We all start aging from the very moment of conception. Discussion about aging and feeling the effects of aging seem to come up much more often later in life...when we are 'Older', "Over the Hill" and "Well Seasoned". The words 'aging' and 'older' and, any number of terms become common place once we have reached our 'golden years'.
Not sure what is so golden about these years...but I'm going to keep trying to find the gold at the end of this rainbow at this point in the aging process. Fortunately, so many older, often used, negative terms are being used less and less these days. Those that choose to, have discovered and are using much nicer terms to talk about and reference senior citizens. We are different than our parents when they were our age...but, we are still, none the less, arrowing down quite a bit to get to our birth year. There are things that are more difficult for us to do as we age, but we still do it. but at a different level and speed.
My generation, Baby Boomers, are a large part of the population (2nd largest generation by population share). We have an increased longevity despite having more health issues and have a significant impact on the economy and resources.
We are Boomers. My husband and I bought 40 acres and an old log cabin when we retired. We were older, but still able to do renovations and all that is required of this endeavor. Initially we were good, but year after year became a bit harder. So, we decided it was time to start adapting things to make our everyday chores and activities easier and safer for us because we still wanted the life that we had looked so forward to.
We had achieved one of our major goals with this property in that we were able to raise most all of our own food...veggies, fruit, meat chickens and laying hens. Most everything was still at the initial kind of slap together stage since we had to get the animal and bird pens made, feeding and watering systems in place even before we got to work putting together a working bathroom for us. It was now time to take each of those chores and adapt it to a system that would be easier and more doable for us to do as we aged. We began building raised beds for the plants that would continue to do well in contained areas. We put together more efficient watering and feeding systems for our birds and animals. And, we made better, more level walking paths for us to get to all of our animals and gardens. We also decided to put up some greenhouses so that we could grow food year-round and also have more control over invasive weeds and critters. We'll share...but, not all of it please dear local wildlife. We felt that having all of these chores and physical work involved was really good for us as long as we took precautions and basically just took our time. It kept our minds and bodies active and gave us something to look forward to each day. We loved all of our animals and birds...they were our friends and family - they were a large part of our social and interactive life.
The commonly used term about 'Aging Gracefully" is mentioned quite a bit. This often-used term is easier for me to comprehend and live with than the "Golden Years'. I can see some positives in that 'Gracefully' term. Aging gracefully to me means that we need to treasure the past, live in the present and embrace the future. Sounds, all positive to me.
Here's the comparison that I can wrap my head around: My husband has had a long career in the construction industry. He owned and operated a construction company that became well known for his expertise in the renovation of older homes. I was mostly in the healthcare/social services industry but had several other careers in between. In addition to our careers, our hobby/love was buying older homes that probably not many others would have purchased...and we would renovate them. After closing on the purchase of these old beauties, many times, we would live in them while we would renovate and then either sell or continue to live in and enjoy them for however long and then sell.
We would instantly know when we would view an older home that was currently on the market...if it was going to be the next one for us to love and renovate. We have passed on a few, but not many. Our desire was to bring them back to life and use. Initially, we would take our time getting to know the house, get a feel for its essence. The essence was always there if one would take the time, take a seat and look past the damage done by weather, age and the neglect of people. We would study the house, look deeper than the exterior wear and tear of aging and lack of care. We could see it's still strong bones and feel it's soul. Then, we would jump in and bring back these older beauties and make them breathe and shine again. We believe that the old house quietly listened to us when we would discuss its many great attributes. And, that our intention was to not drastically change it, but bring it back to its original beauty. The renovated houses all seemed to smile back at us when we would finally paint it's exterior a new, fresh coat of paint. Our old log cabin and our big old Victorian are and will be our last home renovations. We will continue to renovate and repair and even build whatever out buildings that we need...but as far as purchasing a fixer upper to renovate...those days are over. We have loved each and every one of them...but we are trying to remember that we are now older, and we have to change our thinking about what we honestly can and cannot do.
It took quite a bit of strength and endurance for these old houses to still be standing after all of the years and seasons of extreme weather conditions. We were always grateful and proud of them that they still stood strong after so many years. So, it was always our pleasure to attend to their needs and bring them back to their former glory.
I feel like this is similar to the way we human beings age. We come into this world all shiny and new. Then life gives us a few bumps and bruises, but we're still young, we heal. But then one day, we don't heal quite as quickly, and we begin to see and feel the effects of our old scars.
So, what do we do at this stage? We can either just give in and accept those battle wounds or try and make them not the focus of our life - gracefully.
We have been recreating ourselves over and over our entire life. And one shouldn't stop because of reaching a certain age. We should stand up straight, look into the mirror and decide that this person who possibly had babies, worked many hours at our homes and/or in a career, took care of our children, spouse or partner and then our older relatives is understandably in need of a retooling. So, here we are without as much energy as we once had needing to make another adjustment. This is when 'gracefully' comes into play. Embrace who you've been, who you've become, lift your head and add a touch of grace to it all. Time to shine softly, graciously and gratefully for a life well lived. We survived and should live out the rest of our years in gentle peacefulness and joy.
Aging is inevitable, so changing and adjusting as we get older is how we survive. And we can also thrive. We just need to realize that the aging process is normal for all of us. We can buck it all, a bit, but ultimately accepting and living the best lives that we can, is the key to a happy life. So, Aging Gracefully is not a negative term, it is an absolutely lovely way to celebrate our "Golden Years".
