THE CHALLENGE OF GRACEFUL AGING

THE CHALLENGE OF GRACEFUL AGING

Growing old is truly fun that is why it has many names. Senior Citizen which depicts authority and wisdom; Second Childhood, as if being re-oriented anew to an entirely new world; Alzheimer’s, meaning one has reached the great period of confusion; Golden or Diamond Age to keep the glamour no matter what.

This stage of aging has also many nicknames too: “Amoy lupa”, “Uliyanin”, “Makulit”, “Burara”, “Bengengot” or worst still, “Tangengot” and many more according to the whims and enjoyment of the younger generation.

I am not referring to my own personal experience because in as far as I am concerned I am still in the prime of my life. I am sharing this to everyone after having observed several Senior Citizens who have surrendered to the difficult challenges of aging.

This is the phase of life when the person knows he knows but knows not what he knows. This is the period when the person remembers vividly what he did when he was a little boy but forgets where he was a while ago. This is the moment when the person looks everywhere for the item he is tightly holding in his hand. This is the time when one wonders why he is at the middle of the stairs not sure if he is going down or going up. This is the age when he usually has lapses in thought, in words and in deed.

He enjoys discussing his ailments and brags about the many pills he is taking but to no avail as he continue to have pains here and there. This is the time in his life when he is badly in need of a companion to guide him in his moments of disorientation but unfortunately this is also the occasion in his life when every one he knows and everyone that matters to him is nowhere to be found.

He wants and craves for many foods to eat but at the same time is afraid of the side effects and the untoward consequences. He wants to share a lot of his wisdom to the younger generation but said generation thinks what he is sharing is out of this world, obsolete or an idea applicable to life during the Stone Age.

Yes growing old is fun and overgrown persons are indeed funny. They are tired of living but they don’t want yet to die. They are left behind by the new trends and the new technologies but are too lazy to catch up, thinking that they are too old to comprehend anything that is new.

The best way to confront the challenges of aging gracefully is to continue being observant and curious about things, to find joy everyday anywhere you are, to nurture a healthy sense of humor and to continue pursuing a dream no matter how simple or how far it seems. At the end of the day, count your blessings and pray this way: Dear Lord, Your will! Nothing more, nothing less and nothing else. Amen