The Rewards of Aging

Americans have always worshipped youth.

We are a young country, and we embrace the vigor of our youthful populations. But none of us stay young forever.

And age has its rewards.

• First, our older years are our mellower years. We are less focused on what others think of us and more comfortable with who we are.
• Second, in our older years, if we are lucky, we get to have grandchildren. Few things in life bring us as much pleasure as grandchildren. If one’s grandchildren live nearby, we are part of their growing up. They leap into our arms as we come in the door. We bring roses to their ballet recitals and sit through the heat of their relay races. We snap photos of their graduation from kindergarten and get teary as we watch them receive their high school diploma. Life is renewed with the birth of each child, and the world starts all over again at that moment.
• Third, in our older years, we have the opportunity to stand back and support others in their pursuits. We can relax and not strive so hard to be the best. We can observe. We can appreciate. We can drink in the beauty of the mountains capped with snow and the waves lapping on the beach. We can watch. We can enjoy.
• Fourth, in our older years, our relationships deepen. Those about whom we care most become fewer, and we love those few even more significantly as we age. Real friends stand by. Loyal spouses are sensitive to our every move. Appreciative adult children welcome family heirlooms as anniversary gifts.
• Fifth, each day dawns in a fresh and glowing sky. As we watch the golden sunrise and smile at the orange sunset, our heart sings for the sheer wonder of these infinite phenomena. If we are wise, we drink in these moments. We stop and enjoy. We gasp at the magic and beauty of the world we inhabit.

So much to do, and so little time left! My own aging mirrors what is happening throughout our country. If I am able to live another 20 years, in 2029, I will be able to know my grandchildren as young adults. Perhaps I will be able to witness our country becoming more mature and diverse as it, too, ages and mellows.

Time is, indeed, the ultimate mystery. It is the only real resource that each of us has. It is more precious than gold and more elusive than water. We cannot touch it. We cannot own it. Time is ours to embrace and to use well. That is life’s challenge.

What does it mean to get older? It means that, finally, we understand and cherish time, the greatest gift of all.