There’s nothing good about growing old. There’s everything good about growing old.

There’s nothing good about growing old… There’s everything good about growing old…

Song – “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python

You might think that everyone wants to live to be 100. But as we get older, there are some fears that emerge on the unknown of ageing. From the research I’ve done, here’s a summary of the perceived pros and cons of living to be a Centenarian…

PROS

• More time to spend with family and friends
• More time for the bucket list
• Time to learn new skills
• Living longer in your own home (where practical)
• Witnessing grandchildren, great-grandchildren growing up
• New technology, medical procedures/breakthroughs, medications to make life more comfortable and enjoyable
• Engaging in new technology e.g. electric cars, driverless cars (mine will be called Nigel “Take me to the theatre Nigel”)
• Witnessing space exploration (space exploration has fascinated me since Neil Armstrong landed on the moon when I was 11 years old!)
• Smarter smart phones, televisions and appliances
• A lot more wisdom to share

CONS

• Possibility of chronic health conditions developing
• Possibility of outliving siblings, children, friends
• Possibility of losing independence e.g. ability to walk
• Possible failing eyesight, hearing
• Needing help with self care and everyday tasks, requiring aged care or care at home
• Risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

I once knew a lady named Jeanie, whose favourite saying was “old age has nothin’ going for it”. With a wry smile she would grumble about her saggy arms, her expanding waistline, her lack of mobility and those new ‘modern’ ways of thinking about the world. But the interesting thing is, despite her grumbles, she had a remarkable zest for life. She was fiercely independent and had learned in her middle age to rely only on herself. She loved all the little things in life – her music, her gossip magazines, her FOOD, her gameshows, her footy tipping, and mostly her dear friends and family. I think this love of life and all the ways she kept herself mentally healthy, really helped her longevity in life. She lived to be 98 years old.

I think that if I have a chance to live to be a healthy Centenarian, my mindset must be positive and I must maintain a happy outlook on life. From time to time, various health issues will occur, but keeping positive and “looking on the bright side of life” is a good start. So my adage as I age will be “THERE IS EVERYTHING GOOD ABOUT GROWING OLD!!”

My next post will share the story of Dolly, a Centenarian whose secret to life was “everything in moderation.” In future posts I’ll cover healthy eating and the Acronym DEBS – Diet, Exercise, Balance, Stress Management.

Keep Rocking and Rolling ’till next time.

Kim