by Gabby Bugwadia

Created on: March 12, 2010

Did I read it right? Growing old? Supposedly, this title refers to our chronological age-for have we all not heard many-a-times,” You are as old as you think and feel?"

Indeed, it is our thoughts and feelings that can make us feel young or old, happy or sad, healthy or sickly, active or passive, in the game of life. In short, it all revolves around our attitude to aging. We can choose, despite our advancing years, to experience the many-splendored joys of living to a ripe old age, and in so doing, receive a rich bounty of some of the best things aging has to offer.

Here are some of the BEST things about growing old:

* Opportunity

We now have the unique opportunity to savor and appreciate each moment of our lives.

After the hectic yester-years and the erratic emotional existence of our younger days, old age calls for a peaceful life of tranquility. The aging experience ushers in a new attitude to time; we can now stop awhile and savor the things which we once overlooked. Aging affords us an opportunity to be grateful for the ordinary pleasures of life and the beauty of the world around us, which we once took for granted.

* Wisdom

In old age, we are blessed with the gift of wisdom; wisdom in the knowledge that to attain true happiness, we need to live with honor and dignity. Our age-old wisdom teaches us important lessons of valuing human companionship and maintaining loyalty in all our relationships. With aging, comes experience and wisdom which enables us to practice skills like foresight, endurance, tolerance, patience and courage.

* Experience

As we grow older, we seem to have richer experiences to share and innumerable lessons to teach the young. This is the time when we begin to understand that our words of peace and love are greatly needed in our families and societies, nation and the world. Our ability to cherish life for its own sake, and realization that feverish activity is indeed not the measure of a useful life, sets us apart as role models to our future generations.

* Faith

Faith is a powerful healer that restores inner spiritual healing. As we grow in years, the empowerment of faith in our lives becomes more intense than before. This kind of unquestioning faith in our Maker, brings with it spiritual healing as we look back on our lives in the light of the whole of life's journey. Reflecting on the hardships endured and obstacles crossed -along life's tumultuous journey, strengthens our inner being with faith and fortitude.

* Renewed interest

This is the period in our lives where we can renew old-time interests renewed or seek fresh interests; it could be anything like reading, painting, music or social service. Better still, this is the time when we can contribute and try to make the world a better place for our future generations.

* Fulfillment

As we begin to age, some of us may experience a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment. This is the period in our lives, when we look forward to relaxation while relishing the fruits of our labor. It is a time when joys and sorrows, hopes and anxieties of life are all integrated - -a vision of life which engulfs us with a sense of inner peace.

* Conclusion

It is important to believe that old age is God's special gift to us, granted to us with a purpose. Let us use this gift wisely with care and caution. Let us make good use of time that still remains with us, no matter what our age.

Let us resolve to appreciate each precious moment of our lives; play our part well and reap a rich harvest from some of the "best things growing old."

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