Leave Biden alone – at his age I was working, swimming a lot and had five girlfriends
I can't help but feel sorry for Joe, who seems to be really struggling with Covid. I had the virus as well, but I didn't even realize it until after I had surgery. I didn't experience any symptoms at all, so I consider myself very lucky. As we all know, reaching 80 years old and beyond is a bit of a gamble.
I don't get why everyone is making such a big deal about Joe Biden's age. Just because he is 81 and three-quarters, it doesn't automatically mean he's not able to do his job as president. Maybe he's not fit for extreme physical activities like climbing mountains or swimming long distances, but according to a recent interview, he believes he is perfectly capable of running for president as long as a doctor doesn't diagnose him with a "medical condition."
And why not, since he is capable of making significant choices, conducting meetings, and delivering speeches on stage for hours? I am confident that he is also able to write in cursive and sign his name.
I am 88 years old now, but back when I was young like him, I was still working a lot, just like I do now. I used to swim three times a week and walk three miles on the Heath every day. And can you believe it, at 82 I even had five girlfriends. I took each of them to lunch at my favorite bistro in just one week. The waitresses definitely rolled their eyes at me for that!
My spouse, the author Margaret Forster, passed away eight years ago after 55 years of marriage. During that time, I was preoccupied with legal matters, selling our beloved home in the Lake District, and grieving, leaving me with no time to consider a romantic relationship.
One of my daughters surprised me with a gift - a subscription to Saga dating for Christmas. Initially, I struggled to figure out how to use it. My hands are not as agile as they used to be, and navigating the internet can be frustrating. I bet Joe faces similar challenges, but he has plenty of help to assist him. But once I got the hang of it, I found myself with plenty of women interested in chatting with me! It seems older men have better luck in the dating scene compared to older women, as there are just so many of us out there.
I have a new female friend who is 78 years old, whom I met at a book event, not a dating website. Her name is Miranda. At first, I kept mistakenly calling her Matilda for two months. However, it ended up giving her a title for her first book, which is now available, called My Name Is Not Matilda (check it out on Amazon). While it may not be as terrible as mistakenly calling Volodymyr Zelensky "President Putin", in personal and romantic terms, I have not been able to live it down.
Joe is looking pretty good in my opinion. His hair looks great, better than mine. He seems to be in good shape, not overweight at all. I heard he lifts weights and has a personal trainer, which seems a bit excessive to me. I just do my own quick exercises every morning, like stretching and push-ups for five minutes. I avoid looking in the mirror as much as possible. In my mind, I still feel like I'm 58 years old.
He doesn't smoke or drink, just like me. What a weakling. He's missing out on one of the joys of getting older. I try to only have one bottle of wine a day. I believe that white wine isn't actually alcoholic, and I'm going to keep with that belief.
Similar to him and others in their 80s, I tend to misplace items. Sometimes I find myself pondering why I'm staring into the fridge with no recollection of why, or I lose track of what I was going to say. However, I simply brush it off, remembering that forgetfulness is a common trait, regardless of age. So, when I stumble over my words or forget a point I wanted to make, I just chuckle and remind myself that this was no different when I was 21. It's not a big deal.
I always take a nap in the afternoon and I hope Joe does too. He is fortunate to have a beautiful wife, Jill, who takes care of him and gives him comfort. Even in your 80s, intimacy is still a part of life, despite what some may believe. It is a topic that some may find uncomfortable, especially younger generations who typically embrace breaking societal norms. While the intimacy may be different than it was in our youth, cuddling is still a cherished aspect. I believe that physical affection outside of intercourse can be just as enjoyable.
As a senior, I love spending time with my kids and grandkids. I enjoy spoiling them or telling them what to do. I like to claim my favorite chair and remind them of my age. And of course, I always appreciate a glass of sauvignon blanc.
Of course, your health is important. I believe Joe also has arthritis like me, but thanks to modern medications he has managed to control it. I personally take five pills daily, following a triple heart bypass, a new knee, and some other health issues that I may have forgotten or simply chosen to forget. I prefer to focus on positive things and do not complain about my health to younger people. They often think, well, what do you expect at your age?
Yes, I sometimes trip and fall. Just like Joe does. He walks with a rigid posture, while I walk unsteadily as if I've been drinking, which I strongly deny (how dare you suggest such a thing!)
When you reach your 80s and are still healthy, it's better than the alternative. I often tell young people that I was once their age, but they haven't experienced old age yet. But for now, I am winning at life. Yah boo!
Don't give up, Joe. As long as you stay mentally sharp, continue with your medication, have supportive people around you, and take a nap in the afternoon for 40 minutes, you'll be just fine.
Ignoring the illness, I believe you have the capability to handle another four years. You have the potential to outperform past leaders like your predecessor.
Hunter's upcoming book, 'Letters to Margaret', will be released next month by the publishing company Head of Zeus.
