Many people say they have fear of old age, not death or dying. But my role model is the woman who wasn't afraid of open heart surgery—or loneliness—or lazy brain. This poem has danced off the page and has its own chorus and a subterranean tune.

No fear of old age—a poem

This is Learning How To Be Old, a guide to the pleasures and possibilities of your future old age. I'm Rachel McAlpine and I'm in my 80s. I used to be aware of old people but I never dreamed I might become one myself. They were like an alien species. Well, here I am and so far it’s been pretty interesting. Listen if you think you might be old one day.

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No fear of old age—a poem

No fear of old age—a poem

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