Are We Ready?

Are We Ready?

Ok, so I am 3 years from being 30, and all I can think about is “In 3 years my body, without any of my control, will began to automatically decrease in function”.  When I think of aging I view it as a gift.  It seems as if my generation is beginning to die earlier and earlier; some are barely making it to see the age of 30.  My thoughts about aging are both exciting and nervous about many things.  I was sitting here thinking how I smoked for a couple of years and how that will affect my future.  How many problems smoking will cause me in the future?  From the outside looking in I feel that the biggest impact on how we age is based on the individual. 

Environment



As a child we have no control over what kind of environment we are raised in (i.e. poverty, wealth); but when we come of age to make our own decisions, we can choose to be in an environment that is less stressful.  Sometimes our environment affects our cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral well-being.  Sometimes our environment will cause us to make decisions we would not make if we had other options available to us. Interviewing someone close to my family I seen the difference and freedom that she had vs. some of the individuals in a SNF.  She is living on her own, but she could not help to say how it was nothing like having your own and not having to depend on anyone for anything.  She needs help with some things but for the most part she enjoys trying to get things accomplished herself.  In her words “I enjoy taking care of what belongs to me”.  In my opinion, her living on her own gives her that feeling of accomplishment and pride, nothing taken from her, she is able to enjoy the “fruits of her labor”!

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

-- Mark Twain

Normal Aging

This is inevitable.  There is nothing that we can do in preventing this.  Some people have trouble accepting that aging comes with factors that cannot be prevented.  Sagging skin, decrease in melanin, loss of moisture, changes in texture and color, changes in visual and auditory acuity, slowed mobility, and decline in strength (Occupational Therapy with Elders). But in my opinion, “You are what you eat”. Foods that are consumed can have a great impact on your body and how you may feel. Talking with my grandmother, her only wish is to die with dignity and to be loved just as much as she loved.  She feels that aging is part of life.  We are all on a timeline and within that timeline you are given, you must complete all that you set out to achieve, and then age to sit and ponder what you have done.

 "Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness." Edward Stanley (1826-1893)

At the end of the day, we will all have to face this gift.  What will matter the most is if you will be prepared to handle it?  My aging process is being decided now even before I hit 30 because all decisions made in my life impacts my aging process.