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Along Life’s Way
Living Each Age
By Lois E Wilson
When you ask children what their ages are, many respond with a fraction
answer such as 3 ½ or 5 ½. It is their way of acknowledging and
expressing pride that they are growing older.
They soon realize that there are milestone ages when they receive
privileges and new challenges: going to school, driving, staying up
late, voting etc. Their freedoms and activities expand with each year
of age.
Months before its date, I was thinking about my approaching birthday. I
seemed to be in my second childhood for I would calculate my age
achievement to-date and add the appropriate fraction to it.
We should always remember that age is also a verb. From the moment we
are born, the age count begins. You will be pleased to learn geriatric
research has found a correlation between birthdays and aging. It
confirms that the more birthdays you celebrate—the longer you live. You
may groan here; I am kidding, but it is true.
One attribute we must all strive to maintain is a sense of humor. As we
proceed along life’s path, of aging, it may be with a cane, a walker,
or wheelchair. No matter how we go forth, a smile and chuckle will make
the journey more rewarding and pleasant.
In some cases when we age, senses and physical abilities decrease;
others seem to increase in efficiency. If there is a motor being used
anywhere in my neighborhood, I hear it and go to the window to see who
is doing what.
I also see weeds in my flower beds more clearly than when I was able to
bend over and pull them out. My muscles and joints have increased in
sensitivity to aches and pains.
As your age advances, you and gravity are not friends. Parts of your
body yield to its downward pull. I didn’t need an apple like Newton,
but I have tested its force with several accidental falls. Trust me, it
is truly your enemy and you cannot win against it—so beware.
Well, my next birthday will soon be here. You may see me out and about,
and I may have a cane or be holding onto a grocery cart. But one thing
is certain, for as long as I can move my facial muscles, I’ll still be
smiling and talking tongue-in-cheek. And just to keep those in
geriatric research honest and happy, have a good year and don’t forget
to celebrate your birthday. You’ll be a perfect, proven example of
their correlation between birthdays and living longer. Enjoy the honor!
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