As mentioned in an earlier post, ageism is the only “ism” where people create prejudice against their future self… while mourning their younger self.
When I set out to do this work around “training for your eighties and nineties”, I looked deeply into my beliefs about aging, which led me to my thoughts around death. I know what you’re thinking… fun stuff.
And it turned out, I’m becoming less afraid of death as I age, and more concerned about making the most of the time I’ve got.
Note: A lot of the data and perspectives I’ve gleaned were gained from reading Ashton Applewhite’s “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.” I heartily recommend it.
A big focus of my life and work revolves around staying present - and as we age, staying present becomes even more attainable and desirable. But think about it, we wouldn’t even have the concept of being present if life weren’t finite - there’s no present if there’s no ending.
“Children live in the moment because it’s all they know. Olders do it because time is running out. And living in the present is what makes people happy.”
Ashton Applewhite
“Olders” don’t have time to waste, and mourning your youth is just that, a complete waste of time. Instead, focus on your health, because it determines your ability to live every day to the fullest.
So when you hear, “Life is short,” don’t take it as ominous - instead, it’s a call to action to make the most of it - to be present… and to do that, you need to train for your eighties and nineties…