Getting Older Doesn't Mean Getting Old

Talk to an elderly individual (to most that means over 50 years old) about getting older and they will often say, "I don't  feel old until I look in the mirror" or "I feel in my mind that I am still young". Just because a person is advancing in years doesn't mean that a rocking chair and shawl awaits his/her fate. The movie, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel does a humorous but insightful portrayal of individuals navigating life in the latter years. The majority of the actors in this movie are in their seventies. There have been no nips and tucks performed to make the characters appear younger. Yet despite the natural physical signs of aging, these individuals exude a beauty and glow that transcend the mere superficial. The source of their appeal is an inner confidence, wisdom and a sense of freedom to be themselves. They no longer buy into society's pressure to look and act a certain way or to accumulate possessions in order to be happy. As you age, you realize that true happiness is a chose and it comes from within. Getting older still allows you to enjoy life - even more so because you understand that it is precious and fleeting. Getting older still brings new relationship jitters or new opportunities to learn or the continued desire to be loved and valued.

In the movie, there is a blending of younger and older generations and the benefits reaped because of that partnership are obvious- youthful enthusiasm, ambition and energy meets clarity, wisdom and gratitude.

I think Leon Eldred summed it up well when he said, "If I'd know that I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

With good health, a positive attitude and a continued curiosity about life, getting older never gets old.