In the New York Times, July 7, 2013, Oliver Sacks, the author, talks about “The Joy of Old Age. (No Kidding.)” He is about to turn 80 and writes:
My father, who lived to 94, often said that the 80s had been one of the most enjoyable decades of his life. He felt, as I begin to feel, not a shrinking but an enlargement of mental life and perspective. One has had a long experience of life, not only one’s own life, but others’, too. One has seen triumphs and tragedies, booms and busts, revolutions and wars, great achievements and deep ambiguities, too. One has seen grand theories rise, only to be toppled by stubborn facts. One is more conscious of transience and, perhaps, of beauty. At 80, one can take a long view and have a vivid, lived sense of history not possible at an earlier age. I can imagine, feel in my bones, what a century is like, which I could not do when I was 40 or 60. I do not think of old age as an ever grimmer time that one must somehow endure and make the best of, but as a time of leisure and freedom, freed from the factitious urgencies of earlier days, free to explore whatever I wish, and to bind the thoughts and feelings of a lifetime together. I am looking forward to being 80.”
Dr. Oliver Sacks is in good health, “with a scattering of medical and surgical problems, none disabling.” He is lucky and seems to appreciate his good health. Oliver Sacks’ has longevity in his family, again, good luck. My Mother-in-law, almost 90, defined “young old” and “old old” to me. She considers me “young old,” and challenges me to make the most of my life in “young old,” enjoying the gift of good health allowing for an active and full life. My Father, unlike Oliver Sacks’ Father, said the most enjoyable decade of life was the 60’s. He did not live long into his 70’s.
This Grandma’s view on old age is that we should begin to adopt Oliver Sacks’ consciousness when we are “young old.” However, Oliver Sacks’s view of old age is looking backward and forward. This Grandma says let us be present, in our “young old age.” Let’s enjoy and appreciate each day, acknowledging the daily happiness and joy. Years of yoga practice has taught me that being present is enjoying life to its fullest.
We should enjoy every moment of leisure and freedom, with those close to us ever present in our lives, free to explore what we wish, and, to bind the thoughts and feelings of a lifetime together. We should pass on our thoughts and feelings to our precious grandchildren while we can. Let us promote our and their staying in and appreciating the present with
Joy,
Mema
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