There is a quote attributed to martial artist, actor and filmmaker Bruce Lee which says, “Respect the old when you are young. Help the weak when you are strong. Confess the fault when you are wrong. Because one day in life, you’ll be old, weak, and wrong. Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” These words remind us to be humble in our encounters because time passes more quickly than we can imagine. Our behavior creates the destiny we will face when we age. I imagine that the influence of Eastern philosophy, his education, and involvement in the film industry also gave Mr. Lee the wisdom of experience that he shared with his martial arts students.
The month of May was Older Americans Month. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that “When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.” I was a five-year-old girl back then. Little did I realize that I would become a senior citizen who would be treated with both respect and indifference because our society is youth obsessed, but not often conscious of how it treats its elders.
There is a verse in Psalm 71 which says: “9Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone… 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” I can hear these words today from someone who is older but may feel devalued by their society, their families, and their workplace. Maybe they are being ignored or treated as obsolete or irrelevant when they still have skills and experience that can contribute to the people around them. Maybe they see their organizations getting younger and are beginning to feel excluded. Sometimes assumptions and negative stereotypes made about older people are unfounded and unfair. We need to reexamine our attitudes towards aging.
It is true that some older people may need to step back from work and refrain from activities that could put them or others in danger like driving, operating heavy equipment, or strenuous physical labor. These individuals may be losing their independence and find that they must rely on others due to physical impairment, illness, and cognitive decline. For a person who has been working all their lives, this is a hard decision which leaves them feeling diminished. A gradual reduction of hours or cross-training in another area may be helpful. Aging can be a time of social, educational, and artistic exploration if a person uses the time wisely before retirement.
I became aware of my age when I first came to work at the hospital and did more walking than I ever had before. The facility is big. Several buildings are connected through sky bridges. If you have arthritis or rely on a wheelchair, getting around can be a challenge. However, our hospital has ramps, elevators, railings and employees who are ready to transport a patient or fellow employee to their destination. I admire my experienced colleagues who continue to work as they are able. For some time, I had to use a cane and an electronic wheelchair at work before a knee replacement. This experience gave me greater appreciation for the struggles of our aging population and those with mobility issues. At first, I did not want to grow old, but when I saw that living longer has benefits (like the senior discount), I realized that the best was yet to come if I practice healthy habits.
Many cultures around the world value the aged. Older people have experiences that have given them wisdom that is different than what might be learned in a classroom setting. Other generations have lived through their share of troubles, war, economic uncertainty, and find joy in simple pleasures. Christian scriptures describe how God honors the elderly with protection and long life. Second Corinthians 4:16 reminds us of how faith and a positive outlook help us to carry on. The apostle Paul writes, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” To the young, I say: “Enjoy yourselves but don’t forget about your future.” To the more mature, I say: “Use this time to find satisfaction in what makes you happy and the legacy you want to leave behind.” We need each other, both young and old, to support one another and to make life more meaningful. My prayer is that we all find fulfillment in whatever stage of life we are in.
