The psychologist explains how to welcome aging as a gift and cultivate a deep connection with oneself
Aging is, in fact, the intrinsic process of existence, a journey that transcends the mere passage of years. Often, when the term “aging” is mentioned, it is inevitable that the mind automatically associates characteristics such as gray hair, wrinkles, tiredness and the presence of diseases. However, it is essential to clarify the implicit meanings of the terms “aging” and “old age”, revealing the complexities and nuances of this unique chapter in the human journey.
OR aging It is a natural process, in which specific biopsychosocial changes occur, associated with the passage of time, and which can vary from person to person, determined both by internal factors and influenced by lifestyle, environmental characteristics and state of Health.
The term “old age” indicates a phase of biological life with psychological consequences, considering that some behaviors are identified as characteristics of old age. It has an existential dimension, which modifies the person’s relationship with time, generating changes in their relationships with the world and with their own history.
Biological age differs from chronological age
The term old age was used for a purely social and practical reason. In other words, in our Brazilian society, we consider individuals whose chronological age exceeds 60 to be elderly. This favors them in work matters, in the right to priority and exclusive service in banks, hospitals, collectives, etc.
However, this age does not constitute a watershed between youth and old age. We realize that individuals do not age the same; therefore, biological age cannot be correlated with chronological age.
The former follows a biological cycle involving stages of human evolution, such as birth, while the latter is an abstraction in which one attempts to gain control through simplistic classifications using numerical scales with the generalized vision of a “machine body”. According to the studies of Pedro Paulo Monteiro, the “machine body” is one “built” to perform a specific task: everything is fine if “the parts” work well.
Old age is not a bad thing
Such issues related to old age are not only limited to the biological process, but also to the psychosocial process. Is required “humanize” this phase of lifebring “light“ to the knowledge of that being “old“ It’s being someone who has a lot of life inside of them. Perhaps it’s because “old” is still a term with a pejorative meaning that so many refuse to make such a transition in a healthy way.
It’s still scary for some to read on the news that “So-and-so at 90 years old launches his 20th book at the National Academy of Letters”, for example, an action that we should face naturally if only our system wasn’t like that. exclusive and mutilating when it comes to issues related to old age.
Countless possibilities
We ask ourselves: who determined this? What is the code in which these statements are described? And the aggravating factor of all this is that these falsehoods can destroy the forces capable of giving meaning to life. Perhaps this is the greatest challenge of old age, the creation and maintenance of age sense of being.
Within this time (which belongs particularly to each individual) we find ourselves faced with life, which does not refer to the simple act of existing, but to the life that pulsates within us, which leads us towards different scenarios, to make choices, to smile , cry. Life full of possibilities.
Transcending means overcoming existential anxieties, and being able to look back on the years lived is a privilege, and reaching the top of the steep climb makes us victorious. For those for whom finitude appears ever closer and the feeling of “duty accomplished” can take away the strength to live, faith is a guarantee of healing and a force for existential mobility.
Growing old is a privilege that many do not have
Those who understand that growing old, as well as a life process, is also a privilege, experience maturity as a gift. You elderly They currently have a social, romantic and professional life that is very different from that of a few years ago.
Furthermore, in this age group the habit of practicing physical exercise has increased, guaranteeing a healthier life in general. Here is the message that, in the new year and with the new era, there must be this awareness, which allows us to continue life with strength, faith, joy!
By Erika Neves
Master’s student in Educational Sciences and clinical and educational psychologist
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
