Growing Old and Not Fearing It

Many people think of growing old as an enemy that they should be afraid of, avoid, and struggle with. They do not know that it is actually an inevitable part of human existence. We grow old because we continue living, and living is something not to fear. Below are seven ways on how to grow old without minding it:

1. Continue to widen your interests. Not all of us can go to a foreign country but, long before old age, everyone can begin to look forward to learning new things, pursuing pastimes, and developing skills. You can expose yourself to new interesting things in many ways, such as browsing through the library shelves, attending informative lectures, joining civic or welfare activities, and more. Inquiry into things that are new to you quickens the mind and heart.

2. Be eager to continue your life. People can be so ironic sometimes because it is when they are older that they do more things to make up for the earlier years that they did not make most out of their lives. Why not do more things while you are still young and strong? So that as you grow older, you would not regret doing nothing in your life.

3. Be affectionate. Love is one of the most powerful stimulants to a longer and happier life. However, human warmth is not limited to romantic love only; devotion to your fellow men serves equally well. The faculty of being genuinely concerned about others enriches anyone's life. The earlier you acquire it, the better fortified you will be for the later years.

4. Do not let negative emotions rule you. Giving into anger can be a very unhealthy habit. Avoid heated arguments and strong emotional conflicts. If there were people that you did not get along well before, now is the time for apologies and starting over again.

5. Make friends. As you grow older, you must accustom yourself to the loss of lifelong friends and be prepared to make others. Losing a loved one is natural, but mourning for their loss for so long can be unhealthy. Be friends with just anybody you meet - in your neighborhood, at the post office, and even at the streets. Friendship is among the most valuable gifts you can give and receive.

6. Have religious faith. Religious counselors agree that the real comfort of faith comes but faintly to elderly persons who have previously neglected it. How much richer life is for those whose faith helps them constantly during the stresses and trials of everyday living?

7. Finally, do not worry. Life is too precious to waste on useless thoughts. Do not worry because if you have lived your life to the fullest, there is really nothing to worry about in the future.

Enjoy life! After all, we only have to live it once.