Updated: July 31, 2023
Originally Published: June 5, 2021
When I was younger, the elderly intimidated me. In my teenage perspective, anyone over 40 was considered “ancient.” They had peculiar smells, spoke in ways I didn’t understand, and their quirks baffled me. However, as I’ve matured, my perception of what “old” truly means has evolved, and thankfully so.
In my twenties, I thought 55 was old. By my early thirties, I labeled 60 as ancient—until my mother turned 60 and suddenly that age felt much more relatable. Just before I turned 40, I thought 70 represented old age, but then I met a remarkable 75-year-old tennis player who could serve with incredible force. A few years ago, I considered 80 to be the upper limit of age, until I began teaching computer skills to seniors at my local community college. One of my students was 89 years old, attending classes to expand her knowledge! This experience taught me invaluable lessons about aging and the kind of person it can help me become.
In essence, getting older will make me (and you!) a whole lot better. Here’s why:
1. Lifelong Learning
You’ll discover that the pursuit of knowledge never ceases. I once had a veteran from World War II express his interest in learning how to tweet and asked for assistance with hashtags. An 80-something woman in my class enjoyed researching ancient Troy simply out of curiosity. Their eagerness to learn keeps their minds agile and alive. The thirst for knowledge doesn’t diminish with age—thank goodness for that!
2. Cherishing Good Memories
The wealth of memories they carry is astonishing. They remember everything from a Paul McCartney concert in 1974—where the last song was “Hey Jude”—to their senior prom dress in 1954, and even the car they drove. Their reminiscing shines a light on significant milestones: births, graduations, marriages, and grandchildren. Even amidst life’s challenges, they focus on the positives, proving that the good moments far outweigh the bad.
3. Speaking Freely
As we age, we often care less about others’ opinions. There’s a liberating feeling in expressing every thought and opinion without the need for self-censorship. The freedom to articulate what you think the moment it comes to mind? I can hardly wait for that!
4. Endurance Through Life’s Trials
Seniors have not only survived but thrived through life’s ups and downs. They’ve navigated challenges that would daunt anyone, yet they continue to rise each day with resilience. While I sometimes struggle to get through my own challenges, these individuals have raised families, pursued careers, and faced loss—and they keep moving forward with grace.
5. Timeless Love
Many couples celebrating decades of marriage still hold hands and share laughter in class. Their interactions are filled with warmth, and as they talk about their families, you can see the deep connection they maintain. They find joy in each other and the incredible legacy of love they have constructed together. I eagerly anticipate experiencing that kind of love myself.
Society often encourages us to fear aging and to fight against it, but I believe it’s essential to embrace growing older. I hope that by the time I reach what society deems “old,” I can stand up for our worth as older individuals. I’m not ready to stop sharing my thoughts anytime soon, and with each passing year, my filter seems to be getting thinner!
If you’re interested in more insights related to family and parenting, you can check out one of our other blog posts at intracervicalinsemination.com. Also, if you’re looking for trusted resources about pregnancy and home insemination, resolve.org is an excellent guide. For those exploring the journey of self-insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable products to support you.
Summary
Aging is often viewed negatively, but it brings wisdom, resilience, and a passion for learning. As we grow older, we cherish good memories, express ourselves freely, and maintain deep connections with loved ones. Embracing the aging process can lead to a fulfilling and vibrant life.