Instagram, WordFeud, and the Starbucks app!
I am committed to growing older with grace, gratitude, and grit. In fact, I wrote a book on the topic, The Beauty of Aging, so when I am faced with people who are surprised that I know a thing or two about more than a thing or two, why I just smile and whisper a prayer of thanks for the wisdom God grants us as our hair turns white.
They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green. Psalm 92:14
Karen what an inspirational article about aging with grace. I love the scripture from psalm 92:14. They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green. Your writing always encourages me to have a positive attitude, live with grace, and to keep on learning. The reaction of that young man brought a smile to my face. Keep up the good work Karen!
Thanks, Sandy. I’m glad I can bring you a smile and a bit of wisdom.
Dear Karen,
I had to laugh when I read this because I have been thinking I would ask Tanya what app means?? Shows how much I lack in knowledge of new technology and motivation to learn new things! I admire you for the new techniques you have mastered, but I will readily admit that I do not have a smart phone, nor facebook, don’t tweet~ha~but I am still growing old gracefully and still can relate to all ages and in fact some of my ‘biggest fans’ are people my daughter and granddaughters ages and they seem to think they learn a lot from me! How about that? Me? I would rather not “tax” my brain to learn all the new things that most intelligent people like to learn. I really do admire you but I guess I am just too lazy to learn new technology! I still read real books-no kindle’s ,I like my photo albums in my hands and not have to look at a smart phone to see the tiny print! HOWEVER, let me HASTEN say, I am so glad my daughter has all of the things you mentioned and I get the advantage of the use of them without having to learn how to use them! More power to you, my Dear Friend. I really do think it is great that you know how to use all of the new technology! You are blessed and I love you. Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. If I wasn’t still working in my career I might not keep up with all the tech, but it’s almost required now if you want to keep up with the world of publishing and social media.
Great post, Karen. Ditto to every word. I like to think my hair may be gray but not my brain and heart.
Thanks, Marie. I can always count on you to lead the way.
Good for you, Karen! I don’t even own smart phone yet. My neighbors are in their 80’s, and they just returned from Mexico, where they rode out Hurricane Patricia in grand style. Aging is looking more impressive every day! 🙂
Columba, thanks. This makes me smile. Yeah for those of us who made it this far.
And I can attest to how computer-savvy you are, Karen! It’s such a pleasure to work with you, who know your way around all things tech. I still refuse to get a smart phone (because I’m on the computer all of the time with my work), but admire your willingness to grow older gracefully – and stay up on the latest in the tech world. Thank you for being a wonderful example for those of us inching our way to our senior years 🙂
Thank you, Lynn. I am humbled by your kind words about my tech skill since I rely on you as my ‘go to’ person when it comes to the things I don’t understand. 🙂
I LOVE this, Karen! I can just see you in that line. You amaze more people than you know, my friend, by just being you – gutsy, graceful, generous, and beautiful on the inside and out. You are an inspiration! Love you!
Thank you, Michele. You are such a dear friend and always so supportive. I wish we could go on a hike together. I’ll be on one today–hiking the coast near my house.
I love that you have those kind of experiences. Revives the sense of youth. Keep on surprising those “youngsters”. I am well into those “senior years” and though I don’t have a “Smartphone” I do text and am on Facebook. I saw a child on Sunday that was fascinated by a payphone. It was such an oddity to him. Everything changes too fast it seems. Thanks for all your sharing with us. You are a delight!!
Thank you, Etta Mae. I love that you are ‘hip’ when it comes to technology. It has helped you and me stay in touch. Let’s continue. 🙂
Way to go, Karen! You’re beautiful, fabulously fit, higher than highly intelligent, full of spunk, your mind is quicker than laser, you’re so well learned — You put many young Americans in shamble lame light!! Keep up the leading the upstream trend through God’s amazing grace, Karen. Aging with grace, sharp mind and grit is what America needs. Badly. Thank you for being my role model. Jing
Jing, what very kind words of affirmation. I will keep on going, thanks to your continued encouragement. 🙂
We still have a few tricks up our sleeve Karen. I think older people are an untapped resource. The wealth of information that sits in our brain just waiting to be picked while others write us off. Good for you, you showed then whipper-snappers.
Jim, thanks for your entertaining response. I agree that we seniors have more than a few bits of wisdom to share after all these years!!