How old is old? I did a search and found out there is a young-old (65-74), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (85+). I thought I was old when I celebrated half a century of living but as the saying goes, “You are only as old as you think you are.” So now I think I am young at heart but my physical body has other ideas.
I remember exercising using the Wii Fit and telling people my Wii Fit age whenever the topic of age or growing old comes up because it was much younger than my actual age. Now I say that I’m old enough to get senior discounts in most places but not officially a senior citizen yet.
When I was younger my body didn’t complain after doing simple things like raking leaves or pulling weeds. Now I know I haven’t been using certain parts of my body as much as I used to. If I skip my exercises, which is so easy to do, my body will complain when I do activities I haven’t done for a while.
Scott’s mom was old-old when she told me that she hated growing old because every year some things get harder to do. She started using a cane to walk, then a walker, and then during her last days, she was learning to use a wheelchair to get around.
My parents take a lot of supplements and some medicine for their health. They are getting close to being old-old. Scott is my age but he started taking lots of supplements because of cancer. He encouraged me to start taking the collagen+multivitamin supplement and I noticed a difference when I don’t take them. We’re also eating better than before the cancer diagnosis.
Having white hair used to bother me but now I think of it as a crown of glory. When my memory cooperates, I have experience and wisdom to share with others. As I mentioned in my previous post, growing old is a way to deepen the relationships we have and also with God. So I have a better attitude about the season of life I’m in now.
How about you? Are you finding joy in growing old?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the time You give us here on Earth. Help us to use the days that we have to bring You glory. May we be a light to those in the darkness so that they may see a path to You.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:16 Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day
Leviticus 19:32 Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged
Psalm 71:9 Don’t reject me now that I am old; don’t abandon me now that I am feeble
Isaiah 40:31 Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint
Job 12:12 Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old
Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory
Deuteronomy 12:7 Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your parents to inform you. Inquire the elders and they will tell you
Philippians 1:6 God, who began the good work in you, will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus
Song
“Growing Up and Growing Old” by Matthew West is a song that brought a tear to my eyes.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read Psalm 71 and then listen to Aaron Shust’s song “Even In My Old Age”.