A few days ago I was listening to a song “I wanna grow old with you”, such a lovely, romantic, and emotional song. It made me think about the old age and all the elders, aged people I come across.
It is said that old age is like the return of childhood.
It is the Indian culture of staying and growing old together with many generations of family.
Here, if one does not have any children, then someone from the extended family or the neighborhood or the community group takes and shares the responsibility of the aging person.
With aging, there are gains and losses too.
Table of Contents
The Gains of Aging – What do we gain as we age?
We gain Respect, Maturity, and Life experiences as we age.
Elders and older adults are respected not only for their age but also for their maturity and wisdom of life experiences. They have ample knowledge of their past to share, stories to tell to the younger generation, and guidance to give.
The Loss of Aging – What do we lose as we age?
We lose vigour, health, and life expectancy as we age.
Aging people gradually lose their physical and mental strength as their health fails to keep up the vigour of youth. It is evident that as age advances, the life span shortens.
The usual age-related geriatric health issues like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, cataract, dementia, degeneration, bone and muscular changes, etc. develop gradually.
The Dos and Don’ts of aging gracefully
It is true that as living years increase, we see more of the elderly aging generation.
All of us, too, will reach that stage. Hence observe and learn the dos and don’ts from the aging people around us. It will help us sail smoothly through the old age.
1). For normal smooth aging, plan from a younger age. Come to terms with the growing age.
2). If the foundation is strong, the building stands strong. So, maintain the health right from childhood.
Remain fit and active physically from the beginning to stay healthy as much as possible while aging. Seek proper medical advice and regular follow up whenever required for a healthy future.
3). Secure your finances for the old age. Just as we save for our children, for our short and long term expenses, regularly keep aside a secure balance for old age from an early age.
Financial independence at old age is necessary for self-esteem and comfortable living.
4). Have an excellent social network of family and friends.
As we age, we are left with few genuine contacts who can be looked upon for emotional bonding and assistance.
5). Do not take undue advantage or sympathy for the aging process. Older people also should adjust to other family members.
Lend a helping hand for household chores like marketing, teaching grandchildren, doing personal things on time, some kitchen work, etc.
6). Develop a passion like reading, listening to music, meditation, and gardening. Keep yourself occupied with any of your passion or hobby. It prevents loneliness or boredom as we age.
7). Finish the unfinished. The busy young life of settling and securing the future lets us postpone some of our dreams.
As we age and get free time from the responsibilities, get back to those unfinished dreams.
8). Live for yourself. Accept yourself as you are. Set yourself free from unwanted extra responsibilities.
As you age, shed away the responsibilities of home and family to the younger generation. Let them be on their own to experience and enjoy their life. But assure them your presence to supervise and guide them when asked.
Old age is one of the best times to be with oneself, to do what one likes.
The consequences of not coming to terms with aging
1). Not everyone is fortunate to live long and happily too till the end. If the family and the aging person do not accept the old age changes, it affects the behaviour and atmosphere of the family.
In such a situation, the aging person is prone to emotional, mental trauma or breakdown.
2). If financial security has not been taken care of, then the aging person becomes dependent and burden on their children or caretakers. Some could be deprived of their wishes or their demands being unheard.
3). As mentioned above, there are many health issues in old age. If not acknowledged and taken care of, it affects the lifestyle of the aging person. The routine activity gets compromised.
4). The unasked and unwanted interference in the family and with the younger generation will prevent you from living your dream.
Also, the over-demanding and adamant non-adjusting older adults are an unwelcome liability.
There are quite a few homes for the aged, retirement homes, and NGOs giving their service for the aging group of people. They provide and try to fulfill all the necessities of the older people. Those aged persons, not having any family or any means in life to move on can avail the benefits of such organizations.
Do not fear old age. Acceptance of it and planning for it means being in terms with it.
What are your ideas for getting to terms with old age?
You may also like to read:
What really matters in life?
