How to Grow Old with Grace
- 1). Keep in mind that life is a series of losses from the day we are born. We lose the comfort and safety of our mothers’ warm womb for the uncertainty of life outside of the womb, which incidentally takes place by being passed through a hole the size of a garden hose, and followed up with a shake or a smack designed to make us cry. Then, just when we get the hang of that, people larger than us start telling us words like “No!” Life is a series of losses, but it is also a series of gains. Elderly people are faced with a loss of control, loss of health, loss of certain abilities, loss of memory and more. There is no doubt that the aging process is as painful in some ways as the process of being born, but the fact is that it’s just a part of the game. Focusing on the losses will make you cantankerous and miserable. Focusing on the opportunities will make you graceful. Celebrate the stage of life you are in. If you wish to live a long life, it will do you no good to spend time lamenting about that which is lost, for when it comes to youth, the end of it is permanent.
- 2). Accept the things you cannot do, and move on to the things that you can do. For example, you may not be able to keep up with your grandkids on their roller skates like maybe you could once upon a time, but you can sit with them and take the time to listen to them and to guide them where appropriate. Old age may be a time of less physical activity, but it is also a time when you can most appreciate life if you choose. After all, who has a more accurate perspective on life than those who have lived through a long one? Discover the things you can do, for the things you used to do are no longer relevant to your day to day activities.
- 3). Understand that there is no way to grow old without coming into contact with health issues that accompany the wearing down of a body. Everyone knows that. There is, however, a difference between acknowledging your limitations and complaining about them. Unless the person you are speaking with is your doctor, just accept the fact that your arthritis is going to hurt. Telling others about your aches and pains may be good for you, but think about how you felt when you had to listen to old folks go on about pain to you when you were in your youth. Choose to focus in on how others are doing. Complaining about how you feel, will serve you poorly. Let’s face it; if you have gotten old, many of your friends have failed to get old. Would you rather have some pain throughout the day or would you rather have died young as they did? Be thankful for the life you have, and just suck up and deal with your medical problems. It’s part of the aging process.
- 4). Keep a goal in mind. Always strive to get things done that you are able to get done. Whether it’s weeding a single flower box, or mowing your own grass at 86 just because you can, push yourself always to do the things you can still do, while being wise enough to let go of the things that are now beyond you.
