Several seniors I know say that they do not feel any older than they did when they were in their thirties. Their lives testify against all those commercials for pain relief medications we see on television or hear on the radio. They ignore all the hooks of advertising to buy products like stair lifts or alert devices that claim to maintain independence. Everyone enjoys the lovely actress who says, "That is for old people." Despite the hooks of advertising, the definition of old is undergoing revision.
If we listen to media, any pain is an symptom of old age. What makes these seniors unique from the image television pushes. Have they drunk from the fountain of youth and are pain free? Of course, illness visits their lives, but they do see a pain as an indication of approaching senility or infirmity. They are involved in living their lives, no matter what is happening in their bodies or the latest government ineptitude. They enjoy sharing the latest with new acquaintances or old friends, through telephones, email and personal encounters.
Clearly, these seniors have accepted the mantel of wisdom and experience as well as their authority of knowledge holders. For with all their experiences, they have much to share with younger generations. I hope that everyone has at least one of these rare humans in their lives. These authentic persons have much to teach us about living our lives. In fact, I have been blessed to know many of these special seniors. What is the secret to their outlook? For several, the view they hold on life informs many. Others keep involved in the world through reading, working, enjoying companionship and giving of their talents. They did not share the idea that life is over once you are eligible for AARP. They do conform to limitations of age or the model of a granny rocking in her senior living center room.
