OLD AGE

What is Old Age?  I am 78 years old, but I do not feel ‘old’ EXCEPT of course when I happen to see myself in the mirror!

However, I do recognize the reality in this stage of development which is defined as integrity vs despair. When I considered the concept of despair, I found it related primarily to times when I experienced loss of meaning. This happens thoughout our lives however, it is intensified as we grow older. I experienced this when I lost the meaningful work of my career, I struggle with the loss of physical ability to do certain things, and the sense of uselessness- inability to make meaningful contributions in society. Also, the narrowness of life that seems to be the norm in the aged. I would die of despair if my days consisted of tea parties and watching TV.

How do we deal with this? Can we maintain meaning in our lives to the very end?  I believe we can.

 We first need to recognize that ‘meaning’ will change shape throughout our lives. My first task was to SEE meaning in my existence. Search for it, name it. But also, the important task of  CREATING meaning in my life. I may not be able to climb Mount Everest, but I can write about mountain top experiences I have had, I will never be a concert pianist, but I can appreciate music.  My advice to the younger generation, and us oldies, is : Carpe Diem (seize the day).  So let us.. see meaning/create meaning.

This is a funny poem I wrote on ageing……

“They say it should be fun, but so often we just feel glum!

They say it’s good to retire, but it’s just about waiting to expire!

People around us all have cares, looking at growing old gives us nightmares.

We meet to cheer each other up. But all we do is compare conditions-

Who has the most debilitating situations!

Our world gets smaller- a trip to the supermarket enthrals us.

We wander through to pick and choose and definitely avoid the booze!

Another outing is to the doctor- Whoopee! A captive audience for a few dollars,

we speak of our aches and pains, but nothing said or done brings us any gains.

The greatest delight that brings us light, is the love of family so young and bright-

Their lives are full and energy flows, but they too have their woes..

They lift our lives and give us meaning, saves us from a fit of screaming.

But God is good, He’s always there, takes us deeper beyond the care.

I guess Old Age is really OK – and that’s all I have to say.”

Marge Stathakis