Old VS. Aging
Photo by Kelley Bozarth on Unsplash
Featured in the Dayton Daily News
A few days after my 57th birthday, I took an exercise class…. you know, in one of those big rooms lined with mirrors. Despite my ornery coworker who reminds me I’m pushing 60, I rejected any suggestion that I’m getting old until I caught a glimpse of my reflection.
“One more set,” my instructor said as I compared my varicose veined legs to the young toned twenty-something next to me. “Abs tight,” she reminded as my tightened belly still looked like I was in the early stage of carrying twins. “Make sure you check yourself in the mirror,” she continued. Well, I did, only to notice my exercise pants were inside out. Despite my recusal, the evidence before me indicated I was not getting any younger.
Shortly thereafter, I ran into an acquaintance who happened to be celebrating her 87th birthday. After the pleasantries of discussing our mutual Spring birthdays, she went on to say that she swims three times a week at the local recreation center. She and her pool buddies have cultivated a pseudo support group, where they share not only an exercise regime, but also post pool coffee to discuss whatever is on their minds or in their hearts. Swimming, she added, is better on the joints.
I found myself sinking into her energy. I can only guess what 87 years has brought to her life. I don’t think you can survive such a rich tenure without unexpected and likely prolonged periods of heartache, loss, and disappointment. Yet, her grey hair freely framed her smile, and her eyes communicated a twinkle of zest. As she spoke, her hands accentuated her enthusiasm as she mentioned one of her swim partners was in her early 90’s. Clearly her ability to remain joy filled and creative were sustaining. I left our encounter as she enjoyed her celebratory glass of wine. I felt refreshed by her energy, and motivated by her continued quest for intentional living, despite the extensive span of her life.
This was the second encounter on this day with an elderly person who made me pause. While working at my job as a nurse, I took care of a woman in her late 80’s whose gusto capitalized the room. She made me almost forget my role as her caregiver as she was the one teaching me.
These women reminded me that aging is not the same as getting old. Life is still big and bold for them because of the choice they make to remain engaged and active. Their testimonial of energetic living imparted an impressive definition of being alive. They are still weaving new thread into the fabric of their long and storied tapestries, and they still have new things to talk about. I imagine at some point the presence of varicose veins, graying hair, and grandchild friendly waistlines pale in comparison to the benefits of swimming laps, feeling invigorated, and remaining connected with others who continue to share new stories.
The takeaway lesson resonates. Despite disappointments, the choice to smile means you prevail. Distinctive and challenging struggles warrant a seat at the coffee table. Ultimately, the trials and triumphs of life make us prized teachers. Don’t worry if one day you are wearing your clothes inside out, what’s more important is that you just keep swimming.