Who in the hell thought up the phase, "The Golden Years". Whoever it was must not experienced aging.
Yes there are some benefits to age, like discounts theaters and restaurants and maybe seating benefits when you arrive at your plane in a wheel chair. But then you still have to walk to your seat. Fortunately I have never experienced that part of aging. And there are other gifts aging gives you, like listening to your joints in the morning when arise from your warm bed that sound like a bowl of 'Corn Flakes' crunching and soggy. Or that unannounced gas escape while walking to the bathroom. Or looking in the mirror and realizing you have less hair today or how much grayer it has become, or both. My personal great is how much I have to suck in belly to button my pants or tighten my belt. Gravity does SO much for our bodies. Seems like it all starts sagging. It just proves the earth really does suck.
There are some GOOD benefits from aging and especially when your become a grandparent. You become the free babysitter, the place the grandkids love to come over because you have the snacks and cookies they love, and you are well stocked. That's only because the parents will not but them. You can sleep in everyday, if you don't have a job as a Wal Mart greeter that morning, or volunteer at the old folks home. Sometimes people will let you cut in front of them at the store, maybe out of respect for your age or you look like their mother. You don't buy many new clothes because they don't get worn out like they did when you worked. And now you don't have to keep up with the fashion trends. Probably the only time you dress up is for a doctor's visit, or to go out with the guys or girls, or to a funeral or church.
I believe the phase Golden Years was to symbolize a time when you could remember your accomplishments in life and rejoice in them. And also watch your children grow into families and parents while they give you grandchildren to spoil and love. Which is all really good, BUT I wish life would hold back on the physical aches and pains of aging. From a guy who has been pretty dog-gone active all my life, my suggestion is to still active, keep you mind sharp. Stay in touch with friends and go out to lunch with them. Volunteer somewhere, join a book club or hangout with like minded folk. But most of all, stay active. Take care, and stay safe.
