While in a neighbouring country for a workshop, I visited a convent where I knew a few nuns. The superior of the community told me, “You must visit the youngest member of our community.” I was taken to an upstairs room where I met Sister Mary (name changed). She had a beaming smile and her entire face had a glow of joy which lit up the room. She engaged me in pleasant conversation. She was ninety-seven years young! She had been lying in bed for a few months now. To move anywhere, she had to be helped on to a wheelchair. Despite her condition, she appeared so happy and fulfilled. She had the ability to make others happy. I said to myself, “That’s what it means to age gracefully!” My encounter with Sister Mary happened more than twenty years ago. But the image of the beaming, joyful sister who had aged so gracefully remains an inedible and delightful memory. There are countless others like Sister Mary who have been able to age gracefully, despite many setbacks and limitations.
Post midlife-years can be difficult for a variety of reasons. The slowing down of metabolism and weakening immune system can lead to disabilities and illness. Loss of hearing, impaired vision, and limited motor agility can be particularly frustrating. There can be lack of feelings of self-efficacy for a variety of reasons. The negative attitudes expressed by family/community members, colleagues, and younger people toward the incompetence, dependence, or old-fashioned ways of older people can lead many of them to feel discouraged and doubt their self-worth. Despite these challenges, it is possible to age gracefully.
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Fr Jose Parappully SDB
