Age and aging

... the value of aging is obvious... aging has the potential to bring greater worth to human life. It can add richness to life, ... enhance the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life by the same processes that cause decline of the physical body. Andrew Weil

I'm currently reading Andrew Weil's book Healthy Aging: A lifelong guide to your physical and spiritual well-being. It's one of those accidents where I went garage saleing and came across the book as part of a package. One year older I'm sort of feeling my age and not. I've dealt with 20 years of dental neglect and had 15 fillings replaced and a broken tooth finally removed. There is some residual pain as my mouth and teeth become mine again, also I've taken to grinding my teeth at night and a couple of lone molars are complaining a bit cos they're wobbling. I hurt my back a bit again but should recover relatively quickly.

It seems to me that we value youthfulness and vitality, making them both the same. But they're not. Weil seems to be suggesting that in fact vitality is enriched by good attitude and aging. I have 4 short weeks before she leaves for Korea and the future is unsure yet rooted in mutual commitment. She reminds me of my age and need for physical care but also my vitality and youthful attitudes. We're not so different and yet there is aging.

I need a purpose and in fact we all need a purpose or reason to face up to aging. William a friend from the UK, only a few years younger is cycling Lands End to John O'Groats (over 1000 miles) taking only ten days, starting on 27th May. That's way out of my range but it's for a cause and one of those rites of passage. If you'd like to donate to the hospice movement and William's cause there's a donation page here.

So what will I do? Well look after myself, take self-care more seriously and intentionally. Exercise, eat properly, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.