Aging is a Great Blessing
People are more worried about aging. They want to be young forever. But the evening of life is really a great blessing.
Aging is not a curse, it is a blessing
Aging is a blessing. Aging is a natural process. As the saying goes, "Old wood is best to burn; old friends best to trust; old wine best to drink; old authors best to read," the wisdom that is gained by aging is the guiding star of future. Aging is associated with wisdom and the elders pass on their wisdom to successive generations. Hence one need not fear about aging.
The paradox of aging
Healthy aging means aging not only in biological conditions, but also growing younger and energetic in mind. We have seen a lot of old people running about cheerfully carrying out tremendous works. How is it possible? It is because their mind is young and active, though physically they may appear wrinkled and invalid. It is the natural phenomenon that makes the skin of the body wrinkle, body functions totter and diseases invade trying to cripple body and mind. But if one tries to keep himself cheerful and busy, he can keep his mind and soul young and active. This is the paradox of aging.
Gerontology, the study of aging, is a relatively new science that is making incredible progress during the recent years. Scientists look at aging in two angles: first aging as a natural process in the body and secondly aging as a result of damage which is accumulated over time. They have found out that aging is a complex interaction of genetics, chemistry, physiology and behavior.
To a common man the concept of aging is a process that means declining health, muscle loss, increased body fat, decreased energy, low sex drive and foggy thinking.
The causes of aging
1) Process of body cells
Aging does not mean only the age above sixty. Actually aging begins at conception. A human life begins at the very moment of conception when the embryo is formed. Cells begin to multiply and growth of the body starts. But after certain time these production of cells begins to diminish and the body moves towards
2) Biochemical changes in the body
The body is continually undergoing many complex biochemical reactions which cause damage and, ultimately, aging in the body. For example, excess sugars in the blood stream can cause protein molecules to literally stick together and damage cells.
3) Hormone secretion reduced
The hormones in the body change as we age, causing many shifts in organ systems and other functions. They cause changes at every stage of human life, including causing susceptibility to diseases.
4) Decline in the immune system
Weakening of the body systems causes various problems. The cells take longer time to replenish in older people and their ability to function declines as the immune system also becomes weaker due to aging.
5) Lifestyle changes
Life style change, such as lack of exercises, more sedentary life, emotional imbalance, etc. causes much damage in old age. Modern TV and computer
6) Diet in aging
Diet plays a vital role in aging. Free radicals are said to be the causes of aging. They are like rust of the body. Lack of antioxidants in diet causes damage through free radicals. Hence people have to be more careful about their diet.
7) Emotional causes
Depression, fear about future, anger, worries, and other negative feelings and emotions make aging problematic.
8) Health hazards in the environment quicken aging
Health hazards in the environment such as pollution, tobacco smoke, radiation and some chemicals emit extreme toxin substances contaminating the nature. Alcohol and drugs, including some medicines taken for diseases, also are dangerous health hazards. These health hazards quicken aging.
Welcome the evening of life with a smile
Aging is an inevitable part of life. Everyone should welcome it with a smile and spend it cheerfully. As Rabbi Hara E. Person of Massachusetts says, "Old age is a Sabbath of life. Let us change our concept of the cycle of life, and allow for a Sabbath at the end. These years, too, are part of human existence, created in the image of God. Becoming a great-grandparent, celebrating a ninetieth birthday, witnessing the productive adulthood of grandchildren, let us spend this Sabbath cheerfully."