Growing Old

 The subject of aging is a favorite topic today. In 1992 there were about 32,000 seniors over the age of 100. Today there are over 85,000. By the year 2025, it is estimated there will be 2 million seniors over the age of 100.

 I like what Satchel Paige would say. “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”

 According to ancient records, old age for the Romans was 22. Jesus was considered an old man at the age of 33. In the 19th century, most were dead by age 45. Social Security was to begin at age 65 because our government estimated that most Americans would be dead at that age.

 Most of us know that the estimated age of people today is getting closer and closer to 100. In a MacArthur study by Rowe and Kuban, they concluded, “Life style choices and not genes determine growing old gracefully.”

 Political parties are very concerned about the growing number of seniors. They are catering to us more all the time.

 In spite of these statistics, there still remains a strong bias against and about seniors. Such as: we are the cause for rising health costs, the vast majority are sickly and a nuisance, we are often frail, disabled, weak, powerless, hard of hearing, we cause accidents, depressed, cantankerous, complainers, unable to learn, and a nuisance to their families. Wow!!

 Those of us in the aging category are aware of our limitations, but don’t discount our assets. We add significantly to the economy. Churches are filled with us. So are restaurants and travel venues. We buy new and old cars; we frequent malls and buy clothes, tools, etc. We attend sporting events and go on cruises.

 Many of us even support our kids and grandkids. Guess who donates more money to charitable causes. Right. Seniors.

 Now to the subject of this article: THE MYTHS OF AGING. The first one is ancient and is usually applied to canines but it is particularly apropos for myths and seniors. YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS. I don’t know if this is true about dogs or not. But I do know that it is NOT true about seniors.

 Dementia and Alzheimer’s, are not limited to seniors, even though they are often related to them. You want a fight on your hands? Suggest that any of the following are senile or can’t learn: Nelson Mandela, George or Barbara Bush, Warren Buffet, Ted Turner, Morgan Freeman. . . . I could go on and on.

 They, plus millions more are crowding schools, reading books, attending lectures for one reason. To learn. They are alive. Someone has said, “Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives.” I’ll put my money on the seniors who are really alive.

 The second myth that I’m addressing goes like this; TO BE OLD IS TO BE SICK. This one is close to number one, but it is decidedly different. Of course we become ill, but so does the rest of the population. Go to any hospital or medical center. The sick are of all ages.

 The young are in wheel chairs, on crutches, canes and use walkers. Seniors use all kinds of medications; but no more than the middle aged. I belong to Bally’s and the YMCA. On any day, at least one half of the exercisers are seniors. We take care of ourselves.

 The Highland Senior Center has over 3,000 members. The largest class is the morning exercise group. As one sage has said, “Seniors do the same things they always did, only it takes them longer.” Sickly seniors is a myth.

 The next myth is short but sweet. THE HORSE IS OUT OF THE BARN. This is somewhat like the previous myth. It’s too late for seniors. For what? To make a difference; to change negative habits; to lose weight; to have relationships after the death of a spouse; to go back to school.

 Evidence to the contrary says that it is never too late. I read the other day of a man, 75 years old, who couldn’t walk. He started to walk to his door, then around his house, then a block, then ¼ of a mile, etc. After two years of training, the 76 year old man ran a marathon.

 Genetics and age have very little with what we can do. It is life style and determination. As other things, attitude is vital. 

 One further myth about aging.  It is utterly absurd. THE ELDERLY DON’T PULL THEIR OWN WEIGHT.  I heard a talk show host declare with strong feeling that all elderly at 65 should be euthanized. They were a drudge on society.

 The talk show guy stated that since most seniors didn’t work, they contributed nothing to the betterment of society. A substantial argument to reflect this view is to ask, “Are the only people who are productive those who receive pay?”

 Hardly. Consider the hundreds of thousands of seniors who volunteer their time and effort for charitable work. Hospitals, churches, Red Cross, hurricane, earthquakes, floods and other disasters. From President Jimmy Carter (80+) to Brad Pitt (30+).

 Many seniors, more and more, are becoming caretakers-for other seniors and members of their own family. It is a myth and a big lie that seniors don’t carry then own weight. We did, we are and we will.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT:
G. W. Abersold Ph.D