Summary

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities of living to an advanced age, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical and mental health to enjoy longevity.

Abstract

The author reflects on the concept of aging, sharing personal experiences and observations about growing old. Despite the inevitability of aging, the article suggests that old age can be fulfilling if accompanied by good health and mental acuity. It highlights scientific advancements and lifestyle choices that contribute to extended lifespans, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. The piece also touches on the societal impact of aging, including the loneliness faced by many in nursing homes, and the resilience of communities like Japanese Americans who endured hardships. The global pandemic has further underscored the vulnerability of the elderly, reinforcing the need for adherence to health guidelines. Ultimately, the article encourages readers to embrace a youthful spirit and active lifestyle to make the most of their later years.

Opinions

The author believes that living to a ripe old age can be a positive experience if it includes good health and mental well-being.
There is a recognition that scientific and medical breakthroughs are making longer lifespans increasingly common.
The article expresses that obesity and poor health habits can significantly detract from the quality of life in old age.
It is suggested that maintaining an active mind and body is crucial for enjoying one's later years.
The author points out that societal issues, such as loneliness in nursing homes, can negatively impact the elderly.
The resilience of Japanese Americans during WWII is presented as an example of how to cope with adversity in old age.
The author emphasizes the importance of following CDC guidelines, especially for the elderly, during the global pandemic to stay safe.
The piece conveys skepticism about the claims of anti-aging products but acknowledges that some may be beneficial.
It is implied that personal recommendations from friends or neighbors are more trustworthy than advertising when it comes to health products.
The author concludes with an optimistic view, advocating for a balance between taking care of oneself and enjoying life, regardless of age.

Living to a Ripe Old Age

It has happened to me

We don’t have to act old even if we are old. (Image is author’s)

Is OLD age really golden? It can be.

When my wife and I got married decades ago, she said that she hoped we could grow old together. I never expected to get REALLY old, but it happened. Now we are at an age which is considered “elderly.” I don’t feel that old, but many of my friends are passing away. Yesterday I attended the service for a classmate from high school who died. It was a graveside service held outdoors at the cemetery where social distancing was practiced and masks were worn. Hopefully, I have a ways to go yet.

Scientists, doctors, and even financial experts are telling us that it is quite likely that we will live to a ripe old age. Living to be 100 years old is thought to be something that will not be that unusual in the not too distant future. Indeed, a number of people are beyond that now.

There are scientific breakthroughs and medical miracles which make living longer entirely possible. It may be probable. So called stock experts who try to get others to buy stocks they recommend are touting companies which produce the life lengthening products which have become plentiful.

Many years ago when my daughter was in kindergarten, she and my wife regularly visited an elderly friend named Sarah (not her real name). I met with Sarah on occasion also, and she became a friend. We did not know Sarah before the visits to her, but my wife had asked the personnel at a local nursing home to assign them someone who could use visits.

Sarah had never married because she said she had a health condition which would not allow her to have children so she made an oath not to marry. She was a retired school teacher who had no close relatives left as far as she knew.

Being relatively healthy, Sarah had a good outlook on life. She did lament the fact that many of the residents in the facility had a bad quality of life. They seldom had visitors and were lonely. They were miserable with their health and mental problems. They just wanted to die.

There are a lot of people like that living in nursing homes and senior care facilities. Life is challenging for many people on the earth. We don’t need to feel that way if we keep trying to enjoy life as Sarah did.

Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated in camps during World War II for no reason other than their ethnic heritage and racism faced an uncertain future. They had endured racism for many years. The older generation suffered the most as they lost their livelihoods and their purpose for living. They had a difficult time preparing and planning for the future when it looked so bleak. Getting through each day was an accomplishment. Depression was a problem. Trying to stay active and keeping their minds alert was a concern. It was what they tried to do.

Living to a ripe old age can be a good thing if accompanied with good health and a good mind. People who live to be 100 while still being alert and able to enjoy a measure of happiness in their lives may be envied. If health and mental problems accompany the advancing years with being alone added to the equation, old age could be undesirable. But we don’t usually have a choice. We have to take what comes and make the best of it.

Since living longer may be a given for most people living today, it behooves us to take better care of our bodies and minds in order to enjoy life in the future. Obesity can cause many health problems such as heart attacks, diabetes, and all manner of issues which cause distress to the body. Watching what one eats and getting an adequate amount of exercise are beneficial for everyone. Health and nutrition are important. Keeping one’s mind active helps. Enjoying nature and the outdoors is beneficial.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. — George Bernard Shaw

There are numerous anti-aging and nutritional products being developed and sold which can be beneficial for the body and mind. Whether one can believe the advertising claims is questionable, but some products may be of value. The best type of advertising is often word of mouth. If a friend or neighbor tells you that something works well for them, it may be worth checking out. We should try to be healthy and happy in our old age.

When the global pandemic started, everyone was told that OLDER people were more at risk from the coronavirus along with those who had pre-existing health conditions. Since we know that is the case, all people regardless of age should be practicing the CDC guidelines for staying safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19. It is not difficult to social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands. Although there are no guarantees avoiding the virus, older people especially should be willing to follow the guidelines as recommended.

Since the prospect of living a longer life is absolutely possible and may be likely, it would be of value to incorporate into our lives ways of making life more pleasant. Making the most of life is a good thing at any age. We should take care of ourselves and enjoy life.

I may be old in years, but I am young at heart.

Since I am an economist, I will end with a quote from a famous economist.

If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old. — John Kenneth Galbraith

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