How do we feel about the aging process? Some people really look forward to retiring, while others dread the thought of retirement. For some people it will mean some free time to do things they always wanted to do and did not have the time or resources to do them. For others they may feel they have little worth and feel cast aside. Some may fear they will become a burden on family.
We can learn so much from our seniors; they lived through many hardships that we will never have to endure. The seniors in our life may have passed on their faith, traditions and customs to us, which makes up much of our daily lifestyle.
Our society today does not paint a pretty picture of aging. We spend very little money and effort on advertising the beauty of aging. We tend to focus on the youth, the rich and the vibrant people in society.
I know that not everyone is blessed to reach their senior years. I've seen some very young people die of horrible diseases, heart attacks, and car accidents. Many families long for 'what might have been' if this family member had not died so young.
Today's seniors are living very healthy and productive lives. Seniors are also living longer than ever before. They take part in endless activities within our communities. The largest role they play on my community is in the role of volunteering. It matters not on the organization- they would not be viable without our seniors and their countless hours of volunteering.
In some cultures the elderly are the ones most looked up to and held in highest regard within the family unit. They are the head of the household and their leadership is the cornerstone of the family stature. Families care for their seniors within their own homes since there are no government facilities to care for the elderly. Each family will care for their own aging family members.
Aging is an inevitable part of life. This process of aging is affecting us all. Everyone can welcome it with a warm smile and live it with confidence. Aging is not so much choice as it is attitude of how we see ourselves.
Aging is often not associated with wisdom and knowledge. But our elders have gained wisdom by doing and living. Our elders may pass on their wisdom to the successive generations through oral and written communication. From this knowledge- we could all learn much if we but take the time to do so.
I recall a saying goes, "Old wood is best to burn; old friends best to trust; old wine best to drink; old authors best to read."
The aged have a vital place in our community. Aging is a natural process we will all go through. Instead of dreading our senior years, embrace them! For white hair are a gift from God.
"Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Margaret Anne Yost nursed for 35 years. Returning back to school I completed classes from the Red River College in the areas of Gerontology, Bereavement, Death and Dying. For twelve years I worked in bereavement support at a Funeral Home.
I was employed as Parish Worker at a Lutheran Church. At present I am enjoying my role as homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.
