As we age, our physical bodies change, our mental faculties may decline, and our memories of past experiences accumulate. For many, the thought of growing old can be daunting, as they imagine a life full of limitations and regrets. But what if I told you that aging doesn’t have to be a negative experience? What if I told you that the person you are inside, your spirit, your soul, remains the same, regardless of your age?
I once asked an elderly man what it was like to be old and to know that the majority of his life was behind him. His response surprised me. He said that he had been the same age his entire life. He explained that the voice inside of his head had never aged. He had always just been the same boy, his mother’s son. He had always wondered when he would grow up and be an old man. He said he watched his body age and his faculties dull, but the person he is inside never got tired, never aged, and never changed.
This man’s perspective on aging is powerful. It reminds us that our spirits are eternal and that our souls are forever. The person we are inside remains the same, no matter how old we get or what changes occur in our bodies. Our true selves are not defined by our wrinkles, our gray hair, or our physical limitations. Rather, our essence is shaped by our experiences, our values, and our relationships with others.
As I reflect on this elderly man’s words, I am reminded of the importance of looking beyond someone’s age and seeing them for who they truly are. When we encounter an elderly person, it is easy to make assumptions about their abilities and interests based on their age. But the truth is, they are still a child, just as we are still a child. Children will always need love, attention, and purpose, regardless of their age.
So the next time you encounter an elderly person, take a moment to look beyond their wrinkles and see the child inside. Show them love and attention, engage in meaningful conversation, and help them find purpose in their daily lives. And remember, we are all still children at heart, regardless of our age.