Image by sunshinecity via flickr
We are living longer than ever before, and it is not comfortable. In 1900, life expectancy in the USA was 47 years. In 2000, life expectancy had increased to 77 years. That means we have 30 more years to dream, live, learn, invent, work, problem-solve, and regenerate.
VOCABULARY OF AGE
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Don’t get stuck on terminology. Definitions of old, aging, and elderly are all over the place. Everyone thinks they are younger than they are. The old-old think they are the young-old. The young-old think they are middle-aged. Elderly became Senior Citizen which evolved into Older Adult.
Here are some examples of how organizations define “elderly”:
- Mirriam-Webster Dictionary: “rather old”
- Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: “People over 65.” “Anyone over 90.” “Aging”
- AARP: Anyone over age 50
- Social Security Administration: Anyone over age 62
- Medicare: People over age 65
- Pew Research Center: Some older than you are. Older than age 68. But if you are 68 then older than 75.
- U.S. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services: People with Medicare
Ignore the labels and get on with living.
SHED THE MISCONCEPTIONS
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Older people need to maintain their participation in the active world. Laura Carstensen, director of the Stamford Center on Longevity says that we need to address some of misconceptions about aging.
Getting Sick Inevitably Leads to Dying: The truth is that the norm is that people get better, get worse, have good years, have bad years. Not until the very end of life do we see a steady decline.
Older People are Depressed and Lonely: As people age, they become more even emotionally. They get angry less. Marriages improve. Rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety are lower. Every psychiatric disorder except dementia is less.
After Age 65, Why Bother Planning Anything? Don’t leave it to luck and chance after age 65. You can have goals almost until you are dying. Think about what you want to do and get busy doing it. You can have lots of new careers, relationships, and adventures in the span of 30 years. Don’t just watch it go by.
Products Abound to Help Delay Aging: Nope. Nothing reverses or slows aging. Don’t waste your time with this. Enjoy whatever age you are. You will never be that age again. Wallow in it.
Being Younger is Carefree Compared to Aging: Older people are actually happier. As people age they gain perspective. The good is more precious and the bad more tolerable. Best of all you don’t have to worry about what anyone thinks of you.
Image via ElderAuthority
Take the time to look at your position on the aging continuum. Time may get cut short, but you should plan for the long-term. Look at your life with clear vision. What is your vocabulary for aging? What are your own misconceptions? Are you going to become a fabulous fine wine or a condemned house? Plan your future as best you can, and enjoy every second of it.
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