Aging: Does it Have Any Benefits?

Everything I write comes from experience. In 1999conversation I've thought of the director's reply
John Wiley and Sons published my book about aging.many times.
My research included articles from the MedlineI'm eight years older now, wear glasses, and two
database, medical newsletters, books on the topic,hearing aids. Though I'm a big "creaky" when I get up
and a random survey of members of my local seniorin the morning, within an hour I'm running at top
center.speed. And as the saying goes, I'm determined to
The survey was called "How Do You Feel About"have a good day."
Aging?" There were five questions on the form: 1.I have twin grandchildren, one boy and one girl, and
What are some good things about aging? 2. Whatthey are in Middle School. Early on, my grandchildren
are some bad things about aging? 3. What activitiesdecided to call me "Grandma," not "Nana," or "Nona,"
do you enjoy? 4. Occupation? 5. Age? (an optionalor anything cutesy. Becoming a grandma has made
question).me a better person. I'm a more reflective person as
Only 40 people comleted the form. "Why aren't morewell, and focus on the positives of aging.
members filling out the survey?" I asked a secretary.Because of my age:
"They don't want to think about aging," she replied,1. Each day I awaken with gratefulness and joy
"and they sure don't like to fill out forms!" Though I2. I have new sense of purpose
wished for more responses, I was grateful for the3. Family continues to be the most important thing in
ones I received, and used them in my book. To getmy life
more responses I surveyed members of a club.4. I know who I am and what I do
One member's response was especially touching. Not5. I understand my talents and shortcomings
long after her husband died she decided, primarily for6. Self-care is part of every day
safety reasons, to move out of her home and into a7. Silly excuses and falsehoods don't work with me
retirement community. The sorrow of her husband's8. I can laugh - really laugh - at myself
death didn't diminish her enthusiasm for life. She9. Laughter is a vital part of every day
participated in activities, remained active in her church,10. It's easy to ignore speeders who zig-zag and pass
and was a community volunteer. On the survey formmebecause we will get to the red light at the same
she wrote about the wonder of life and cherishingtime
each day.11. My calendar is filled with volunteer projects
Another club member refused to complete the12. I'm willing to take credit for what I do
survey. "I can't think of anything good about aging,"13. When asked, I give advice to my grown children
she explained.14. Admitting mistakes is easier and I move on
"Surely you can think of something," I replied.quickly
"Nothing," she answered.15. Tears come to my eyes when a cardinal lands on
"Not one thing?" I asked hopefully.a snowybranch
"Nothing," she said firmly.16. I try to do the right thing
When I was writing the aging book my mother lived17. The wonder and mystery of the heavens fill me
in a local assisted living community. She had probablewith awe
Alzheimer's disease and I saw her often. One day, as18. I understand the miracle of life
I was entering the building, I spotted the director.No matter how old you are, I hope you will look for
We talked for a few minutes and then I asked herthe positives of aging. File them away in your mind
question. "Can you tell me," I began cautiously, "whyand think of them from time to time. For the day
so many residents seem to be angry?"may come when a child looks at you, hugs you, and
"They're angry because they're old," she relied.calls you grandma or grandpa. What a blessing.
"Oh," I replied, at a loss for words. Since we had that