I’ve been hearing and reading a lot about individuals aging, potentially reaching a point where they might feel too old to continue in their current roles.
Despite my efforts to maintain a youthful mindset, associating aging with loss seems to be my default perception. The loss of faculties such as hearing, mobility, and memory often comes to mind. There is a poignant realization that the elderly often face a gradual decline due to the accumulation of these losses. Witnessing my parents’ gradual decline from vibrant individuals to mere shadows of themselves was a sobering experience. Fortunately, my brother Dave took on the responsibility of caring for them during their final years, sparing us from many challenging decisions. While my wife and I have yet to reach that stage, thoughts about the future linger in my mind.
During a recent visit to a local chain restaurant, as I was placing my lunch order, the cashier mentioned that my total included a $1.95 discount for seniors.
Surprisingly, it was the first time someone had automatically offered me a senior discount. Looking at my appearance, there is now no doubt that I qualify for the “senior-discount” label.
Interestingly, amidst the prevalent theme of loss associated with aging, the senior discount stands out as a permanent benefit that cannot be taken away.
Every Friday evening, a group of friends and neighbors gathers at our home for dinner followed by a spirited yet lighthearted euchre tournament. The stakes are modest, with each participant contributing $5 and a quarter for every “euchre.”
Prizes are awarded to the top three players, amounting to \(30, \)20, and \(10 if there are three tables in play. The euchre pot, representing the total number of euchres in a night, is awarded to the player with the most "loners," typically reaching around \)10 per night. It’s no secret to regular players that we often struggle to remember whose turn it is to deal, which suit is trump, or even which table is designated as No. 1, 2, or 3. Some nights, we ponder over whether we are all starting to experience cognitive lapses.
Aging is often perceived as a privilege not granted to everyone. However, in today’s era of advanced healthcare, aging can also entail accepting the gradual decline in abilities, as mentioned earlier. In my youth, I oscillated between aspiring to emulate my father and dreading the possibility of becoming too similar to him.
I’ve been fortunate to have older family members and friends who are five to ten years my senior. During times when the effects of aging become more apparent, I find inspiration in a particular neighbor.
This neighbor, who remains unnamed, is in her mid-80s and has a passion for games like bridge, mahjong, and is always up for any gaming invitation. It’s no surprise that she is a regular participant in our Friday euchre nights. While those of us who are significantly younger than her struggle to recall simple game details and occasionally contemplate our own mortality, observing her vitality serves as a reminder of the power of maintaining a youthful mindset. While some view age as merely a number, for her, it’s an opportunity to excel.