What’s wrong with growing old? (Part 1)

If you continue to live, you will get older, but we all define aging differently.

For some it’s doing everything they can to look young from dying their hair, injecting their skin, getting a tummy tuck or face lift, to even acting hip (sometimes it can be embarrassing – haha!). For others, it’s letting everything show - the wrinkles, the white hair, the effects of gravity and a sedentary life (muffin tops and protruding bellies – you name it).

For others, it may be somewhere in between.

I have heard many of my patients, including my father, tell me to never get old. If what people are referring to old by is getting weak, frail and demented - I completely agree with them. But what if this means getting stronger, wiser, more resilient and self-determined?

Of course, there are things I miss about my youth including my ability to sleep soundly and fall asleep at the drop of a hat, not to mention being admired for my youthful beauty.

But as I get older, I’m finding myself looking forward to growing UP - and becoming more confident and comfortable in my own skin. 

As everyone knows, your body changes and I’ve come to learn that maturity is not something to dread, but instead something to embrace and appreciate.

But, Dr. Gold how can you look at it that way?

Simply think of the alternative.

Perspective is everything. 

There are people in this world who will unfortunately not make it to today.

If you are reading this, you have. Let’s be reminded of each day’s gift - how blessed you are to be here - above ground, witnessing how life can unfold, and embracing all that life has to offer.

Look how far we’ve come.

Cars, for example have dramatically transformed (depending on your age) from buggies to luxury cars that can now drive themselves – it’s unbelievable really! A device that fits in the palm of your hand has more capacity today, than a large computer from the 1950s.

It goes to show you that tomorrow’s possibilities are endless and gives you something to look forward to.

Climbing the ladder of life is not something to fear, but to celebrate. Do not equate it with frailty and weakness. Instead know that you can become strong if you work for it. You possess unique gifts that only YOU can offer in this world. Offer them and be the best YOU, you can be – “because everyone else is taken” Oscar Wilde.