Age is inevitable. Aging isn't. *

Points to Ponder: Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. - Samuel Ullman

I intend to grow old naturally,

and I intend to enjoy it every step of the way.

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.**

 

Reflection: A month ago, while waiting in the lobby of Doctor's office, I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting across me. He looked happy and the calmness that radiated from his face raised my curiosity. During conversation, I mentioned that I was 65 and starting to have all kinds of aches and pains in my body and the doctor had ordered many tests. His daughter who had accompanied him mentioned that only recently he was starting to have some ache and waiting for a lab test. He looked very healthy and seemed to be in late 70s or early 80s. During further conversation, I was surprised to learn that he was 102. I asked him what was the secret of healthy happy youthful  life. To which he answered: I paint every day. Art is his passion. When his name was called, I saw him standing up and walking straight, the cane was only as an insurance support. 

Sequel: Upon returning home, I found (by the grace of internet) that the humble man I had good fortune to meet is a well known artist who has followed his passion through life. There is a museum in his name in China and his work has been displayed in many countries. The city of Los Altos, where he has resided since coming to America in 1956, had special celebration for his 100th birthday. When one does what he loves, it is no longer work (or stress), it becomes the enjoyable way of life.

As I left doctor's office, I got up straight. Since then the results of multiple tests that were ordered because of that visit have come out good. I have never felt any better.

Every May, ACL leads USA's observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2019 is Connect, Create and Contribute.

Wishing a very Happy May to our fellow Older Americans from Friday Reflections Community. 

*Quote by Mark Levy   **Quote by Mark Twain

Comments

[Impressed]

age is just a number, though it does rear its ugly head once a while with an ache here and there. but 102 is impressive!

[Pulao Penang]

love this article... aging is a part of process... how to make it meaningful is up to us 🙂

[BHSC]

Great wisdom... great reflection

My parents are 78 & 79... they have full days together working in their Menlo Park garden, house repairs, projects (this week dad installed 2 gates, mixing and pouring the concrete himself), taking walks and bike rides, cooking and baking, watching old movies (eg at the Standard Theater). They are very happy and very active ( for any age!).

Thank you, my friend

[Malu Reyes]

I love this. I was just contemplating this today. I believe one of the evidences that humans are more than flesh and blood, is that as our bodies grow older and weaker, we can know in ourselves that our minds and souls are getting stronger and wiser.

[Denise]

This is beautiful Anand. Thank you.

[Santosh Joshi]

Thank you for your reflections and reminder .
Perhaps you have seen This on CNN

https://www.oprahmag.com/life/health/a27126218/sanjay-gupta-chasing-life-happiness-interview/

[Humble Warrior]

Growing old is mandatory, but Growing up is optional. -Walt Disney

[Arizonian]

Anand, very nice, painting does that...mahalo for sharing...

[ET Manila]

Older..We are wiser..cz we analyzed n thn let go if not ok. Guess we hv to step Up n kp our physical body more in tune wt our tranquil n wiser mind

[Sam]

Anand, I believe the purpose of this article is to share the thought that we can make ourselves useful all throughout our life and not fall back to the common wisdom that we become less useful after we get old. Another insight from this thought is that we have a limited life on earth but we live it as if it is endless. Hence, we try to do a LOT of things during our "working" part of our life and waste it on things that have very limited value. We do not apply the concept of "opportunity cost" and say YES to a lot of things which is better to avoid. Another great article!