Be Thankful for the Opportunity to Grow Older
Despite its Challenges, Reaching Old Age Should be Viewed as a Privilege
Ageing is a natural process, even if turning 60 and beyond may feel daunting for some. The main challenge with ageing is our lack of preparedness for this stage of life. Despite growing up around older people, we often find ourselves caught off-guard when we experience it ourselves.
The Lack of Preparation and Acceptance
Oftentimes, people who are of “old age” grapple with regrets over their lost youth, wondering how life passed by so quickly and where all the time has gone. They may also fear the future, anticipating impending limitations and the prospect of mortality. This lack of preparation and acceptance leads to a sense of unrest, causing many to spend their later years in anxiety and depression while facing the physical limitations that come with ageing.
A Healthy Attitude Towards Ageing
The World Health Organization defines active ageing as the ability of older adults to lead a life where opportunities for health, participation, and security are optimized. The global authority is actively working to facilitate this through various policies and programs. While improving one’s external environment – such as social support and addressing social issues related to growing older – is crucial, there must also be focus on the inner world of the ageing individual. It is essential for everyone to learn to cultivate a healthy attitude towards ageing.
Discovering One’s Dharma
In Dharmic traditions, life is said to be divided into different phases, each with its own Dharma. Dharma refers to the natural laws and duties of life. Living in alignment and harmony with this Dharma reduces resistance, allowing us to enter a state of flow and create a positive and pleasurable experience. The Dharma of old age is a phase for seeking wisdom. This demands values such as turning inward, embracing acceptance, living in the moment, and practicing generosity.
The Power of Gratitude
Practices that cultivate these values can help develop mindful gratitude. Although mindfulness in older adults can be challenging to instill, it has proven to have health benefits, including reducing inner inflammation that contributes to accelerated ageing and age-related diseases.
Conclusion
Reaching old age should be viewed as a privilege, even though it comes with its challenges. Financial security alone is not enough to navigate this stage; developing an attitude of mindful gratitude is equally important, and the earlier we start, the better. When our inner world is prepared, we can then fully embrace the external support available to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Q: What is the World Health Organization’s definition of active ageing?
A: The ability of older adults to lead a life where opportunities for health, participation, and security are optimized.
* Q: What are some values that the Dharma of old age demands?
A: Turning inward, embracing acceptance, living in the moment, and practicing generosity.
* Q: What are the benefits of mindful gratitude for older adults?
A: Reduces inner inflammation, which contributes to accelerated ageing and age-related diseases, and enhances happiness and promotes social interaction.