I hope you are doing well in this warm weather we are having and that you are making the most of your time with family and friends. As we enter the second half of summer, I thought I’d share something with you that’s been on my mind at a time of year that is special for me. I’ll be turning a year older on August 4th. When I was younger, my birthday used to symbolize fun whereas now it has become an event that is more about gratitude and reminiscence.
Do you suffer from self-directed ageism?
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you’re aware of how vocal I am about combatting ageism. I’ve noticed how many people may either ignore or avoid celebrating getting a year older. Of course, not everyone enjoys being at the center of attention for their birthday, myself included. Nonetheless, it got me thinking, are they not celebrating because they don’t like the fuss or because they don’t want to age? I invite you to question yourself about how you feel about getting older. Are you happy about aging? Apprehensive? Neutral maybe? Perhaps embarrassed or sad about entering a new decade?
Being nostalgic about the past is a normal part of aging. Nostalgia often coexists with the hope of creating new memories. In my view, it is also a sign that we have things to be grateful for. If you’re pondering, however, the thought that your life loses value as you age, that might be a sign of self-directed ageism.
Practicing gratitude for the privilege of aging
I admit that I am biased on this topic. I’ve lost some friends to illness and accidents at a young age and I’ve worked in the palliative care field. At the risk of sounding dramatic, I often find myself thinking about those who were never able to reach my age and I feel grateful for the time I have been given. I am a firm believer that getting older is the greatest privilege of all. I know that this belief may be put to the test as I face the challenges that aging may bring. I’ve heard the comments like, “You’re still so young,” and “Just wait until you reach my age” before. I still believe, however, that seeing growing old as a privilege is something that I’ll do my best to refer back to and not to take it for granted
Before signing off, I want to thank all of the older adults in the community with whom I have the good fortune to rub shoulders. I have seen first-hand how you make the most of the years you’ve been given. You are role models, whether you are volunteering, supporting your friends, family and neighbours, you are taking part in the activities at Wellness Centre or another community organization, you are demonstrating every day that accomplishment is not a question of age. You, my friends, are a big part of the reason I am looking forward to growing old.
Keep practicing gratitude and stay cool for the rest of the summer,
Anaïs
