“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!” – Ingrid Bergman
There’s no way to say it politely – we are tarnishing, crumbling, rusting and aging. Though we may find ways to appear to others that we are younger than our license claims, remaining young and healthy can be a hard slog. And often expensive. In a world where youth is idolized, it’s hard to feel we have something offer when we are older than 50, or 60, or 70, or 80, or even 90. But the reality is – we do.
People well into their 90s are making change happen. It doesn’t have to be big, it just has to start with a stir in your heart that you are not done, not giving up.
In his
article, writer, Tad Friend, gives us his wisdom:
“The young can’t grasp that most older people don’t feel so different from their youthful selves. “
But they are wiser, and they can be honored and asked for their insight. Biblically it’s commanded:
So let’s start with ourselves – our older selves or our parents or grandparents and encourage them to contribute their wisdom in making things better in our world. My friend, Casey, puts it this way in her article on
Caring for our Patina:
Of course, no matter how well we take care of ourselves, the years will still show. If we’re lucky, we’ll wind up with wrinkles, sagging skin, and all the scars, calluses, aches, and pains that come from using our bodies to pursue a rich and fulfilling life. But we don’t have to be haggard and drawn. Our old age might be like the beautiful patina of bronze or leather, becoming more distinctive over time.
Whatever we decide to do with our third, third of life, let us be open to to a deeper calling within to be other centered, to give more, and to extend our wisdom in serving those in our community.
