A new report
shows that we're living longer better. But what does better mean?
At the age of 71, I've outlived
two of my children—a daughter to leukemia and my son in a drug-crime related
car crash. Both children are cherished and deeply mourned.
I love to write—novels
particularly, three of which have been published to date (see the bottom of the
page), four more ready to go, and three more written. That takes care of my
mind, but what of my body?
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| www.healio.com |
I've always eaten a healthy diet,
maintained daily exercise and kept a positive attitude. However, I've noticed a
decline in the last couple of years. More than ten years ago, an accident
during a hip replacement caused a shattered femur resulting in a shaft from the
joint to the knee screwed in place to the bone. After my recovery, I continued
to work on my feet for 8 hours a day until I retired with osteoporosis at 64. Lately,
I notice the struggle, using my walker for support, uphill and back. I'm
getting old.
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| www.thehealthtime.com |
I don't mind. Aging is a natural
process as is death. I don't attempt to halt the decline, but notice the fine
hair on my jaw, the wrinkle above my top lip and the stoop to my back. Then
there's the pain in my bones and joints, which is more severe with the passing
years. I tie my silver hair up high on my head. I'd like to think I look
distinguished. I can't afford to have a professional photo taken, so, rather
than show my image as it is now, I use one taken 15 years ago. Out of doors, nobody
gives me a second look, whereas the reverse occurred in my youth.
Although I speculate about the
future, I thank God daily for the marvel and beauty of nature and for the games
I play—after all, writing is just a pastime. I wonder what will happen when my
husband is no longer around to take care of me. The fact is, most people who
live into their 90s die after an extended period of disability. Do I want this?
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| scientificamerican.com |
In America, everyone wants to look
like 30 when they're 60 years old. Because they're better than ever at age 67,
they think the same will be the case at 87 or 97. They exercise and eat with
that future in mind. Do they want to live longer if that means an extended
period of age-related illness?
What does the future hold? I guess
we all want a long and healthy life and a peaceful death. In the meantime, I'll
go on writing.
