Getting Older Does Have Its Perks

Kekich Credo #84 - Nobody gets old by surprise.

As a noun the word ageing is the process of getting older. Used as an adjective the word ageing  describes someone or something going through this process.  The verb to age or to grow older is at the root of ageing and its Latin root is aveum, which means lifetime. 

Ageing is not a disease.  It is a normal and natural process.  An example of ageing is when you start to grow grey hair, need glasses and be more forgetful as you get older.  With age, your bones tend to shrink in size and density. This weakens them and they become more susceptible to fracture. You could even become shorter.  Your muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility.  These factors can affect your coordination, stability and balance.

Some common conditions in older age individuals include hearing loss, cataracts, back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and dementia. As one ages, you are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.

Most people are afraid of ageing.  But why fight it?  It is a battle you will never win.  Getting older is a privilege, an art, a gift.  With time life has the tendency to slip out of our hands.  Wrinkles may appear on our face and aches and pains may develop every so often.  But this is a reflection of life, something we can feel very proud of.  Getting older brings some amazing things.

For those that started a family you get to watch your family grow.  You get to watch your children grow up.  From births to graduations and then watching the cycle repeat with grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.  Those of us who do not have our own children often have siblings and extended families to enjoy - nieces and nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews.  The family circle experience is worth getting older.

Confidence gained through life experience and getting older is another gift of ageing.  As we age, we realize what truly matters and tend to set small stuff aside. We become more easygoing and learn to focus on what is truly important in life. As we age, we become more comfortable in our own skin. 

Life experience brings opportunities to learn new things and plenty of memories to share. The saying ‘older and wiser’ rings true. Our culture hasn’t made ageing seemingly desirable, but when you get there you will see that it offers many things you will appreciate.  Getting older does have its perks.

# living life abundantly    # published author    # travelling tuesdays