How to Stay Sane During Early Old Age
Recently, I came across an interesting article that spurred deep thought,
from the “The Book of Life” website, headlined “How the Modern World
Makes Us Mentally Ill.”
The article identified six aspects of modern life known to have troubling
influences on our psyches (along with suggested cures): meritocracy,
individualism, secularism, romanticism, the media, and perfectibility. As
I read though these, I thought about how they might apply to getting
old, which, in my estimation, jumpstarts once you turn 60, when we
reach the beginning of the final three-innings of life, or less, depending
on your fate (see Ninety-Year Plan).
Meritocracy: If you are both poor and old, you are an utter failure in our
overly meritocratic society that places talent and hard work as surefire
traits that will ultimately lead to your financial success. Never mind that
you may have ran into some hard times for reasons you could not
control. In addition to being overtly disregarded because of your
poverty status, you will have to deal with ageism, which is real, despite
all the positive news you might read about how executive-level,
retirement-aged folks are easily taking on new “encore” careers. Best
solution: Don’t think along these lines and keep on keeping on. Follow
your inner voice.
Individualism: In the 21
st
century, being an ordinary person moving
through the flow of life is often seen as the equivalent of being a mass
failure. Only unique individuals with special destinies are worthy of our
esteem. In old age, some become depressed when they realize they
haven’t reached fame and fortune. Best anecdote for such ill thoughts:
Appreciate what you have and enjoy the everyday, simple pleasures of
life.
Secularism: As the growth of secularism moves further away from
religiosity and the spiritual, we neglect to see anything that could be
considered transcendent, to our detriment. Old age, however, can make
you more contemplative and hence more in tune with seeing more
beauty and art in our everyday experiences. Look up more!
Romanticism: Not everyone meets the perfect love of their life, so
perhaps it is wise not to expect to be so lucky and avoid all the
frustration. Take pleasure in your non-sex-oriented relationships and
loves.
The Media: Focus more on your own life and experiences and do not let
all the negative, fear-mongering news so prevalent today take over your
thoughts and feelings. Try to follow news that offers solutions as
opposed to fear and loathing. I think we do eventually succeed at
avoiding all the drama as we age. It’s one of the advantages of
becoming a mellow old ager.
Perfectibility: If, in old age, you start thinking that your life has been a
waste of energy because you have not reached some level of perfection
promoted by a society that over-emphasizes typically unreachable goals
and ideals, think again. The realization that being a little off-centered
and even crazy-stupid at times in our lives makes you humble and more
accepting of your vulnerabilities. Life goes on and you’re perfectly fine.
Thanks for stopping by,
George
“I became insane,
with long intervals
of horrible sanity. “
- Edgar Allan Poe