The Myths of Aging – Sunday, November 29, 1981
It takes a lot of trust in the Lord as we go through life. There are many myths about growing old. Some fear old age. They fear it as a time when they will be alone, bored, useless and ill. But old age is not that way for most people. The majority of persons beyond retirement age consider life satisfying and definitely worth living.
Researchers find that old age doesn’t bring many surprises. People who are well adjusted in middle age tend to be well adjusted during the golden years. And there is a certain exhilarating freedom that comes with senior citizen status. It is no longer necessary to strive for professional recognition. These individuals have earned a chance to relax, to savor life, and to do some of the things they want to do.
Enduring to the end, as God has instructed, does not mean simply laying back and doing nothing. It means continuing to set goals, to work and to contribute insight, perspective and experience. A wise observer once said that too often in aging people do things for the last time and not for the first time. If we reverse that process, that is, try it for the first time whatever age, we will have an effective antidote against growing old.
Here are a few more thoughts to ponder:
First, make plans for the future—long-range, long-term goals along with plans for today and tomorrow.
Second, exercise can accomplish wonders. And remember the heart, like the body, also needs exercise. There is nothing more stirring than two elderly people in love, each still finding in the other those qualities which were admired in youth.
Third, as we grow older, we become aware of how little we know. And with this awareness comes again the child’s sense of wonder—but with increased powers of judgement and discrimination.
Religious faith can also enrich our lives and help us through the stresses of everyday living, whether we are young or old. If we have developed faith in God, we are likely to have faith in others and, most important, in ourselves. Faith in ourselves gives us peace and assurance that we will overcome difficulties and reach the goals of our lives.
Those people who leave earth with a thousand unfilled dreams are probably the happiest older people during their later years. They are controlled not be myths of aging, but by the realities of living.
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November 29, 1981
Broadcast Number 2,728