Some perspectives on ageing

 As I have said I don’t think a lot about growing older, nor do my friends. We have never been accused of acting our age, which is a compliment. I think there may be some unwritten rules about ageing that may have been written down somewhere, but I have not found them yet. Here are some perspectives about growing older:

Seniors gain wisdom based on their life experiences. I did a workshop at an Aboriginal gathering and in the promotion of the gathering the organizers stated “Our seniors hold the wisdom of the ages.” So, one widely held perspective is that elders should be respected for their wisdom and life experience. This often includes showing deference and listening to their advice.

Seniors age gracefully. As all of us, want to age gracefully, but we are not sure what that means. Does it mean having a positive attitude toward the process of getting older? Or does it mean embracing the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with age while maintaining a sense of dignity, confidence, and well-being? Or does it mean accepting and embracing the natural changes that come with age, such as wrinkles, gray hair, and changes in mobility, rather than trying to look or appear younger than one's actual age through excessive cosmetic procedures or unrealistic beauty standards? It may mean all of these, so take your pick and when asked if you are ageing gracefully, you can decide on the definition that suits you and answer yes to the question.

Healthy aging means we should be staying physically and mentally active. This means engaging in activities like exercise, (carpet bowling, tennis, golf, pickle ball, etc.)  or hobbies crosswords, model building, reading, sudoku, chess, checkers, etc.) or lifelong learning. We also need to continue our healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, and good sleep habits to maintain physical health and vitality 

A fear of outliving our money is one perspective shared by many soon-to-be seniors. Planning for retirement and ensuring financial security in old age is considered important and should be started early. Saving and investing for the future is encouraged when we are young but because life is expensive in the present, many of us do not save as much as we should.

Our circle of friends and family grows much smaller as we age. Maintaining social connections and relationships with family and friends is crucial for emotional well-being. Staying connected contributes to a sense of purpose and emotional support in later years.

 As our circles of friends, family and acquaintances grow smaller, it becomes more important to take care of one's physical and mental health. You have to keep up your regular medical check-ups, manage chronic conditions and stress, and stay mentally sharp through activities like puzzles or reading.

Seniors are still open to change and are more adaptable. Being open to new experiences and adapting to changing circumstances is a positive aspect of aging. Seniors are open to trying new things, embracing technology, and staying curious as long as we can see how we can benefit from embracing the new.  Many seniors, in the face of new challenges and experiences, are open to change and adaptable. This can involve adjusting to retirement, changes in living arrangements, and evolving family dynamics.

Ageing is an opportunity to reflect on our life's purpose and consider how we can leave a positive legacy or contribute to our community or society. Aging gracefully may include reflecting on one's life experiences and considering how to share our wisdom, where to volunteer and how to contribute to the community.

 Striking a balance between maintaining our independence and accepting assistance when needed can be challenging. There's no one-size-fits-all approach we need to acknowledge the balance between maintaining independence and accepting help. Aging gracefully means recognizing when assistance is needed and being willing to seek and accept it without feeling a loss of dignity.

 Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook on life can have an impact on our well-being in old age. We need to cultivate our emotional resilience and maintain a positive outlook. This includes finding ways to manage stress, cope with loss, and maintain mental well-being. A commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth or engaging in ne education or intellectual pursuits can help manage stress and maintain mental well-being. Also, cultivating a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences and  appreciating the journey and the people who have been a part of it can help.

 It's important to note that aging gracefully is a highly personal and individualized concept. What it means to one person may differ from what it means to another. Ultimately, it's about finding a way to navigate the aging process with a sense of self-acceptance, contentment, and a positive outlook on the years ahead.