How do You determine OLD?

I grew  up going to nursing homes with my school to sing.  I was used to the old people slobbering on themselves and staring at you when you said hi.  I remember one certain old lady that held onto a girls hand and just would not let go till a nurse intervened because we needed to go back to school.

I also grew up with parents that played ball in the yard with us, went on bike rides and took us to amusement parks and wouldn't think of letting us go on a ride without them to share in the fun.  

One time I took a friend with me and shortly after arriving at the park she asked when we would ditch my parents!  I was appalled, I couldn't believe anyone would think you could have more fun without my parents.  I guess she didn't know that my parents would race us to get back in line for the next ride!  Or, that they had the cash for the refreshments! :)

My point is, my parents were active in our lives and so I never considered them old.  Still don't, although as my parents are in their 60's now it does sober me up a little to think that 70's and 80's is a common time for people to go down hill in health and often die.  I've been out of high school going on 19 years now and that time has flown by, I sure don't want to miss any opportunities we have with our parents.  We have also been recently reminded how quickly someone can be taken from us in what we would consider too young an age so I have learned more than ever to enjoy every moment.

I digress!!!  I have never thought of someone as old, and still don't, until they are stuck in a nursing home slobering all over themselves and staring at you when you try to say hi!  

So now I would like to redirect you to my mom's blog or my sister - in - law Andrea's blog (just look to the right of my blog for favorite blogs and click on Mom Riley or Andrea Riley) to see a picture of my 85 year old Grandmother and 60 something Mom snow tubing!  Yes, you heard it, my 85 year old Grandma went snow tubing with my Mom!  Now: How old Is OLD?