Dear Friends,
Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend’s grand-son, Brad (not his real name) who was home for the Thanksgiving break. He is 19 years old, on the cusp of adulthood and looking forward to adventures of life after college. He told me he wasn’t all that excited about turning 30 and getting old. He looked at me closely (no doubt marking wrinkles and graying hair) and asked what I was looking forward to, now that I’m waaaay past 30. I silently laughed as I remembered a time when I, too, thought turning 30 was practically ancient!
Unfortunately, Brad needed to leave before I could answer him. Had he stayed, I would have said that while there’s a lot going for being young, growing older has a lot going for it, too. For me, growing older has gifted me with perspective, freedom, connection, opportunity, and gratitude.
Wisdom and Perspective
With age comes experience, and with experience comes perspective. We’ve lived through ups and downs, weathered storms, and celebrated victories. That long view helps us worry less about small irritations and focus more on what truly matters.
Freedom to Be Ourselves
One of the great joys of aging is letting go of other people’s expectations. Many seniors say they feel freer now than they did in their 30s or 40s. We learn to say “no” without guilt and “yes” to the things that bring us joy. I, for one, have stopped worrying about peer pressure!
Deeper Relationships
As we get older, our social circles may grow smaller, but they often grow stronger. We choose quality over quantity and nurture relationships that bring meaning and warmth. Grandchildren, long-time friends, and even new connections can all add richness to our days. The Amazing Care Network has been a powerful vehicle for me to reconnect with long-time friends and to make new friends!
Opportunities for Learning and Growth
Aging doesn’t mean stopping. It means having the time to explore. College courses, book clubs, travel adventures, new hobbies — these are not reserved for the young. In fact, studies show that learning new skills in later life sharpens the mind and builds confidence.
A Real-Life Story:
One of our members, Anne, recently took up painting at 72. She hadn’t held a paintbrush since high school, but she decided to give it a try. To her surprise, she found not only joy in the colors and canvases but also a new circle of friends in her local art class. “I thought my best years were behind me,” Anne says. “Now I feel like I’ve discovered a whole new part of myself.”
Gratitude for the Present
Perhaps the most beautiful gift of aging is gratitude. We come to savor small pleasures: a morning cup of tea, a phone call from a loved one, or the comfort of a good book. Gratitude helps us live fully in the moment — and find joy in everyday life.
When I founded the Amazing Care Network years ago, I was focused on learning how to age with grace and control. I’ve added one more thing to that wish, and that is to age with delight. So Brad, I want you to know that we older folks celebrate our age because we’re old enough to know what matters – and young enough to enjoy it!
Best,
Cora
