Be an age rebel
Fight the perceptions of aging
By Jim LaJoie, co-publisher, contributor
I recently, and somewhat hesitantly, returned to Facebook, spurred mainly by a desire to keep track of friends and former classmates.
At this point in my life, connecting with someone I knew in high school or college is sobering. Has 40, maybe even 50, years gone by so quickly? The answer: a resounding yes, I have gotten that much older.
That realization produces some contemplation, but not despair. As the author Regina Brett has been quoted as saying: “Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.”
Aging is something that I accept as the normal cycle of life. It also helps to be an age rebel. By that I mean, don’t reinforce the negative stereotypes society has on aging.
There is an inevitable decline in health. Sure, there likely will come a time when there are health concerns, possibly even significant ones. But, you can help reduce the odds of that by staying in shape. Exercise, get a full night’s sleep, eat a (at least reasonably) healthy diet. Anything you can do to stave off health concerns helps.
Older people are not interested in learning new things, are rigid and set in their ways. Well, this is an easy one to refute. Tell those young ones who hold this view: the hell with that. Take a class, watch a documentary, develop a new skill, take up a challenging hobby, learn how to utilize ChatGPT. Do whatever you can to continue learning. We here at Greybeard Journal are enthusiastic adherents to the notion of lifelong learning.
Older people are sedentary or uninterested in physical activity. Want to prove them wrong? Take a walk, join a gym, try your hand at yoga, play pickleball, start a garden. Just keep moving. As the saying goes: a body in motion stays in motion.
Dementia, memory loss and cognitive decline are inevitable. I realize genetics plays a part in this, and there are days when it takes me longer to recall a word than I am comfortable with. But, that doesn’t mean that memory loss and cognitive decline are inevitable. Much like the body, a mind in motion also stays in motion. The more the brain is worked, the less likely there will be memory loss or cognitive decline. Do whatever you can to stay mentally acute: read, do crosswords, go to museums, take trips to places haven’t been before. Keep that mind sharp, don’t become the stereotype, fight it.
Older people are lonely and isolated. This can be an issue if you allow it. I found my social circle reduced significantly after retiring last year. Initially, I felt the loss. However, volunteering for a non-profit and becoming more active in my community has given me a new circle of social connections. Don’t allow yourself to be isolated, human contact is critical to well-being. We are a social species. Do whatever you can to become more connected to others.
We older people don’t contribute to our communities. This is a misconception that can be refuted empirically. According to DonorBox.org, older Americans volunteer at similar levels as those of other age demographics: Donorbox.org. Not surprising, as we are likely retired and at a point in our lives where we can to give back. If you aren’t already, go and volunteer for an organization whose mission you support.
Older people are unhappy and grumpy. Are some older people unhappy and grumpy? Sure. Are some younger people unhappy and grumpy? Absolutely. Look at the news, listen to some podcast, take a peek at some social media sites. You will find there are some very cranky young people. Want to fight the stereotype? Practice gratitude for what you have, for another day of life, for having people who love and care for you in your life. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Honest Abe was a very wise man.
There will be an inevitable loss of independence. There may be, if we live long enough and are fortunate health-wise. But we can stay as independent as possible until then. There are assuredly some things that aren’t easily done with age. For instance, shoveling wet heavy snow at a certain age could be problematic. But don’t let those few things you are no longer capable of stop you from being independent in all other areas of your life. Do what you can for yourself while making a few allowances for age.
Be an age rebel. Make those who are younger view you as a role model when they get your age. Stay active, physically, intellectually and socially. Stay positive. Keep living a full life.
Show those young people that getting older is inevitable. Living a full life is a choice.
Amen, brother!