Getting Older

I remember an essay my son wrote for a school writing contest not that long ago. The theme for the contest was “Aging,” something that impacts all our lives in one way or another. My son’s essay ended, according to memory, with the conclusion that getting old was a state of mind, and if one thought young thoughts, one would remain young of heart.

There is truth to that belief, but I am beginning to learn that keeping a young mindset is much harder than it sounds. Inevitably, life events occur that grapple with and sometimes hogtie one’s forever-young attitude, things like a friend’s death; the loss of the family pet; the growing geriatric problems that plague aging parents. And when signs of aging start showing up within your own body – arthritis developing in the knuckle of your index finger, for instance – well, while that may not totally slow you down, that minor discomfort can make you think twice about doing things.

Still, I think it’s important to strive to keep that eternally youthful outlook, not only for yourself, but for those who love and live with you. Looking for that silver lining, trying something new, taking care of the body you’ve been given – these actions can add up to an important legacy that you can leave to comfort children and friends once the inevitable occurs. And if I can both better my remaining years by working to stay young of heart, as well as better the lives of those I love by doing so, isn’t that something that, when it comes down to it, is ultimately one of the most important things I can do?

So live young. Remember that age is just a number. And don’t forget not only to stop and smell the roses, but to share all those glorious roses with your friends and family as well.