You don’t grow old. You get old because you don’t grow. An anonymous author from the Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga, Tenn.: July 31, 2010), quotes from E. Stanley Jones, and I thought it an appropriate sentiment. The statement refers to people of the “third age” (65 and up) and it challenges them to take personal responsibility for growth and change.
Only 5 % of the adult senior population comes under the category of ill, diseased or helpless. These statistics alone should change your attitude in regards to stagnation versus growth. Common misconceptions about aging are our own worst enemies, as they tend to generate a ‘why bother’ attitude instead of a ‘can do’ one. These misconceptions need to be changed and it is up to us to do it. Gerontologists feel that senility is almost a myth. They truly feel that senility is a byproduct of lack of social contact, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
The second misconception is that all seniors look forward to a life of relaxation and recreation. Many do, for those first few months or even years after retirement, but it doesn’t give a lot of satisfaction in the long run. It is generally understood that if a person hasn’t found something productive to do in that first 39 months after retirement, that they will either become ill or die.
The third misconception offered is that seniors have little to offer. We all know this is not true so why do we let this myth survive? The vast majority of seniors process skills, wisdom, experience and knowledge that they are eager to share. Remember that no one knows that you are available if you don’t speak up, rather like hiding your talent under a bushel basket, don’t you think? Seek out opportunities and share your talents.
How are you going to do all that? How are you going to make today better than yesterday? The author suggested:
- Resolve to be intentional about letting yourself grow
- Work hard to improve nutritional and exercise program
- Have regular physical checkups and work with health care team to improve your health
- Enhance significant relationships in your life
- Enjoy your family
- Cherish long-standing friendships and develop new ones
We have talked about these tenets before, but I want you to think about them again as you make a personal resolution to do a better job of selling yourself. Think about what it would take to make you feel worthwhile and productive and then express this feeling through service to others. You aren’t finished yet.
Comments