In traditional India, senior citizens are expected to become
dependent upon other family members. But life inside a bubble can be stifling. It
tells on their sociability, their mental wellbeing. Under lockdown have not we all
found that out? Many elders like me, would like to remain useful to themselves
and to others in the years of life remaining.
Starting something new, be it in a career or a fitness
programme, can be terrifying when you are older. It seems safer not to step outside
the comfort zone and explore. Like penguins. They are superb swimmers, yet they
teeter on the edge of the cliff to keep from plunging into the icy, deep blue…The
point is the first step out into the unknown is the hardest. And the most
crucial.
At 60+, I thought to embark upon a new career. But, in
attempting to suit action to thought, my feet felt as if they were made of
lead. I felt as penguins peering over the edge do - spirit unwilling!
Truth to tell, it is hard to step beyond lifetime learning
and experience. I smile when I come across folks that cannot imagine beyond
“the way things were” for them at a certain point in time. There is no turning
back. Indeed, the ego, the executor of our will, can become the stumbling block
to going forward. The young welcome change, the elders abhor it.
The young are unaware of passing time, because their life
stretches in front of them. In older age, one is overly conscious of it, and
fill with anxiety when things do not fall into place quickly. Youth thrives on
negativity; older people shy away from it.
The learning curve, in any avenue, has its own trajectory.
It flatlines for a long, long time, then suddenly rears up. I had to unlearn many
assumptions, to be ready for change. My mind needed to be clear of fears and
distractions.
When we have been through a lifetime of challenges, we are
scarred. But we are capable of facing up to adversity. Our soft skills -
learning from others, implementing knowledge, active listening, collaboration -
help us to adapt to situations. Our attitude can be as tenacious, as unwavering
as before, if we keep on purposeful action. And trust that we will succeed
again, achieve again, though differently. Older penguins don’t need to learn to
swim again, they need new purpose to step off the cliff.
Even if the pathway appears to lead nowhere? “…the struggles
along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,” exhorts “Black
Panther” Chadwick Boseman, “As you commence to your paths, press on with pride
and press on with purpose.”
Get started today. Plan to achieve a new level of Fitness. Or
explore a new career in Health & Wellness, helping others to take care of
themselves. Send me a message. I can help.
Jharna Sengupta Biswas, Health Coach