No Shame Aging

Our society makes stupid judgements at times and sometimes we even put them upon ourselves. How many old, yes "old"people, make apologies for their appearance in having wrinkles or being stooped or walking slowly or using aids such as walkers, wheel chairs or canes. Stop feeling shame for what is natural. And if someone faults your aging, they are rudely wrong. When someone becomes angry or impatient with you as an aging person, please turn to them and in a pleasant voice, say,  "You are looking at yourself". And it will be true.  Not one living thing can escape aging. It's perfectly natural, and there is no shame attached to it. The worst sickness in every human being, is stress. Why we aging persons, stress ourselves worrying about how we look or feel or think, causes an illness that is not necessary. Aging is lauded when some unusual person of an advanced age, does some unusual thing and wins an award. Everyone applauds. This woman is one hundred and she runs a marathon. This man in his nineties downhill skis. That person is eighty nine and climbed a risky mountain.  They are, indeed, grand events but they are not The Norm. And let's hope they don't bring regret to all elders, but only their admiration. Most bodies that have been working for a very long time without stopping, are naturally going to have breakdowns. There is no fault attached. What holds great honour is when some unfortunate soul, inflicted with a cruel situation, continues to be positive. They set a remarkable example. Whatever tiny matter that we can cling to with joy and hope and a sense of simply being present, is prime. Life, and to be alive, in whatever form, is a great honor and privilege. Finding a way to celebrate it no matter the down times, is the key to eliminating stress that you don't need. Stress can eat you up.  Even those who rely on care givers for the most intimate attention, should not feel ashamed  because yes, in old age we do need treatment that is helpful. We cared for our babies and now, when some of us have worn bodies that need the same tender care, we can show our respect for life by accepting what is before us and do so with grace. Our stress can be put aside and a smile replace it. We live, we reside in joy if only we allow it.