While I have no desire to speak for others about their experiences with aging, I can only tell you what I am undergoing.
I am 97, which means I am seriously old. Only a few reach this age, so allow me to share some of what life is like for me. Every night, I go to bed early, usually around 7 PM. Due to macular degeneration, I can’t see, nor can I hear, likely a result of my being in the military, but otherwise, I am fine.
Yet my mind is perfectly sound. I am amazed at my recall and ability to write poetry, haiku, and essays. In particular, the essays regarding power and relationships.
After 97 years, I know how and why relationships and power can fail and how and why they can succeed. Both are at the root of the human psyche and the making of family.
I also know that we have the capacity to grow and to change our behavior. I know this to be a reality, and the work I have done for almost 80 years is my proof.
At the risk of repeating myself, allow me to restate the overarching problem as I see it. If people seek agreement instead of discussion, the conversation is fated to fail. If agreement is necessary for either party, the entire point of dialogue is moot.
People must be able to share their feelings and be heard without demanding agreement; otherwise, authentic communication is impossible.
The rule is simple. Agreement must be set aside to allow for honest dialogue. After all, what game does not have rules that must be followed?
IMO, this was one of Sy’s most profound statements.. although ..some might agree to disagree! ?;-) WE loved yah Sy!