Reflections on the Complexities of Aging

One reader of this blog remarked to me recently that my blogs sometimes had a theme of “aging.” I defended that it was not the case. Upon reflection, however, I am more aware of aging and how it impacts my life.

I recently saw the following quote and it humorously portrayed how I am feeling these days: “I don’t feel like I’m getting older. It’s more like my warranty has expired and my parts are wearing out.”

I used to say that I felt like I was 35 rather than my age when in my early 60s. The number moved to 55 in my early 70s. I hope I am not in denial. All of us hear the platitude, “Act your age,” — I don’t know what that means!

I have slowed down a bit and I am trying to accept that reality. I am working to enjoy slowness in my life. Slowness seems less stressful. Slowing down, however, does not mean quitting. I know that I will never run the Boston Marathon as I had hoped years ago. I know I will not be climbing the highest mountain peaks (e.g., Kilimanjaro) that I had once dreamed of doing. Aging and slowing down is the reason. Nevertheless, many accessible mountain trails remain explorable, and I can do those.

I notice lately that strangers treat me a bit differently probably because I do look “older.” The white hair may be a signal that I may need help lifting my carry-on into the upper bin of an airplane, even though I am still quite capable of doing that. I appreciate people offering kindness to me, and I also reserve the right to determine for myself what I can and cannot do.

Ageism is the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination against others or oneself based on age. I try not to connect ageism with myself and yet that attitude rears itself. I know people in my community in their 80s who are more physically fit than me. On the other hand, I also know people my age who would not reflect my active life.

I am not sure what the message of this blog is other than to highlight thoughts that have been occurring to me. I look forward to a long and healthy life as I age.

PS I am off on a long-distance hiking trip (acting my age?) so will not post for a couple of weeks. George Bernard Shaw reminds me, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”