The Privilege of Aging
Do you ever feel like the universe keeps bubbling up the same post for you to read because there’s a message in there that you didn’t retain the first few reads? Every so often, the universe bubbles up this amazing essay that appeared in the Guardian a few years ago. It happened again this week.
The author died the day the Guardian published his essay about lessons learned, knowing that he wouldn’t reach middle age.
“Knowing that my life was going to be cut short has also changed my perspective on ageing. Most people assume they will live into old age. I have come to see growing old as a privilege. Nobody should lament getting one year older, another grey hair or a wrinkle. Instead, be pleased that you’ve made it. If you feel like you haven’t made the most of your last year, try to use your next one better.”
Every time I read it, I try to remember it. Maybe putting it here, I will stumble over it more and more often until it becomes rote.
3 comments
Thank you for sharing this article. Growing old IS a privilege. I wish more people realized this on their birthday instead of lamenting about being another year older. And if you don’t like your life? Change it.
Whoa, Mel. I’d never read this article before and it was such a gut punch…
Old age might make life harder, but as they always say, the alternative often sucks. (However, not for everyone. I am also a believer in end-of-life choice.) But for people in their 30s-60s, excepting those with terminal illnesses, we really should embrace our greys, wrinkles, and signs of slowing down. We’re so lucky to have them.