We often hear and read about the downsides of aging. Some of these are: ill health and disability, weakness, slowness and ugliness of old people. I often have to apologize to vendors when I am slow to pay them. I have learnt to overcome this by using ‘paywave’ using my credit card.
Giving a positive spin to aging, I can think of a number of upsides.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Having acquired a wealth of knowledge over the years, and the wisdom to apply this knowledge, gives an advantage that we often fail to appreciate. We make better and wiser decisions without consciously thinking about it.
Adequate Finances
For those who had lived within their means and had invested wisely, by chance or otherwise, they would have adequate finances and passive income to see them through their days, without having to count pennies. We are not free from unexpected expenditure, but are generally spared the heavy expenses of supporting lifestyles to compete with the Tans and the Lims, and the increasing expenditure of children as they start comparing with the Tan and Lim off spring.
Grandchildren
Needless to say, those who were too busy to enjoy their children when they were growing up, now have time to enjoy their grandchildren growing up. Grandparents proudly tell you about the antics of their adorable grandchildren and show you pictures and videos of them, ad nauseum.
Senior Discounts
Don’t we love our senior discounts, proudly producing our Pioneer or Merdeka Generation cards at supermarkets, for travel on buses and trains, at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) clinics, cinemas, entry to various attractions, etc. I must say senior discounts in Singapore are very attractive and generous. I note that Asian countries fare better (from the seniors’ viewpoint) than Western countries. I stared in dismay at the notice board in an attraction in the US: a miserly discount of a couple of dollars was only given to those 100 years old and above!
Leisure and travel
Seniors have the time to socialize with family and friends, and travel. Traveling with family and friends definitely enhances the experience.
Volunteer Work
When we are blessed, we should bless others with our time and money.
Funny Upsides of Aging
I can think of a few other more facetious reasons of the advantages of aging. Medical institutions are not interested in harvesting your organs for transplantation when you die. You don’t care if your friends see you in the same outfit, they may not remember what you wore previously, hopefully. You are home alone on Valentines’ Day or on Saturday nights, no matter. There is even the joke about the elderly gentleman who married a lady not because she was beautiful or good in bed, but because she could still drive!
My observation of aging celebrities is that the absolutely gorgeous may not age well, and the before and after pictures are a stark and scary contrast. On the other hand, those who were plainer in their youth actually don’t look that different in their older years. Some actually improve with age! God is fair.
Moral of the Story
Growing old should not be a solo activity. Age in enjoyable ways with family and friends. Nevertheless, enjoy being alone, enjoy your own company. Age gracefully, weather the unexpected, accept change with equanimity.
Remember, longevity is the triumph of civilization. Growing old actually sucks, but the alternative is death. I don’t have to ask which option you would pick.
The purpose of this blog is to help you embrace whatever time God has given you on this earth. Age well every day with the joy of living!
I encourage you to read You cannot be forever young
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
