Work and purpose may be the most essential weapons in our battle against aging.
Why do I use the word “weapon?” Because I believe that the process of aging takes away our lives. It is only a matter of time. But I wish to delay that ultimate reckoning for as long as possible and feel reasonably good. Even so, we battle lethargy and pain that is old and new. We battle memory loss and ghosts of the past. Aging is not a pleasant walk in a garden. To suggest that aging is not what those who are experiencing aging is dead wrong.
As I previously wrote, “community” gives us protection, cares, listens, and is there for us, as we are there for them. That give and take helps us deal with (and even win, for a time) the onslaught of aging. That leads to the even more critical need to “work” or to have “purpose.”
Do not retire your mind or body. We must continue learning, contributing, working, and having purpose daily. I go to my computer and write essays. I compose haikus, write poetry, and read and answer my email. I continue to exercise and hold a workshop each month for an hour. The workshop with my fellow residents helps them to have confidence in their own voices. They learn that simply being old doesn’t take away their power. Continuing to teach benefits me also.
I suggest you burn this into your consciousness: do not retire. Your work is purposeful, and realize this is one of your major weapons against aging.
Sy