Should we fear the golden years?

Some disillusioned folks seem to think so. Some even caution those who are younger not to ever “get old.”

When I hear those warnings, I always respond, “I don’t like the alternative.” Think about it. If we don’t grow old, it’s because we die young.

Growing older does not have to be an unpleasant experience. For most seniors, it is not.

In fact, many folks have learned the secrets of aging gracefully, despite the losses and infirmities that often accompany advanced years.

A person’s physical and mental approach to life can overcome many of the imperfections of old age and turn them into challenges in need of creative solutions.

Seniors who grow old gracefully don’t give up. They adapt, whether it be their driving patterns or their lifestyles.

Examples abound, including in my family.

My late grandmother, who died at age 95, loved to read. She often would stay up late into the night with a book she just could not put aside. When she lost her eyesight, she did not give up her favorite pastime. She discovered audio books and spent hours reading with her ears.

A great-aunt, who died in her 90s, was an avid traveler. As a schoolteacher, she had summers off and would wander through Europe or Mexico with her friends.

When the infirmities of aging finally caught up with her, they thwarted her mobility, but not her zeal. She became an armchair traveler through travel magazines, travelogues, and television documentaries on foreign lands.

She did not give up what she loved. She still traveled. Only the method of travel changed.

A retired professor who died in her 80s developed health problems that forced her to cut back on her endless roster of church activities.

Determined to continue her “ministry,” she quickly adapted and found other important ways to serve, including writing articles for the church newsletter, tutoring immigrants, and opening her home to visiting pastors and missionaries.

She did not give up. She adapted and discovered ways to remain closely involved with cherished church activities.

A former athlete, who devoted his life and his body to several sports, found his strength and stamina diminishing as he aged. Rather than bitterly mourn his losses, he chose to channel his expertise and enthusiasm into coaching youthful athletes.

He still remains closely involved in the activities he loves, but sparing his stiff, aching joints.

Whatever our pleasures, chances are they can still be part of our lives in our senior years.

When our bodies grow weaker, our minds can work harder to create rewarding solutions to our new limitations.

Usually we can keep on doing what we enjoy most; we just may have to adapt the form. Slowing down is a lot more fun than giving up.

Folks who approach their golden years with passion and a sense of humor are most likely to grow old with grace and serenity.

They are the seniors who have learned to weave the threads of a positive attitude throughout the fabric of their lives.