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Two Ways at Looking at Getting Old
Which on do you prefer?
I recently applied to a publication on Medium to become a writer for them. The publication talks about aging. They accepted me as a writer but seemed to have reservations about my take on getting old.
The editor mentioned she appreciated my take but was afraid that I might be reenforcing stereotypes about aging. While I understand what she is saying, I have a different take.
The fact is, getting older does change a person
Some of the more challenging situations I’ve faced in life were dealing with individuals who wouldn’t face limitations that old age had brought upon them.
I remember my dad fighting the notion of going to the nursing home when he needed around the clock care. When I asked him why he said he didn’t want to go, he said he didn’t want to lose his independence.
I was helping him put on his shorts at the time.
I’ve also been in the position of telling others that they really needed to relinquish certain assignments. By staying at the dance too long, they were making it difficult for others.
Frankly, they were in denial, and that denial was negatively impacting those around them. It made me want to not repeat that mistake.
