Elders 'in the hood'

     

     "Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in."

        
     This week I decided to join the seniors at their weekly drop-in luncheon, sponsored by a local church. 

     The large crowd seemed to say these folk were eager to be back with their friends, after too long a Christmas break. These friendships are obviously important to them in their waning years. We hear a lot of talk about the journey of aging. 

     The media is always trying to convince us that new is better, and that keeping our youthful appearance is most desirable. The television screen, newspapers and magazines are filled with suggestions to help slow the aging process — reversing the clock on life. 
     

     With many boomers already concerned with the subject of ageism, much is being written and talked about, encouraging them towards a healthy lifestyle. 

Worthy goals at any age. 
     The passage into what is often referred to as the third stage of life, or elderhood, is inevitable, so how we embrace it may determine how we live out our new way of being. It will bring many changes to our way of thinking. No longer are we required, nor can we, produce as we once did. Having lived an active and busy life, I found this difficult to accept, at first. 

     Then, I began to realize that these retirement years now give me the chance to slow down and celebrate life. From independence, we reverse back to interdependence — gradually realizing, "we will sometimes need the help of others."

     
     And that's OK, too, once we get used to the fact. It really is an inner process taking place, through which we come to terms with change. It is no different than any other change we may have to deal with in life: losing a spouse, a financial set-back, or poor health — letting go of the way things were.
     

     

     Unfortunately, many live out their twilight years with a negative outlook on their life's final chapter — it's very draining to themselves and those around them. 

     
     There is a difference between being an elder and being old. This stage in life can open to us new experiences and a different awareness to the world around us. We now have time to indulge in our favourite hobby or other passion. We can do the volunteering we always wanted to, but never could find the time or, God may even give a new dream to pursue. 

     "I am grateful, that I was inspired to write my life's story."     

     "We elders become somewhat like ordinary sages, as we see the need to distribute some of our wisdom and experience that life has taught us." 

 — Beulah Eagles

     We can do this through our relationships with the younger generation and our grandchildren, in particular. 

     Meanwhile, we can experience now, the joy of our legacy. Unless the Giver of Life has another plan, we all will — sooner or later — experience old age. 
     I am always pleased when I see the younger generation respectfully acknowledging the limitations of their elders, yet not exhibiting an air of condescension or impatience.   

When the Journey is Almost Over    

"Said the little boy, 'Sometimes I drop my spoon.' 
Said the old man, 'I do that too.'  
Said the little boy, 'Sometimes I wet my pants.'  
'I do that too,' laughed the old man. 
Said the little boy, 'I often cry.' 
The old man nodded, 'So do I.' 
'But worst of all, said the boy, it seems the grown-ups don't pay attention to me.' 
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled hand. 
'Know what you mean,' said the old man."        

— Author Unknown     

     

     "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." 

— Psalm 71:9

— beulah