On Aging – Part I

I am what I am. I work out, I travel, I write, I teach and research, do a lot of computing, and importantly I continually plan for the future.  But for many, many years I do recall thinking about aging, its processes, and watching others age. Aging has been on my mind; I guess it’s always been on my mind. A good question is “How do we age?” How about bitterly, regretfully, remorsefully, disgustingly, gracefully, joyfully, disappointingly, philosophically, or wisely? Millions upon millions, blessed with the arrival of old age, have penned their thoughts, their ideas, and their wisdom upon aging.

In this note we take up sayings and aphorisms on growing old from many luminaries past and present, then add commentaries.

There are numerous categories about aging. They range across (a) Physical aspects (conditioning and fitness, aches and pains, activity), (b) Mental aspects (memory, intelligence, interests, sense of humor), (c) Financial (costs), (d) Death (preparation, last will), and Remembrance (family, friends, foes). There are many more, but in just these few lines we listed only a few and give below even fewer quotes.

Aging is different than growing old - have no doubt.

• In childhood be modest, in youth temperate, in adulthood just, and in old age prudent. - Socrates (470 - 399 BC)

Just to be on the safe side, prudent means to be careful, to be circumspect, and to use good judgment. We are advised to button down our carefree nature and mind the store of our lives. All things in moderation, all things mature, all things in harmony from the beginning to the end.

• Memory is what makes us young or old. - Alfred de Musset (1810 – 1857)

Memory is important. Memory is one of the keys to the depth of what we are and mostly what we were. By linking ourselves to ourselves long ago, we see better and clearly the trajectory we have followed.

• John Quincy Adams is well. But the house in which he lives at present is becoming dilapidated. It is tottering up on its foundation. Time and the seasons have nearly destroyed it. Its roof is pretty well worn out. Its walls are much shattered and it trembles with every wind. I think John Quincy will have to move out of it soon. But he himself is quite well, quite well.- John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848)

Here the good second US President reflects on his own physical plant, but maintains keen self-awareness and alertness. Equally important is he has maintained his sense of humor.

• The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected. ― Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)

The lament of age and the celebration of the arrival wisdom, resolution, and enlightenment that comes to the careful observer.

• There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. ― Sophia Loren (1934 - )

A terrifically optimistic view of a long term reflection and understanding of oneself and the importance of the social fabric of one’s life.

• Growing old in years allows the removal of the veils of competitiveness, worldly challenge, and daily strife. In releases time for reflection, review, and re-clarification. – Anonymous

Aging via retirement or just slowing down can be such a relief because we finally have the time to genuinely look around in peace without the swirling tornado of competitive, combative, and hurried life.

• "I think I'll just live forever" - Orson Welles in the 1958 film based on William Faulkner's work The Hamlet, "Long Hot Summer"
  
  What a celebration of living this is.  The older gent, Will Varner (Welles), feels his life's blood will continue, and his wishes to his family are sustained.   It is a movie of love, hate, corruption, and also redemption.
  

• Old age equalizes - we are aware that what is happening to us has happened to untold numbers from the beginning of time. When we are young we act as if we were the first young people in the world. – Eric Hoffer (1902 – 1983)

There is a certain comfort in knowing that we are passing through a period discovered by so many before us. We have a communion with our entire human history, and we must rejoice in these moments as they, like all others, pass all too quickly. Hoffer hit the mark.

If you have a favorite, please add it in to the mix.