How do you want to grow old?
I'm pondering that question as I notice many ways the people around me are dealing with the aging process. Now that most of my peers are past the child-raising years and in the midst of empty-nesting, job changes/retirements, and caring for their parents, I'm wondering what's important to me with regard to the aging process.
Peace
My mom is very peaceful as her age advances. Though she's met with many obstacles in the past ten years, she's retained a peaceful positive demeanor and a sense of humor. I'd like to emulate that as I age too.
Agility and Health
My dad has been committed to good health, and that committment has resulted in good energy and agility. About twenty years ago he defended himself against a terrible bout of cancer. The disease was so bad that many said he wouldn't survive, but he and his doctors persisted, and with good effort as well as some luck he's in good shape today. At 90 he still plows his driveway, mows the lawn, cooks his meals, and engages in a good deal of healthy debate and good conversation. I'd like to follow in his healthy living footsteps.
Making things
My mother-in-law was always making wonderful things. She cooked wonderfully, and decorated her home, and painted wonderful pictures. She always looked terrific and took a real interest in making the spaces that she lived in, the clothes she wore, and the parties she hosted eye-catching and beautiful. Though I don't have her wonderful talent, I'd like to bring forth the ability to create beautiful, welcoming spaces.
Family
My parents and my parents-in-laws all treasured family, and I treasure family too. That gives us strength and joy as we age. This is something I don't want to be remiss about as I age.
Easy
Like most people, I don't want to be a burden to others, so I suspect I'll find myself good places to live as I age, places where I can mostly take care of myself, and places that my family and friends enjoy coming to. I also want to simplify life as much as possible so that I can live simply without a lot of objects to take care of.
We can all speculate about how we'd like to age, but the truth is, we don't really know what our future holds. In that respect our speculation and plans will make up only part of the truth of our future--the rest will be decided by the events we face and how we deal with them. Onward.