Aging with dignity

By Naresh James

It’s been over a decade since my retirement and its time for me to reflect on aging.

In a society obsessed with being young, old age carries a stigma. Those who accept aging as a part of life, are healthier. They maintain positive attitude, and their lives are filled with passion. They are closer to nature.

Seniors who are content, not stuck in being young, and accept aging as a part of growth and changes within their lives, cope better.

Old age by itself is associated with greater level of health issues. The best way to address this issue is to maintain good health through proper diet, rest, physical and mental activities, meditation and maintaining a flexible routine for stability and comfort.

There exists a perceived or actual loss of relationships with colleagues, family, friends when one ages, and therefore feelings of loneliness and isolation. These negative feelings are linked with higher risks of physical and mental health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, anxiety, or depression. There are fears of being a burden or about a shortage of money.

The suggested ways to address these issues are acceptance of retirement and aging as a brand new chapter in life. There are ways of capitalizing on past experiences through finding purpose, such as volunteering, mentoring, engaging in nurturing relationships, joining groups, and reaching out to others.

Financial worries are a part of life, but financial stability during old age depends on early planning. Those who start their financial planning early on, enjoy their old age with less financial worries.

Maturity involves learning and growing continuously, despite of all the aches and pains, being open to life’s new experiences, being able to distinguish between loneliness and solitude, and needs versus wants.

Solitude is an opportunity. Mature people can find comfort in being by themselves. Maturity, also means patience, being understanding, listening more and arguing less.

Seniors have little need to impress, or please others. Aging has brought a realization that they are who they are. Those who find reasons for being grateful every day, contribute to their overall health and happiness.

By letting go of past regrets and, grudges and baseless anxieties this should bring a sense of empowerment over one’s life.

–Naresh James is the retired executive director of the former Canadian Mental Health Association Kawartha Lakes branch.