Partying with Some Baby Boomers

Walt Disney died at age 65!

Last night I attended a small dinner party given by a new friend I instantly adored when we met last summer. There were nine of us in all, ranging in age from 55 to 72, and everyone looked at least ten years younger. It was an attractive bunch if I do say so myself -- well-dressed and quite put-together, a perfect gaggle of extras at a cocktail party in a Woody Allen movie. Despite that, much of our conversation seemed to touch on health issues, reminding us that death comes to all regardless of station in life (see illustration), and to some sooner rather than later.

My heart attack was a popular subject since two of the women there were nurses interested in furthering their knowledge of how it presents in women. This sparked a lively conversation with a likeable fellow who suffers from atrial fibrillation(Afib), an irregular and usually rapid heart rate that may increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Not a good situation by any definition, yet this man was cheerfully accepting of his condition and looked the picture of health despite all his medications. The two of us had a good time comparing our different blood thinners, and I was surprised to hear that his eliminated the need for a daily aspirin.

All the food was perfection, capped with a stupendous dessert. One of the guests was German, here on a business trip, and had arrived from Germany just hours earlier, in possession of an authentic holiday stollen (see photo) from his homeland that was beyond fabulous.

Someone bemoaned the fact that at our age, many of us become fixated on our health, or lack of it. Someone else said, "True, but it's better than talking politics." We all agreed to steer clear of Donald Trump and stick with happier topics.

There were several admissions of high cholesterol, followed by a discussion on the pros and cons of eating red meat. More than a few hip and knee replacements came to light, which are so common these days as to hardly be worth mentioning. And of course all of those present admitted to suffering conditions literally not worth mentioning, so I have no idea what they were although I can guess.

Despite our ages, not one of us was crotchety. Wigs were brought forth (see photo) and laughs were abundant. Turns out it is still possible to have fun even when you're old, and even in Maine.