There is an old saying, to see the first light of morning, is an hour stolen from paradise.
One I have adopted, no matter what the day, or of the location, inclement weather, like heavy rain, snow or ice, permitting!
Today, probably more necessary, each day starting with stretching, getting limbs to function, those things which all seemed so easy, “when, in fitness, I was a younger man, jogging, running, swimming, it all felt so natural!
Now aged 73, it is mandatory!
In earlier days, my wife and I, wandered up the nearby hill near our house, met with neighbours and walked blocks, daily.
Always the mutual incentive, “they” will be waiting for us!
The reward of a magnificent morning sun, when the photo-like image of the nearby mountains, still starkly in shadow, then carefully disrobing as more earthy features became distinct.
A joy felt all my life; I was a morning person!
When I became more confident, if applying for a position, I insisted on a morning interview, rather than in the afternoon!
I am at my best at that time, generally rested, with the brain cells working at pace!
My second marriage was to a party animal, a night owl, so whether in Paris, Rome, Quebec or New York, to name but a few, she always preferred to “go on sleeping,” rather than see cities coming awake.
“Plenty of time for that, besides the shops haven’t opened at that hour!”
Usually, I brought her fresh bread and coffee, waking her from slumbers, and starting the day.
As Wordsworth said, “Earth has nothing to show more fair, the beauty of the morning, silent, bare...”
Monet, painted various scenes, Rouen cathedral, water lilies, over and over again, because the changing light, required capture.
He was a morning and afternoon, chap!
In Barbados, we went to a beach, where the sun sank into the sea; people described to seeing a “green flash”, at the moment of the sun disappearing! I never saw it.
Now growing old in a landlocked city, Canberra, I still look forward to the dawn, but miss the sun sinking into the sea, which it does in my native Western Australia, sitting on a sandy beach, watching it happen.
For a long time, Perth had a pleasant spot, on a rise above the Swan River, then called Old People’s Home, named “Sunset” today something more “politically correct.”
Now aptly called a Senior’s Retirement Village!
A beautiful location to gently see out one’s life.
The world is going to see more over 55’s places, springing up to care for a growing, ageing population, and the needs of people from Australia to Bahrain and elsewhere.
Globally, an ageing population, people living longer, changes have to be made in catering for retirees, encouraging better diets, access ramps, a host of facilities, railings and providing greater geriatric care, doctors for mental problems, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It will also be an issue for Bahrain.
Get prepared!