Now that I am past the stage of grey hairs and clearly reached ‘old age’ I have had some time to think about this issue. What exactly are the gifts of old age? O said another way, what are the benefits of growing older?
Personally, I have a hard time coming up with a list. As I look about and watch many things in my life and the lives of contemporaries falling away: work, health, stamina, ability to think quickly and clearly, I wonder what people are talking about when they allude to the enriching characteristics of growing older. Can old age be an elevating experience? Is this really possible or just some new age hype to keep people positive.
The other day, I was talking to a friend and jokingly challenged him to list 3 things that he felt were better in old age than when he was younger. He laughed and after a few moments said, I’m having trouble thinking of one.
I replied, I said 3, because I didn’t want to sound too negativistic.
Then he offered, his grandmother had a saying, ‘growing old is not for sissies.’
We both laughed and concluded: old age isn’t easy and each day is a challenge filled with the ups and downs of failing health.
Perhaps your personal experience of growing older is a little different, and you do have some benefits/gifts to share. I would appreciate hearing about them.
Please share your personal list or experiences- with old age being defined, arbitrarily at 65+.
Much appreciated.
-SB
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