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.
Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/
