September is National Healthy Aging month! The goal of this awareness campaign is to encourage people to focus on the positive aspects of growing older. Regardless of where you are on the aging spectrum, there are beautiful things to look forward to as we all age. We asked some people what it is they value about getting older, and here are their responses:
“With age and experience, it becomes easier to let go of anything, and anyone, which doesn’t bring joy into your life.” Audrey, age 43
“I used to care what everyone thought of me. Now, I am less interested in pleasing everyone I meet and more focused on two or three people who mean the most to me. It’s a relief to no
longer worry about peoples’ opinions.” Greg, age 55
“As I look back at all the challenges and hardships I’ve had to overcome, I am in awe of my strength. Many times, I felt that I would break under the pressure of responsibilities and things going wrong…but now, I feel proud to have persevered through whatever life threw at me.” Dina, age 62
“I find myself more focused at this stage of my life—more than I was, say, 10 years ago. I’ve experimented with my career, love-life, and personal interests when I was younger. So now, I feel like I have a sense of mental clarity. I know what I want to achieve and who I want to be and can channel my efforts towards that.” Aaron, age 39
“I think the best thing about getting older is the wisdom I’ve attained. Just the life-lessons I’ve learned which I can pass along to others. My advice may not be appropriate for everyone in every situation, but it’s my truth, and it is wonderful if my story can help someone else.” Seema, age 46
“I have a profound sense of appreciation for life. I’m a lot older now and have lived through many ups and downs. Looking back, I realize that I am luckier than most people because I had an opportunity to live life the best that I could. It’s incredible how quickly time passes.”
Jose, age 68
“I think getting older is great! I can’t wait to go to college and have a chance to live in a dorm!” Sabrina, age 15
“Oh, there is so much to look forward to as you get older. I have five children, all close in age. I remember how overwhelming it was when they were young, and I had to take care of them while also working full-time. I used to swear that I was crazy for wanting a big family. Now, my children are my best friends!” Charlotte, age 72