August 13, 2024
Ask a 15-year-old at what age someone is “old” and you’re going to get a very different answer than if you ask a 45-year-old. It is understood that in the United States one is considered early elderly when they reach 65 years old and late elderly after 70. Whether or not one is dealing with physical or mental handicaps, this elderly old senior citizen label is applied to all. Being called elderly isn’t exactly a compliment or a goal one aspires to because it is often indicative of frailty and weakness.
We’ve been told numerous times to eat right, exercise and get a good night’s sleep to stay healthy even while we are aging. However, men and women age differently according to their lifestyles, habits and genetics. The mental aspect is also important to consider. As we grow older, our bodies change, our minds evolve and our perspectives shift. While some may see aging as a negative thing, it can also be an opportunity for learning, growth, reflection and insight.
In contrast to “elderly,” the term “elder” implies a position of esteemed respect within church circles and different cultures. Elders are sought and respected for the experience and guidance they can offer. To be an elder is in many ways a coveted position. Respect for elders is traditionally emphasized in Asian cultures such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India as these are countries with cultures that place a strong emphasis on respecting and honoring their older folks. In African cultures, respect for elders is a fundamental value as they are often considered the source of guidance and wisdom for younger generations. Additionally, older adults play essential roles in decision-making and conflict resolution within the community and among younger adults.
In the United States, one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past the age of 90. As a result, elderly may be more a state of being or feeling rather than a certain age. The question may not be whether someone else thinks of you as elderly, but whether you think of yourself as elderly. Suzanne Somers, actress and fitness guru, once said: “I like the way I look. I like the way I feel. I like my energy. I have wisdom. I have perspective. And I can tell you that aging can be so incredible.”
If you’re in your early 80’s and play pickle ball, travel with friends or family, enjoy a hobby or volunteer, you’re living life and enjoying it. You might be older but that’s not the same as old. “Old” is a state of being when you have given up the fight to stay active and involved and have convinced yourself there is no more joy in lifeIt's important to treat each person as an individual and to consider their unique circumstances and gifts rather than relying solely on age-related labels. We can be inspired by their resilience and zest for life, changing how we think, feel and act towards age and ageism as time stands still for no one. Self-assurance and wisdom gleaned from years of experience are the rewards from decades of living.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”– Abraham Lincoln
Comments