Aging

 

Aging

by

Erwin K Thomas

Kathleen Dowling Singh’s The Grace in Aging is a wakeup call for elders.  It tells them how they could make the best of their lives through mindfulness and meditation.  The author examined some aspects of aging, virtues, and the benefits of seniors who pursue spiritual goals.

Singh looked at elders’ habits, problems, dying, and death while exploring the intricacies of what it means to be alive.  At the end of the book there’s a questionnaire that could be answered by readers to find out their views about the aging process.  The author referred to Eastern and Western faith traditions as she examined the phases of elderly living.     

Alan D. Castel’s Better with Age: The Psychology of Successful Aging argued that older individuals were happier than younger people. He looked at how people’s memory could be improved. As a Professor of Psychology at UCLA Castel referred to a number of studies on aging and memory. These showed that the best way to improve one’s memory was through exercise and reading.

Mention was made of those seniors that used crossword puzzles, computers, and played games. But Castel showed that there wasn’t proof that those activities did the trick. Yet, it was demonstrated that much depended on people’s attitude. If they thought positively about whatever they felt would help them - they did somewhat better in improving their memory.   

 

Aging in Place

Why should a couple age in place?

Why could such a decision make sense?

How do they benefit from these plans?

Many seniors have asked such questions.

 

It’s all about living wisely in familiar surroundings.

Undoubtedly, seniors love their neighbors.

They are able to socialize with friends at local coffee shops.

And they don’t have to travel far to do volunteer work.

 

Seniors could have adjustments done in their homes.

These changes mean that they would manage better..

They could build special ramps, redesign bathrooms,

And are sure that their bedroom is on the ground floor.

 

Other responsibilities might strike seniors as essential.

They could arrange for more convenient doctors’ visits.

Some of these appointments they could have virtually.

All it takes is some knowledge of a computer, smart phone, or iPad.

There are cases where a doctor’s visit will be at their clinic.

 From their home they could be easily transported.

So, many seniors might find aging in place to their liking

Most problems could be conveniently solved.

 

“God, help seniors to age wisely.  Be with them as they adjust to their living conditions.”

Amen

 

Aging Wisely

What does it mean to age wisely?

Have you been preparing to do so?

You better grab the steering wheel

Because sooner or later you’ll be older.

 

Aging well is about people’s attitude.

You could be a couch potato or active.

But, being active is beneficial.

It helps keep one’s mind sharp.

 

Having confidence brings peace.

So, it’s imperative to love what you do.

People could participate in a variety of sports.

Others might spend time exercising, dancing,

Learning a new language, going to a coffee hour,

Playing music, games, or doing crossword puzzles.

 

As people age they often face challenges.

Some suffer from arthritis, lung disease,

Cancer, heart problems, memory loss,

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Osteoporosis.

But with medical care and medication

Seniors are able to control these afflictions. 

 

“Almighty God, help people as they age have productive lives.  Be with them as they explore new ways to socialize and be active.”

Amen 

 

Michael Kinsley’s Old Age a Beginner’s Guide is a book about Baby Boomers growing older, and what they could expect to make of their lives.  He addressed these problems through the lens of the chronic disease Parkinson’s, from which he was suffering.  The writer gave statistics about how long people could expect to live. He mentioned some of the major diseases that would die from like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Afterwards, there was a discussion about accidents, and falls as people age.

Much data was provided about Parkinson’s disease.  Readers learned about its symptoms, treatment, tests, and how it progresses.  A discussion informed readers how they could be remembered when they die.  There were references to wealthy people who would donate funds so that their names could be on buildings, wings of establishments, or even having statues prominently displayed in city parks.  Kinsley observed that some who were writers are soon forgotten when they die.  But the author showed that to be remembered would call for an advocate who would promote a writer’s literary merit.  The latter part of the book discussed the financial debt accumulated by the Greatest Generation, and what the Baby Boomers could do about it.