As I walked alone round and round along the track at the fitness center - keeping track of minutes, speed, steps and laps my mind is busy but quietly so.. with my own thoughts… I have a unique perch high above the gym below - sometimes empty.

Today, A senior group is playing volleyball- ladies and men - and I watch the game as I come around the bend - encouraging one another- getting into the spirit of the game. I smile as someone misses or a groan or snort is uttered - seeing how involved they are in the game.

All of a sudden, a few 3-4 year olds burst into the other partition of the gym. The younger group is noisy and energetic, running non-stop , fighting and chasing, active with what ever the teachers have set up for playing. In winter this is their playground.

Now as I walk, I sometimes can see the seniors, sometimes the kids, and at others both the groups. (i took the picture in such a way you cannot see the people clearly especially the children) !

Suddenly, I notice the demeanor of the older folks have changed. Some are tolerant of this noisy intrusion, others agitated, and yet others not bothered, some shout over the din and others start to complain! The whole scene and atmosphere have changed.

I watch this with interest, laughter escapes my lips, as I continue my trek round and round. Eventually, calm is restored when the children go back to their classroom, the seniors finish their game, pack up , linger to chit chat & saunter on out, and I go back to my thoughts!

(Older folks love to connect, but enjoy silence a lot more than young - an article claims - along with friendship, listening, being alive, and new experiences! ) Obviously, Young people have a lot more energy, openness and a nonchalance!

I enjoyed this contrast, given that, it is my life right now!

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