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Aging-What Is It Good For?

"Old age is not for the young," as an aging film star predicted. It's no fun to grow old with limitations. To be young, active, learning, and seeing the world, what a way to grow up. 'Forever young' would be very desirable, to have the mind and heart that is compassionate, loving, kind, and helpful to others.

Unfortunately, today most young ones are violent, cruel and domineering. That does not make for happiness for themselves, or others. Those going down the path of viciousness and cruelty, they usually do not live a very long life. They take many chances and die before their time, or some other vicious person kills them for whatever reason. This generation may not have a long life ahead of them. Can anyone grow old gracefully?

The past generations that grew up in families that were loving, kind, and helpful, are still here. Many live to be over one hundred years old. What an accomplishment! Even though they may live that long, there are many illnesses, ailments and pain associated with growing older. Even though their are problems, they can lead a happy successful life.

"I just can't do what I use to," an older person may say. "It's all in your head. Just get up and do it," a young person may say, with little compassion. The young can not understand what an older person may have to go through each day. There are many things an older person can do that makes them happy just to be alive. They have the time to pursue hobbies, travel, write, or so many others accomplishments to search for.

Honor and respect for the older generation is not in vogue today. Older families are put away in a nursing home, generally, alone. They may be forgotten until something happiness; illness, hospitalization or any other problems, then the younger family members are notified of their condition. They don't want to be too bothered by the older person because they are afraid of growing older and getting in the same state.

The older generation struggled through life and made many accomplishments and understanding of life. They took care of their families, made decisions, did the best that they could. Can the older generation help the younger generation in their decisions that have to be made that could affect the rest of their life? Do the young appreciate it? "Just leave me alone." "I don't need your help." or "I can do it by myself." These statements may be a way to get through life, but wouldn't it be easier with the help of the ones who have already gone through the same trials and understand the blessings or the consequences of their decisions.

Can we learn from our older generation? Yes! Just think of the recent history they have seen and experienced. From World War 1, World War 2, all the other wars in the twentieth century. Think of the Depression of the nineteen thirties, earthquakes, disasters of all sorts that the older generation had to suffer through and made it. There is so much knowledge and wisdom they can pass on to the young generation and both will benefit.

Will anyone listen? Most people must live their own experiences. That is true. When the younger generation grows into the older generation with the knowledge and wisdom they have learned, will anyone listen to them?

Learn more about this author, Judith Krouse.
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