You'd probably just sit around, twiddling your thumbs, slowly going insane ... a bit like zoo animals used to (and, too often, still do).
Of course, we're all supposed to want holidays lazing round in the sun and being served hand and foot (yuck!). The truth is, we NEED a certain amount of stimulation, a certain amount of challenge or good stress to function.
We also need some sort of a sense of purpose. In "olden times", the struggle to survive and religion and family often gave what seemed to be a sense of purpose. A few brave souls took on true freedom, and were shunned for it.
These days, the struggle to have "enough", religion/the economy/politics/entertainment and family often give what seems to be a sense of purpose. A few brave souls take on true freedom, and are shunned for it.
Hmmm. Deja vu, anyone?
There are some deep philosophical issues to consider here, but the main point I actually want to make relates to ageing.
If I may be so bold, don't fall into the mistake of acting or feeling old because you are "supposed to" at your age. When my adoptive father retired, he did the "do nothing" option for a while, and almost died. My Mum eventually gave him lists of things to do, and that brought him back to life. Now she has gone, and Dad has little to hold to - he spent the last few years of Mum's life looking after her, and now there is nothing other than the "reward" that we're supposed to want of little to do. If he had no family contact, he would probably pass away.
That is my next point: have more to your life than just your family!!!
Sure, family is important, but particularly if you've raised kids, have (or find!!) something else to give your life meaning. Once they've left home, don't live your life vicariously through them: have something else to look forward to and engage your attention. When my partner's last child leaves the nest, she is looking forward to completing a Uni degree and starting her own business (actually, she is well on the way and may do so earlier).
When I've read of people who have lived to a good age and been active, it is the "been active" that interests me. The photos of the elderly sitting at a birthday party, with some stupid hat on and surrounded by fake smiles, that does nothing for me - or them. The photos of the people over a hundred out walking hills, or hearing about the ex-commando who used to do two hours of weight training plus a walk every day into his late 9s, THAT is what interest me and gives me hope that I could have something to look forward to in my old age.
Don't ossify the elderly, whether it is yourself or someone close to you - even if it means taking some risks.
Let those still living, live!
Love, light, hugs and blessings
Gnwmythr
This post's photo is yet to be posted.
Tags: ageing, maturity, patronising others, boredom, attitudes,
First published: Wodansdagr, 2nd February, 2011
Last edited: Wednesday, 2nd February, 2011
