We all bemoan the effects of aging, such as aching joints,
sleep interrupted by trips to the bathroom, memory lapses, and diminished
energy. Why, then, do studies show that older people in general are happier
than younger people, with more positive emotions and fewer experiences of
depression, anxiety, and anger? Psychologist Laura Cartensen believes it is
because our perspective changes as we age and realize how finite our time in
the world is. St. Benedict understood this centuries ago and thus included the
following advice in his Rule: “Keep death ever before you.”
Something about being human requires limitation to bring out
the best in our art, our problem-solving, our creativity, and our approach to
life. Death is our greatest limitation, so it makes sense that awareness of our
mortality is a powerful tool for living a full and satisfying life.
Perhaps, then, instead of viewing our aging bodies with
regret, we should actually thank our
gray hairs and age spots and creaky knees for being a daily alarm clock that
awakens us to our limited time on earth. Then we can focus on what is most
important—being present to our sisters and brothers in the Body of Christ and
listening to what God is calling us to today—because tomorrow is not
guaranteed.
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