There’s an old saying that ‘old is gold’ but is everything that glitters gold? Looking at the rate at which most people are fighting hard to stay young, I would say no. My answer is supported by analysis over the years of the things and values which are attributed to being “old”. Old age goes hand in hand with values such as, “no fun”, “unfashionable”, “irritable” and “weak”.
There’s an old saying that ‘old is gold’ but is everything that glitters gold? Looking at the rate at which most people are fighting hard to stay young, I would say no. ]My answer is supported by analysis over the years of the things and values which are attributed to being "old”. Old age goes hand in hand with values such as, "no fun”, "unfashionable”, "irritable” and "weak”.
Gerontophobia is the term that describes the fear of old age and it actually has two separate but similar meanings. The first is to have an unnatural fear of aging and the second is, to fear those who are already old.
Today, there are a lot of older people deciding to date younger people, because they realize that their options of having fun with their age mates are getting slimmer by the day. These aging guys feel young once they are in the company of young people since youth are said to be fun and friendly.
However, it is believed that the hardening of the heart ages people quicker than the hardening of the arteries. Studies have also shown that, when they fill their hearts with fun, laughter, love and kindness, the elderly fill their hearts with the elixir of life. This could be connected to why so many youth struggle to disassociate themselves with age.
Some people most especially women; have taken it further by lying about their age just to keep within this bracket of young people.
When asked how old they are, they will answer that ‘the secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.’ They always emphasize the last one.
Basing on the way events are unfolding, the principal that old people are unfashionable seems to be Neanderthal. Today’s aging generation truly regards fashion as their favorite art and discipline.
On a daily basis I come across old men and women in faded jeans, old women in matching shoes and bag. Unlike some unfashionable youth, these old folks hardly wear three colors at once. They buy fashion magazines and will even surf the internet to know the latest fashion trends, to get in touch with youthfulness.
Ironically, the fear of old age makes one older and the fear of death hastens death—there is a good reason for old people to change their attitude. Since we have limited resources, shouldn’t we be using them wisely? Our most precious resource is time, which is synonymous with life.
If old people spend time complaining about growing old, isn’t that a misallocation of limited resources? Isn’t time spent unhappily, time misspent? The secret of life is not about enjoying the present moment, but about enjoying every moment of life.
We should take it upon ourselves to embrace the company of old people because they miss being young and they are constantly fighting to stay young.