Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? –Job 12:12
Too often, we relegate elderly folks to the corners of our society. They become marginalized, most likely because they don’t have the health and energy to engage as much as they used to in our everyday activities. They often have a hard time even hearing well in conversations. Yet, they hold a wealth of wisdom that they’ve gained throughout their lifetimes that we would be wise to tap into.
Dr. Kerry Burnight, who is an expert in the field of geriatrics tells some things that I found particularly fascinating. As people age, their brains change. Dr. Burnight explained that these changes bring about a great period of enhanced creativity, problem-solving, spirituality and even humor. There is a reduction in the sense of ego as people age, which allows an opportunity to draw closer to loved ones and God. So, while the abilities to “have” and “do” decline as people grow older, their sense of “being” is enlarged.
Studies of the elderly have been done where they are asked what they would have done differently in their lives.
Their top three answers make a lot of sense:
- Worry less. Eighty percent of the things we worry about will never happen. Ten percent of worries are of things we can’t do anything about and only that final ten percent are valid worries.
- Enjoy family more. When it comes down to it, what really matters is our family relationships. The only thing that matters more is our relationship with God.
- Invest more time in things that matter eternally. It’s interesting that it sometimes takes until the end of our life to appreciate the eternal perspective. Maybe we could learn from our elder generation and begin the legacy process sooner.
Don’t wait to take advantage of their insight. We can work on these areas now to the benefit of ourselves and our families. The wisdom of the aged…is pretty wise!
Blessings,
Thora
I love this Thora! Some of the greatest relationships in my life have been with older people. Whether it’s been my grandparents or mother, mother in law etc., they have been a tremendous part of my life.
Thanks for sharing on a subject that we don’t see enough of, the positive side of aging.
Loved this article Thora. When I was young, my maternal grandmother lived with me with an Irish accent and sparkly blue eyes, long white hair! She taught me how to bake bread. She taught me that if you knead the dough until it squeaks, you will have the best texture. I was in awe of this woman, who was the Matriarch of our Clan. I used to sit at her feet on the porch and let her brush my curly hair until it shone. I loved her fiercely and she is the one who taught me to love even those people who are unlovable, she taught me persistence and gave me the yearning for learning that I still have to this day. Her name was Nora Cunningham Masterson.
This is great perspective to cherish the now – my father passed 14 years ago and my mother, God bless her, is direct reflection of what you’ve described here. As much as I rebelled against her when I was younger, she did always know best! Thanks for the reminder to love her even more tenderly now.