Growing Older Without Growing Old

The great conundrum of aging: we want to live to a ripe old age, but we don't want to become "old" in the process. While we pray for a long life and the good health to enjoy it, we are mindful of King David's plea to the Almighty: “Do not cast me off in time of old age; when my strength fails, forsake me not.” (Psalms 71:9)

As we grow older, the ultimate question facing us is not how long we live, but how well we live. In the words of Adlai Stevenson: “It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts.” So how do we grow older without getting old? By making the rest of our lives the best of our lives!

Here are some secrets of aging from the Jewish tradition:

Aging is saging!
The Hebrew word for elder—zaken—is an acronym for one who has acquired wisdom. Learning is a lifelong experience. When we stop learning—not just book learning but gleaning from the wisdom and life experience of others—we stop living life to the fullest. But, as long as we are still learning, we nurture the inquisitive child within us…and, we remain forever young.

Life begins at 80!
It’s hard to believe, but Moses was 80 when he assumed leadership of the children of Israel at the burning bush. Until he died at the proverbial age of 120, he led millions of people out of Egypt, through the desert, to the border of the promised land.

We often think of retirement as the end of an active lifestyle, transitioning to a passive spectator who seeks to enjoy the fruits of a productive life. Yet, some of our greatest political, corporate and religious leaders have made significant contributions well into their 80s and beyond. Live your dreams: share the wisdom of your lifelong experience with others. Be active! Be productive and purposeful every day of your life!

Live each day and savor it!
“Now Abraham was old, well on in years and God blessed Abraham with everything.” (Genesis 24:1)

The commentators note that Abraham didn't measure his age by the years of his life. Abraham "came into his days," counting every day and making each day count. Abraham lived fully in the moment—in God's presence, with the love of his family and friends. He was truly blessed "with everything."

Over the years, I have met seniors who spent so much time living in the past or worrying about the future, they didn’t truly appreciate the precious moments of the present.

Eleanor Roosevelt summed it up best:
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift, that's why we call it—the present!"

By Rabbi Zev Schostak
Rabbi Schostak is the Director of Pastoral Care at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack.

To learn more about Gurwin's family of healthcare services, visit our website at www.gurwin.org. You may also contact Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at (631) 715-2000, or by email at info@gurwin.org.