by Joe Palvado

Created on: September 17, 2009

The cliche has been used ad nauseam. Ageing is not for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, it bears repeating. As people move from mid-life to their mature years, body parts begin to show their wear or simply give out. Ankles swell, joints ache or become stiff, bones grow brittle, arthritis degenerates, muscles morph into flab, eyes grow cataracts, skin grows thinner and becomes mottled from years of inattention and from exposure to the Sun. Prostrates swell, the uterus and colon develop cancerous lesions. Sedentary habits developed over a lifetime spent in an easy chair or sofa or at the office desk manifest consequential illnesses that may include atrophy in one's neck and spine. Those who drank heavily and/or smoked from their youth will inevitably pay dearly by dealing with issues that leave one nearly breathless, anemic, psychologically disabled, prone to angina, stroke, emphysema and heart attack. The litany seems to never end. Entropy has begun an irreversible path all must follow.

The most menacing of all the ailments and maladies the ageing person must face has less to do with physical ailments. Physical infirmities are tough. Emotional illnesses are tougher. Losing friends and loved ones often creates a void difficult if not impossible to fill. Loneliness, dependency upon others and perceptions that society has utterly no use for the aged is easily reaffirmed should one spend too many hours glued to the television set. Too often the TV is the one "friend" the aged often turn to in order to find some source of enjoyment in life. But everyone on TV is so young, so virile, so alive. Depression lurks within one's psyche like the foreboding night. Growing old requires courage!

There are remedies. Many aged lead vibrant, purposeful lives and manage to overcome a great deal of the myriad of physical limitations commensurate with the ageing process. Mentally alert and emotionally balanced, the active mature person may thrive well into their nineties. Diet and reasonable, moderate exercise will aid considerably in helping keep muscle tissue regenerating. Challenging the mind with word puzzles and entertaining one's self by reading inspiring books aids in mental health. Prayer or meditation works provided that the focus is not directed toward a negative image of self.

Many philanthropic organizations, chambers of commerce, libraries, hospitals and churches encourage aged volunteers to assist in a multiplicity of tasks, some of which require little physical exertion. Phoning members to announce an upcoming event, teaching a Sunday school class or a remedial reading course to special needs children, greeting new visitors, assisting with filing materials, staffing a booth at an event; leading patients to waiting rooms or visiting with the infirm; the list goes on and on.

Two absolutely essential thoughts that the aged person must keep foremost in mind is that one, life is worth living to its fullest and two, regardless of age or infirmity, the need to be around people who will affirm their worth and love them must motivate them to act. Yes, deal with the physical infirmities as they present themselves. Above all, find that special group of friends or that favorite event, place or people who will provide love and support. Take the initiative. Do it. Make it happen. You're worth it!

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