Growing Old?

Tom Stirling

You just can't help it. It's not like growing wiser, slimmer, more tolerant, or more understanding, where you can deliberately take some control --growing old just keeps on happening willy-nilly, like it or not.

No, I'm not throwing up my hands in despair, I am marching (maybe limping in my case) along the road to old age at the same pace as you are. Sometimes I think I've arrived, but find I'm still getting older, and by the way, still enjoying the journey. Growing old can be measured in years, but, as far as I'm concerned, "being old" is more a state of mind and health.

Sure, there is sadness in that you're no longer able to do a number of things that gave you pleasure when younger, but you have more time to pursue enjoyable activities that were never thought of previously. For instance, tapping out "letters to the editor" on my ancient computer, some of which get published, bringing praise and an occasional brick-bat, even from people I have never met. Probus clubs, gardening, bush-walking, bridge and physical fitness clubs are yours to join if you can get there. You have to take the initiative, make an effort, nobody can make life enjoyable for you.

Old age, if you're fortunate, has advantages as well as disadvantages. In this, our Canberra Baptist Church, we are fortunate to be part of a caring society, people who can help in finding solutions to some of our problems or help us cope with what has to be faced. The sad thing however, is that people do not like others to know that they have problems, or feel unable to cope, afraid they will be seen as failures for not being able to solve their own problems. As we become "Senior Citizens" we do become more vulnerable and our ability to cope in some areas is not quite as effective as it was. That does not mean we are helpless. In fact, we are often better equipped to deal with some situations than our younger neighbours.

My lament in this the "Year of the Aged" is, that during the last twelve years as a "Social Health Visitor" employed by the Mental Health Branch of A.C.T. Health Services I was able to help many total strangers in a deep, personal way but few of my friends sought what I had to offer. Now, in this my special year, the Year of the Aged, I am left feeling redundant in an area in which I have much to offer. If you want to put a bit of sparkle into my day, and hopefully yours too, I would enjoy your company, discussing --- how to catch fish --- the art of bagpipe playing --- how to find a more fulfilling life style -- how to relax and get rid of stress --how to cope in a difficult work situation --- how to get along with difficult parents or rebellious children --- or any idea you wish to kick around. Make my day, phone me, make a date, there could be a cup of tea or whatever and it's all free.

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