On Growing Old

Last week, my entire family got together in Chicago to celebrate two birthdays. One was my birthday and the other was that of my grandson Vivek who merrily turned five. 

As usual, the birthday celebrations included a "Burra Khana" (derived from बड़ा खाना in Hindi meaning a fabulous feast!). It was followed by a visit to the Balaji Temple in Aurora. At the temple, someone admired me and paid compliments - surprisingly for my grey hair and old age! I wish I were really worthy of that compliment. 

A few days later, after a Harikatha program at the Lemont temple, a couple whom I knew well came up to me and said I served as a source of inspiration for them. What did I do to deserve it except losing more hair on my head and growing some wrinkles over my body? I pondered.

To some, growing old is a real burden. But then, growing old is mandatory for everyone. The option is how you deal with it. Everyone, at every age, have their own share of problems in living. Those lacking the means for happy living within themselves will find any age to be hard. And, what are those means? To me, they seem pretty simple - like being true to your self, pursuing goals in tune with your inherent strengths, respecting nature, leading a simple life, being cheerful and contented. 

Once I asked my octogenarian father how he would like to live if he were given a new lease of life. Without batting an eyelid, he replied, "Exactly the same way as I have lived." His response reflected the high degree of contentment he had in life, despite all the hardships he faced all through his life. In his career span of over thirty years, he was never late at work even once! He ate simple vegetarian food at regular times, always active but never went to a gym or popped pills. 

An example in contrast- One of my friends wanted his teenage son to pursue a rewarding career. So, he took his son for an aptitude test. The test revealed that his son had no ambition whatsoever and was ideally suited for retirement! 

These days, many people seem to be obsessed with exercising, consuming various juice and protein concoctions, following strict diets, doing yoga, and popping vitamins and supplements, all in a valiant effort to lead a happy and prolonged life. I am not sure how much of these really help in overcoming old age. Old age is unavoidable. 

As a proverb goes, everyone is the age of their heart. Age is a simple question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.

Let me quote a nice poem by H.W. Longfellow:

Age is opportunity no less,

Than youth itself, though in another dress,

And as the evening twilight fades away,

The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.

Enjoy life, even if you are old!