"Elder vs. Elderly"
And so it is Spring—although Winter does seem to be lingering and even trespassing here and there. It's yet another reminder that change is indeed a process—much like a dimmer switch vs. the cut of an on/off option. The more we can settle into the
process of our practice, the easier it is to move through change—any kind of change.
So let's address the process of aging. At a certain point, most of us will be faced with old age and all that implies. We have choices along the way to determine just how we'll navigate this. Two
of the major ones are whether or not we'll become elderly or an elder. When we choose to be an elder instead of just being elderly, the way we age can make all the difference—much more than just adding "ly" to the word.
We're all well versed with what "elderly" indicates in
our society. In a phrase, "less than": a general decrepitude that includes loss of status, relevance, physical beauty, mental acuity and regard. There is a writing off by society when we get to a certain age. We just don't matter the way we once did. There is less patience with, time for and and interest in the elderly.
Yet what if we choose to meet this by reframing the concept? by assuming the mantle of an elder vs. just becoming elderly? In other cultures, an elder is revered. Their deep wisdom and experience commands respect and is sought out by those around them. What if we choose to own this and go forward accordingly? Sometimes, change has to begin with us before is ripples out into society.
Are you up for living the difference between "Elder vs. Elderly"? (2:07)
