Since I qualify as an aging adult, I feel I might be able to shed some light on the truth of aging vs. the myths connected with them. There are many of both. The truth is that our bodies ae disintegrating. We don’t have the flexibility of youth nor the stamina. Our knees are screaming for relief and falling down occurs not because we’re clumsy and addled, but because those joints happen to give out from time to time. Our skin is drying out. Isn’t it interesting that the commercials for creams to prevent aging are being used on women under 21?
One common myth that many young people consider as truth is that all old people think about is dying and going to heaven. I guess it’s partly true if you believe that this is not our eternal home. I happen to be one of them, so I’m looking forward to heaven, but I’m not going to stop living while I inhabit the earth. God doesn’t want me to do that either.
As we age, our conversations change. Our opinions on politics and the condition of the world may not be popular, but often make a lot of common sense – of which there may not be a lot of anyway. Instead of talking about how many miles we’ve walked, we tend to discuss our bathroom habits. We talk about our aches and pains more often than we should. We dwell on unimportant things and make them into life shattering issues. Part of this is because we have more time on our hands. There is a solution to that too. Do something! Get involved in a health club, a senior activity center, a volunteer position where you can encourage others. Just because we have more time to think about ourselves, we don’t have to. Being with others, helping them in some way, (even a word of encouragement or wisdom) bringing them lunch or better yet take them out to lunch. Meet your friends for coffee and conversation. Take up a new hobby. Investigate classes for art, weaving, theatre, writing or any of the activities you never had time for before.
Our bodies will expire someday, just like the salad dressing in the refrigerator. We don’t know when that day will be, but while we’re here we can make a difference. Don’t ask us to be an activist, although I know a few seniors who are still very voracious in that area. Don’t expect us to give up watching “Jeopardy,” or playing cards. We deserve those tiny pleasures. As young adults, look ahead to what it will be like for you. Would you want to be cooped up in a nursing home just waiting to die? We can be vital until our dying breath. Let us be. Encourage us to be. Sometimes we forget what our motivation is in life. I believe that we all serve an active purpose for living. We can change minds, we can listen and give advice, we have a lifetime of experience we can share that might make someone else’s journey a little easier.
We’re all in this together is a much overused term today, but it’s true. If we can find a common denominator, we can move mountains. We can change the course of history, help others, and most importantly – LIVE!
atimetoshare.me 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Thanks again Vincent.
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You’re welcome Kathy šš»
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Encouraging and affirming post! Aging is a natural part of life but it’s hard to be gentle on ourselves when mass culture idolizes youth. Need me more God’s peace about this because it’s an inevitable part of life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this topic!!
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Your very welcome. Thanks for your encouragement and comments. I just turned 79 and believe I still have a few years left, God willing. I feel blessed to have this time of grace to share his love with those who need it.
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Aging is natural but boy is it hard watching those you love go through the trials of old age. My parents are 88 and 87. Still in their own home but my dad’s health has really declined this past year and it is very hard on my mom taking care of him. We have been having the hard discussions about assisted living and our desire as children to make sure they are safe but still happy and engaged in living. Yes!! I have told them they are not done with their work here. There still need to be prayers for their host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. They have years and years of great marriage advice, business advice and just common sense advice to dole out. They have jokes to tell, family stories to get written down and lots to do yet! Thank you for that reminder Kathy.
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Good to hear from you again. Hope you are well and that you were just busy farming.
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My husband and I actually became very aquainted with the Delta variant a few weeks back….but we are on the mend. I had a few setbacks with some West NIle symptoms returning but physical therapy is straightening out those balance issues once again.
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My prayers are with you for a complete recovery. This whole pandemic is crazy, isnāt it. Iām glad youāre on the mend.
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Weāve been spared so far, but like you, I feel weāre bound to get it. Weāve been vaccinated but wonder if that made a difference or not.
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well, two of my kids were fully vaccinated but did get it. They handled it better than us but they are also a lot younger than us! I guess we will all just learn about this covid stuff as we go.
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