Another year gets tacked on to the old age meter, and that means for me double nickels aka 55. Bob Seger, said it best for me, “I’m older now but still runnin’ against the wind, well I’m older now and still runnin’ against the wind.” Nothing gets any easier as it always seems to me that I’m running against the wind. Sort of like going up hill in both directions.

I’m thinking I can do this aging thing but aging sure ain’t for sissies. Those knee pains, back pains, pains and more pains, are just the signs of the times. But who am I to complain. Cholesterol counts are the best I have had in 10+ years, blood pressure lower (without any meds), more physical activity, biking, running, swimming, and even yoga, and quality of life seems fairly good. I think I can drive this 55.

Ah but back to that 55 gig, I have learned to slow down, in other words, why be in a hurry? I discovered that food has taste even at my age, running isn’t so bad, hot yoga is sensational, senior discounts are the bomb and slowing down my driving has picked up my miles per gallon. Just last week on my 2005 Mazda 3, I pushed out 50 mpg and then 43 mpg which was only accomplished by driving my age. Now I even get out my old school cruiser bike and go to the store for coffee instead of starting up a car. Getting older and getting greener.

My old friend Sammy Hagar, he struggled driving 55, but maybe he too has slowed down as well. Here’s hoping that you can drive 55 and if you forgot the song, just enjoy this classic from 1984 when life was going way too fast, and it  just so happens to be the year I got married as well.

What lies ahead? Changes are on the horizon for me. You will just have to believe that maybe I know what I am doing and there is a reason for all things just like there is a season for all things. But in the meantime, you’ll just have to be patient as I drive 55.