How do we cope with ageing?

We think of ageing as coming to the end of the road. If we perceive ageing as heading towards infirmity and eventually death, then so it shall be.  But if we look at it as having gained maximum experience, and now it being an end of the working day, then so it shall be. It depends on how we look at it.

We arrive at old age after gaining much experience and knowledge. If we consider our lives to be richer from that gained wisdom, then ageing is not a psychological disadvantage. Rather, it is an advantage because we have so much to share with the world at large.

Since childhood, we are conditioned to look at old age as something negative. We grow up judging our elders as being outdated and not in sync with the modern times. But we forget that the coming generations will say the same about us. The bottom line of human nature doesn’t change. So if we are smart, we will recognize that and draw from it.

When we are young, we go to school and university and gain education. What we get is intellect. With that intellect, we go into life and have many experiences. What we gather is intelligence. When we mix our intellect with our experiences, we get intelligence. And that is how we feel young, and in control. But when we age, we live in reality. Because the reality is that life doesn’t last forever, and that’s when we gain wisdom.

Therefore, let us draw on the wisdom of our elders, and not fear or judge old age.