Time and Antiquity;the Value of Age

Abstract

Many cultures embrace the elderly; revering them as wise sources of experience and wisdom. In the United States however, youth, vitality and the ability to be independent are largely the greater prize. In our endless effort to retain all that embraces the attributes of younger generations, those who have grown older are often pushed aside; perceived as a hindrance and even an inconvenience. Our hectic lives often leave us feeling intolerant of those we once depended upon. This societal impatient attitude has aided in the ever growing production of retired communities and elderly housing where those who require assistance are cared for by paid staff. Once placed in these facilities, daily activity typically coupled with one’s earlier years often slip away and with it, wisdom and knowledge achieved through years of life experience are lost, not shared. Of course there are many situations where continual medical assistance in a controlled environment is necessary; however, there are also many competent souls longing to be included in the activity of life. Unfortunately group or convalescent homes are usually isolated from residential neighborhoods and the general population. Yet it is well documented that to maintain sound mind and body is to remain interactive. The visual deception of a body no longer capable can lead to the conclusion that the mind is of the same. In this process of removal and separation, knowledge, wisdom and years of experience are gathered under one roof with little chance of their valued information reaching younger generations. Of course there are also those folks in their later years who simply want to retreat from main stream society, lose their watch and get away from the hustle of the modern day clock. That’s a personal choice I wouldn’t challenge, but equally, there are many left isolated in a room, longing for interaction more often than the annual Girl Scout Christmas carolers visit. Rather than separating older populations, imagine elderly establishments incorporated into the fabric of youthful communities where both paid and volunteer job opportunities are readily accessible. Within mainstream society, older employees are often replaced by younger opportunities bearing ‘fresh ideas’ touting technical superiority. This often leads to a sense of uselessness followed by inactivity and deterioration. Yet older people sometimes acquire attributes that cannot be graded and framed, but can only be realized through time and experience. Patience and understanding of life’s struggles can be shared with the young and inexperienced. Older residence can become resources of assistance and insight through various job opportunities throughout the community. Local educational facilities may tap into their life skill talents to be shared with those wanting and needing to learn. Physical exercise associated with holding a job would naturally strengthen the body and mind. Studies on the oldest people living in various cultures throughout the world share a common denominator; daily work activity and social interaction carried on consistently just as they had in their youth. Integrating physical work and education stimulates the human state increasing longevity while sharing wisdom for younger generations preparing to embark on life. The benefit of integration over isolation is not only extended life, but the fact that they can contribute as active members in society offering an exchange of information for preceding generations. By interlacing generations a newfound respect may ensue, resulting in a ‘tightening of the infamous gap’ between young and old which can only enrich our society.