Old Age Is a Booger

Audio By Carbonatix

I say old age is a booger because sometimes people get crusty as they age and it can get messy. You have to be careful to pick your battles when dealing with problems associated with old age and it can sometimes stink. Not everyone grows old the same way, but everyone will grow old. It’s part of the package. Issues associated with old age are not only a big deal, they are also becoming big business. I’m not referring to the number of nursing and retirement homes springing up, but to the number of organizations that identify themselves as specializing in “age management” or “midlife management.” I think it’s in response to the demand from people who want to stay more active as they age.

As your parents move into those more mature years, you may find that they will need more of your help. You may need to assist them with everything from dealing with physical ailments to taking care of physical labor. Keep in mind that this phase can be emotionally difficult for them as they start to lose some of their independence. Most parents dread the thought that they will ever have to be a burden to their offspring. It feels unnatural for them to lean on their children. So as you begin to assist your parents, be empathetic in your approach, gentle in your spirit, and don’t forget to bring your patience to every situation.

This stage of family life is done for me as my parents and my wife’s parents have passed. But I have some tips for you as you navigate this stage of life with your own parents.

The first one is to be available. I lived more than ten hours from my parents, but they knew that I would drop everything at a moment’s notice and drive down to help them with a tough situation they were facing. Sometimes they would get anxious about their electric bill or how the grass was not getting mowed. There were times I actually drove down, mowed the lawn, and drove back the next day just to bring them peace.

Secondly, remember that aging is a natural part of life, which means that you will face this too. As you watch your parents transition into a new phase, you may start to dread all of the things that could be forthcoming in your own life. This may lead to you becoming just as anxious as your parents, which won’t help the situation. Instead, approach this stage with your parents positively and know that it will eventually pass, even though that will mean facing a significant loss. Remember, too, that your aging journey could look totally different from your parents. Perhaps your diligence in eating right or exercising regularly will mean that you will face fewer health issues.

Lastly, share this experience with your children and teach them about the different roles everyone plays within a family. Let your example of caregiving teach them how you hope to be cared for later on in your life. If your approach is resentful and disrespectful toward your parents, then that’s probably how your children will treat you.

Each stage in family life requires a certain amount of patience, understanding, and positivity. When you get frustrated with your parents, try to remember all the times you probably exasperated them while you moved through your own stages of growth.

Just like boogers, growing older is something that you can’t avoid, so choose to embrace it.