No, Old Age Is Not a Waste

No, Old Age Is Not a Waste

 Many women aged 70 and over often complain to me: "Old age is such a bitch". Usually, my answer is, "Well, yes, old age may be a bitch, but it doesn't have to be.." Have you heard the expression "Life is what you make it"? It's not just a saying, it's true. Old age can seem like a hog because of ill health, loneliness, financial problems or you no longer look the way you used to, but the reality is this: if you can still complain, you can change things. You may not be able to do much, but you can often do more than you think you can if you decide to TRY. Just the act of trying is energizing. Let's think about the things that bother older people - and what to do about it. "I'm a victim": There may be more than a few of us who are clueless, but if we're smart enough to be on a computer, then we're smart enough to smell a phishing scam a mile away. Who in their right mind would respond to an email from Nigeria or anywhere else promising millions of dollars from a dead uncle (we never had one) if we send $500 to remove the government money lock? What to do instead: If you have $500 to throw away, buy some McDonald's stock and watch it grow. It's easy to get started. Open an account with Schwab or another investment company. (Very early in life, when I was poor but full of hope, I invested $200 that I couldn't afford in Mcdonald's stock. It went up and is still going up. I gave their stock to my grandkids and the stock is still worth a lot more than I paid The price will go up and down, but as the air fryer TV ad advises, "Set it and forget it." No, your advanced age doesn't mean it's too late to buy.) Loneliness: Many lonely older people looking for love go on a dating site expecting to find the perfect match. Possible? Of course. Probably? No. Dr. Phil has aired more than a few shows demonstrating how older adults looking for love are getting the financial ride of their lives. It's sad, but loneliness can lead to despair.  In giving of ourselves we can find the love we want. When we help others, we receive so many unexpected gifts. Living in Memories: Many older adults have nothing but memories to keep them busy. They don't realize that they can volunteer or get a job if they are mentally and physically fit. It doesn't matter what kind of work it is because it provides emotional satisfaction. I remember a TV episode of Shark Tank where a young woman was knitting purses as a business and was looking for women to help her. She went to a nearby retirement community and found a treasure trove of older women who enjoyed knitting and were well-paid employees. It was a win for everyone, but especially for retirees who found a new meaning in life. Not only that, but their personalities came alive again. They looked and felt better because they were useful. They were grateful to be given a "push" to get back into the flow of the "real world".  The leisure-oriented pension is a government construct that leads to an inevitable decline. Never dismiss the value of work for your mind and body. Use it or throw it away. Misery loves company: One of the many things I don't like about retirement communities and government programs for the elderly is that there are too many opportunities to find companions who "love company." While this may promote a kind of camaraderie, it is not healthy. What to do instead: Build your own "senior center" of like-minded, positive-thinking rebels determined to survive and help each other overcome life's obstacles and welcome the benefits of advanced age and be of service to the "non-members.