Growing Old Gratefully: How to See Each Year as a Gift

Hatched by Glasp
Aug 25, 2023
4 min read
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Growing Old Gratefully: How to See Each Year as a Gift
Growing old gratefully. Yes, you read that right. Gratefully. That conversation made me think. Why do we have such a fear about getting older? Why the almost shameful stigma attached to it? Apart from the obvious slowing down, loss of vitality, and general "nearer to deathness," I realized that much of our fear of aging is set in vanity. We equate youth with beauty, desirability, and happiness. We attach the opposite traits to old age; in fact, we fear that as we get older, we become almost obsolete.
The problem with all of this is, well, we age. It's a fact of life and it will happen whether you fight it or just allow it. I mean, really, who—apart from greedy, capitalist, big business—benefits from our aging phobia anyway? It's funny that we use the word anti-aging too. We use that word for things that are considered unacceptable in society like anti-bullying or anti-social, as if we had any control over getting older.
In Japanese culture, the mindset is quite different. Japanese conceptions of aging are rooted in Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist philosophical traditions that characterize aging as maturity. Old age is thus understood as a socially valuable part of life, even a time of "spring" or "rebirth" after a busy period of working and raising children. If we cultivate a mindset where we grow older with a grateful heart, living each day to its fullest in our natural bodies and our natural skin, happy that we still get to watch the sunset and feel the warm embrace of those we love and are still a living breathing part of our wonderful universe; then I believe we stand a chance of drowning out the negative messages put out into society that getting older is something to be ashamed of.
While our fear and negative perceptions of aging may be deeply ingrained, there are ways to shift our mindset and embrace the gift of each year. One way to do this is by focusing on our connections with others. In the realm of social media, there is a concept called the "interest graph." It refers to the connections between individuals who share similar interests, beliefs, and attitudes. This concept can also be applied to offline interactions.
In the offline world, we have the "social graph," which represents the connections between people who know each other in real life. On the other hand, the "interest graph" represents the connections between individuals who may not know each other personally but share common interests and engage in face-to-face communication. Both of these graphs play a role in how information is transmitted and received.
The online world also has its versions of the social and interest graphs. The "online social graph" is based on real-life relationships and is reflected in online relationships through social media platforms. On the other hand, the "online interest graph" refers to social media platforms that provide spaces for users to accumulate, share, and discuss opinions and information on specific topics. However, it's important to note that simply having an interest graph is not enough for information to be effectively transmitted. Both the social and interest graphs need to be combined and utilized appropriately.
Incorporating the concept of the interest graph into our lives can help us develop deeper connections with others, even as we age. By seeking out and engaging with individuals who share our interests and passions, we can create a sense of community and purpose. This can be done both online and offline, through joining clubs, attending events, or participating in online discussions. These connections can provide us with support, inspiration, and opportunities for growth, regardless of our age.
So, how can we embrace the gift of each year and grow old gratefully? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:
- 1. Shift your mindset: Challenge societal norms and expectations around aging. Recognize that getting older is a natural part of life and that each year brings new experiences and opportunities for growth. Embrace your age with gratitude and a sense of purpose.
- 2. Cultivate connections: Seek out individuals who share your interests and passions. Engage in meaningful conversations and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Build a community of like-minded people who can support and inspire you throughout your journey.
- 3. Stay curious and open-minded: Keep learning and exploring new things. Age should never be a barrier to personal growth and development. Embrace new technologies, hobbies, and experiences that can enrich your life and keep your mind engaged.
In conclusion, growing old gratefully is a mindset that allows us to see each year as a gift. By challenging societal norms, cultivating connections, and staying curious, we can embrace the beauty and wisdom that comes with age. Let's shift our perspective and celebrate the journey of growing older with gratitude and joy.
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