Aging creates new vulnerability as our birthdate number escalates. Each of us is vulnerable at differing times in life. Most of the time we push it back into the recess of our psyche. But sometimes the feelings of susceptibility roil to the surface.
Different stages of our life bring this fragile state of mind to the forefront and we must grapple, grasp, grab at the new reality. If we dare.
A publication cited sixty as elderly. I don’t know about you, but in my thoughts, that’s appalling. I resent the word that conjures ideas of walkers, wheelchairs, and other obvious indicators of the elderly state of being. Add to that age sixty-that’s way too young for elderly.
Synonyms for elderly include: geriatric, old, over-the-hill, older, senescence. Senescence is from the Latin word senex meaning old. Other related words to senescence include senior, senile, senate. On a side note the senate in Rome was originally composed of a council of trusted elders.
Most definitions of elderly are sixty-five and older. Yet many people are strong and defy the aging process. In my mind’s eye they are not elderly.
A New Word to Replace Elderly
We need a new word. After all sixty is the new fifty. Right?
How about an empowering word? One that implicates wisdom, arrival, grown up, mature. A word that wields respect. Yes, some of us are way beyond all that drama of the twenties and thirties. We’ve been through a lot, learned from a millennium of mistakes. Well, maybe not that many.
How About Mature
As mature adults embracing our stage of life may be best. All we can do is maintain our optimal weight, consume a healthy diet, exercise and hope for the best as we age.
God is faithful and promises to care for us always. He will renew our strength like the eagle.
Scripture for the Day
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 AMPC).
“Even to your old age I am He,
And even to your advanced old age I will carry you!
I have made you, and I will carry you;
Be assured I will carry you and I will save you.” (Isaiah 46:4 AMP).
© 2021 Nanette M. Holloway-All Rights Reserved
Photo by Capturing the Human Heart via unsplash
Other publications by Nanette M. Holloway:
