As I looked around the group, the vast majority I had known for most of my life, I was respectfully shocked at how some had aged…and it was only our 20 year class reunion!
A number of years later as my 50th birthday was coming into focus I began to receive multiple solicitations from AARP. I was honestly offended at the idea that at 50 I was now being categorized as a senior citizen. Both because in my mind I felt like I was 35 and because many of my people lived well into their 80s…30 years plus as an ‘older’ person?!
Here’s some reality – there are more people over 80 years of age on the planet than ever before. And yet, particularly in the American culture, we are extremely ageist. Far too often we judge an individual’s capacity based solely on how many trips they have taken around the sun rather than their actual ability…what a waste!
And here’s some more reality, we all age differently. Some of us are fortunate to have good genes. Some of us have made less than stellar life style choices that have made a significant impact on our physical and cognitive capabilities…yet all of us still have value!
Presently we are having a national debate in our country if one, or frankly both, of the candidates running for the presidency is too old. In my humble opinion that is the wrong question. Our discussion and discernment should not be based on chronology but rather on capacity. Like most of us, I have friends, family and colleagues across a wide spectrum of age with a variety of capabilities…we are all unique!
A little perspective:
“The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD?” Gensis 18:12-14
BP