Senior to Senior: Aging Gracefully

Are you aging gracefully? What does that even mean? I’m pretty sure that most of us would rather slide into old age kicking and screaming. There is nothing graceful about any of this…it’s more a matter of wallowing, or not. Once it hits you that you have crossed the threshold between being “older” and being “old,” it becomes necessary to adapt, adjust, or shut up. Researchers and marketing people tell us we need to look younger and strive to live longer. Most of them are 40-50 years old. What do they know. At a certain point we all must accept that aging happens. Don’t even think about joking that you are “over the hill,” unless you really mean it. What other choices do we have? You did your best. If you have already adopted a healthier lifestyle and done everything possible to remain in control, you have probably nailed it. If not, see your doctor and ask, beg, or plead for a referral to your local physical and occupational therapists. These people should be on your speed dial, they are your best friends. I’m sorry if you have reached the point where you have more losses than gains. You lose hair, you lose your waistline, you are less agile, your nest is empty, you forget where you left your coffee cup, and so on and so forth. You are not alone if you feel anxious, frustrated, fearful, angry, bitter, lonely, desperate or depressed. Well gee, that doesn’t give you much to work with, does it? All you can do is get a life. Do stuff. Get out of the house. Take advantage of senior centers and libraries. Go forth and make some new friends. Thumb your noses at the “graceful” thing. Look past your own personal struggles and focus on what you can do, or what you can learn to do. Do something to help the people around you. You have the much-needed knowledge, skills, and wisdom to be of service. Graceful or not, you aren’t finished yet.