You know you are old when…

drawing of old person doing a cartwheel. 5 people cheering.

When an old person does a cartwheel, the whole world applauds.

You know you are old

when the dinner is cooked by your grandson
and you sit back and smile

when a glass half full of wine is enough
to fill you with goodwill

when you break a silly little rule
and do not give a stuff

when a stranger listens with intent
to whatever you divulge

when you think “it’s now or never”
and take the plunge

when you get brownie points for doing cartwheels
or climbing trees

when you’ve forgotten how to hold a grudge
no matter how shocking the crime

when you know how it feels
to be calm and a little bit wise.


What other POSITIVE clues would you add to this poem? as in what GOOD signs that you are old in a GOOD way? (I’m over those black “jokes” that start “you know you are old i.e. over the hill when…”)
Drawing and poem CC BY 2.0 Rachel McAlpine — if you like them, please share.

18 thoughts on “You know you are old when…

  1. Sadje says:

    A sweet poem. We are not old but experienced and knowledgeable.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Me, I am old and so far that’s fine.

      1. Sadje says:

        👍😉

  2. srbottch says:

    I liked this post and forwarded to my OLDER sister!😉

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Cool! Not the usual meme.

  3. How about “…when you’ve learned to stop taking offense and to give the benefit of the doubt”?

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Nice one and true and today, for me, timely.

  4. You know you are old when you struggle to hold a grudge and know the second piece of fudge will mean you can’t sleep 🙂

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      I like the first part—so positive—and it’s rather like what Donna says. Sorry about your problem with fudge.

  5. You know you’re getting old, when after a night of marital bliss, in the morning you’re offered more of this, and you both agree to settle for a cup of tea…

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      I think you are building up to your own riff! A cup of tea sounds delightful.

  6. rhinophile says:

    You know you are old when you finally appreciate the way you look and are amused to think how long it took. ☺️

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      A brilliant thought about out brilliant bodies for staying with us through thick and thin.

  7. JT Twissel says:

    When you forgot your anniversary which I just did today!

  8. Elizabeth says:

    When you are still using the items that are brought to Antiques Road Show for appraisal.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      And this is a really good thing, right?

  9. lifecameos says:

    You know you are old when post office assistant looks bewildered when you are surprised that you have not worked out to go on to the internet to register for “RealMe”. – And you are puzzled because you only heard of it two nights ago.

  10. lindakerr36 says:

    I don’t think I’m old enough because I just borrowed my friend’s Toyota manual and I must have stalled about eight times. Linda ( southpaw)

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