Old age

Old age

Outside forces have tampered with our human genes. It's true, and you can research that tidbit of information if you like.

 The mind can remain as sharp as ever, so long as we exercise it, and that fact somehow makes the problem so much more disparaging, doesn't it? But all of you soon-to-be old farts and senior citizens, please keep in mind the extraordinary value of frequent exercise, keeping the heart strong and the immune system up to scratch. I'm sure you all know the ropes as far as that's concerned, beating the ageing process? Fat chance. In this regard, our best ally is a sense of humour and a healthy philosophical outlook.

But do not think for one minute that the gig is over upon the physical death of the organism. It's a much longer planned journey than most of you guys realise, and that's a fact. I've spent a lifetime gathering snippets of information, several times reinforced by personal experiences. Research this yourselves, there's a great number of folk out there who have related their own experiences, strongly backing up the notion of the continuance of existence, extending the lifespan of one body after another. There's much to be learned from the ageing process. It's at this stage that we gather all the information accrued during our three score and ten, and we come to see and discover so very much more regarding existence, knowledge, of being among the brother and sisterhood of humanity. It's through the many trials and tribulations that we learn what the trip is all about. For myself, despite the physical breakdown and pain, I am rewarded with such a great view from where I stand. And I know it's true for many, and hopefully most. It's all about learning and reaching for the ultimate goal of acquiring the most valuable of all things, that of wisdom. The physical body is shuffled off while our true selves journey on after a well-deserved break on the time-out bench. It's a fantastic arrangement, I think, and I enjoy every part of it. Life, it's the most extraordinary, valuable and rewarding thing, and even if you might have been dealt a lousy hand this time around, don't be too despondent, the next time around might be much, much better depending on what you do with the hand you're holding right now.

Funny, after posting this response, I see I haven't actually answered the original question. The first signs of ageing are so subtle that one overlooks, ignores or refuses to acknowledge their presence. Grey hair is a dead giveaway. So too huffing and puffing when walking up an incline you've climbed a thousand times before without any trouble. Physical strength beginning to wane, eyesight and or hearing degeneration. There are dozens of signs and warning symptoms. Ignore them all. Age provides ample compensation for all of these failings, but then saying this could simply be my reflex denial kicking in. I'm enjoying my dotage..Why growing older troubles people so much, I don't understand. It's totally cool being old. Really.