As we age and retire, several questions help us to find meaning in our later years”
• Will I fight the aging process or submit to it gracefully? Will I deny my age or accept my years as they add up, and even live in awe that I was given life in the first place and have survived as long as I have? Will I strive to be young and ageless by pushing to do more and maintain my relevance and success or will I slow down, accept the role of Elder and share my wisdom with those coming after me?
• Who am I? This is a question we enter adolescence with, hopefully come to terms with by midlife, but need to ask again as we face disease, diminishment, and death. Now that I have entered this new phase of later life with all its challenges, who am I and how will I relate to the changes in my body and in my relationships?
“A late-life Identity crisis can be triggered when we lose our loved ones, roles, appearance, health, independence, contribution, and relevance—and our sense of having unlimited time. We suffer these loses with ongoing grief and disorientation. And the deepest spiritual question arises again and again: Who am I? who am I without X? Who am I if X happens?” (Connie Zweig, The Inner Work of Age, p. 16)
• What matters most to me? My family? Continuing to be a productive and successful? My health? My legacy? My faith? What values do I cherish? The answer to what matters most to me will determine how I spend my ever-decreasing time on earth.
• What do I believe? How have my beliefs changed over the years? What happens to me when I die? Do I believe in life after death? Do I fear death? Is whatever I believe in enough to support and comfort me and give me peace at end of life?
We may have added years to our life, but have we added life to our years? Answers to the questions above will be a good start to adding life to our years.
“Aging is our grist for the mill…It’s our material for turning experience into insight” Ram Daas
