A Shoutout To All The Older Members Here In WA
One of my gigs at the moment is volunteering at an aged care facility, doing the grounds and maintenance around the facility. It is fascinating talking to the people living and working there; everyone has a back story. Many have done so much in their lives, seen so much, and interacted with many people. Some are starting to struggle. Most still have that spark, and the heart and soul are willing; it is just the body that lets us down on the journey.
I am not sure when you become old, and from observation, it is a mindset thing to a degree. I know some younger ones who are old in their outlooks and then older ones who are incredibly vibrant. We all roll our own way and are all on our individual journeys, like the five year old who goes to school for the first time and comes home at weeks end and declares that they are done with schooling.
There is one thing that separates us all, and it is the appetite to be engaged, involved, and to keep learning. A personal reflection, I think that it puts it in a nutshell. From observation, when experience speaks, it can pay to sit up and take note; we can learn so much.
Ageism is a thing; unfortunately, it is true. Looking at some of the synonyms for old; aging, aged, and senior. Not an appealing trajectory that we are all on. Many are bucking the trend, especially in the boomer generations, with a real appetite for life and living.
The benefits that accrue from being involved in the Wealthy Affiliate community goes without saying. Like it is said, when you are engaged in and belong to a community, you are never alone. So if there is ever a time when things are not working, help is always there.
Part of that is the inspiration and motivation we can draw from our fellow members. For my part, I draw a lot of inspiration from the older members; there are years lived most importantly, it is life's lessons that teach us many things. Through sharing, we can indeed enrich our own journeys.
So Just a shoutout to the older members of WA and to all those that struggle with disabilities. Yet turn up and give and share their best you are an inspiration; keep doing what you are doing. The thing is that you bring so much positivity and motivation.
Best wishes as we head into another exciting year.
Alex Evans
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Hi Alex
Thanks for your post.
I guess that none of us really know how old age will come until we experience it. Now that I am old I know that it comes like bankruptcy - gradually at first and then all of a rush!
Not everyone gets wiser as they get older but hopefully most of us do. Because if we don't get wiser as we get older then old age really hasn't got much going for it.
As you say, some people are prematurely "aged" in their outlooks and mindset even when they are young. But many old women and old men have a young girl or a young man trapped inside them - they are the perpetual young people just trapped in aging bodies that no longer function at the level we were accustomed to.
Kind regards, Wazza
Have to agree on all counts Alex and kudos to you for the volunteering work
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It never ceases to amaze me how many write-off those that are in their later years, they are missing out on years of experience, knowledge and sometimes (though it's not a prerequisite) wisdom.
Ignore them at your peril.
Enjoy all of the holiday season Alex and here's to an absolute blinder of a New Year.
Hi Twack compliments of the season to you, the coming year is going to be a boomer.
One of the best lessons I have learned was when experience speaks sit up and take note, it can save a lot of energy and create some real value.
Alex
Thanks for your enjoyable post, Alex. There's much I could say on the subject of age, but I'll leave some of it for another day, perhaps!
I was interested to read about your volunteering activity. During 2019 I registered as a volunteer in an aged care facility. I certainly don't feel a volunteer in terms of duties. But formal registration was required before I could join a small group who attend monthly to sing-a-long with the residents. It is so touching to spend time with those elderly folk. This month's attendance was all about singing Christmas songs and carols and it was extra special to see the pleasure many of the residents gained from our visit. Some residents were quite energised!
Whatever the physical state of the elderly, there is still much pleasure to be found with keeping a strong mindset focused on the positive.
I certainly learned a lesson this morning about where I focus my thoughts! I'll leave that story for now and maybe create a post around it!
Best wishes to you, Alex for a Happy Christmas and New Year.
Valerie
I can imagine Valerie a visit from your group would of brought so much joy, definitly one of those pay it forward moments.
I concur with your sentiments a strong and focused mindset will make all the difference at any age or stage.
Have an enjoyable and happy Christmas and New Year, oh and a very productive 2021.
Alex
Thank you, Alex. And --- I'm pleased you mentioned 'productive'. An absolute necessity in 2021!
Age is not only a state of mind but how you take care of yourself. I'm just about the oldest in each group I'm involved in. I seem to also be one of the most active and have less aches and pains. Hereditary??? Maybe but I believe it's more mindset.
As an added note: Us WA Seniors ROCK!!!!!! Just sayin' LOL
~Debbi
I have to agree with you Debbi all the WA seniors rock, although convincing some that they fall into that catogory would take some work.
I agree, a mindset and healthy and active lifestyles make a huge difference.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Debbi, and complements of the season and best wishes for the coming year.
Alex
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Great post, Alex on a topic that lies close to my heart. I cannot understand that we "stuff" our elders away instead of taking the full advantage of their life experience. We have a lot to learn from many indigenous people that take care of their elders in a completely another way.
All the best for 2021!
Roy