On our cruise to Alaska, we were some of the youngest passengers aboard, by decades. I get it. It’s an expensive trip. It’s the trip of a lifetime. But there’s something to be said about doing your major trips while you’re still able-minded and able-bodied.
We often shared a dinner table with strangers, as is often the case on cruise ships. Some were a delight. But most were complaining about being in pain. Or about not liking the food. Or about the ship rocking. Or about their ungrateful grandchildren. Or about feeling trapped. Or about the cost of things. You name it, they complained about it.
We were having a wonderful time, so listening to these people grouse was, to be honest, annoying. It did make us grateful that we are not yet in pain, or plagued with digestive issues or the like. It made us try harder to be patient when caught in the middle of the migration of these waddling grey penguins. Our time will come soon enough.
But jeez. Why take a trip if you know it’s going to make you miserable? Eat your salad during your salad days. Or, if this is your only chance to travel, at the very least, don’t rain on everyone else’s parade.
Okay, so I guess this is me complaining. But you get the point.
An attitude of gratitude is what you need to get along. Read my book! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5
The View from a Drawbridge 
Some of us couldn’t afford it during our so-called salad days. I don’t like hearing people whine and complain either, so I do one of several things–whine and complain louder, or try to distract them, or just shut up and be thankful whatever it is hasn’t hit me…yet. And when they talk about gambling, alcohol or drug problems, or sexual/romantic hassles, I just feel smug. But not all of us who are gray and tend to waddle are complaining all the time, and some of the loudest whines come from the young and (supposedly) healthy.
Of course one can just go and grumble with the bats…
Good points all.