So why should anyone care about reading an octogenarian’s comments on the experience of aging in later life? Because most people have not had that actual experience, and many curiously wonder what it would be like. Understanding those who go through later-life aging should be taken at least as seriously as understanding any other group with whom a person is likely to interact on their journey through the universe of ‘others’. 

I decided to share my experience of encountering the later years because it is a first-hand account, not just another geriatric study or an article by some psychologist who views the subject from a vantage point other than the actual experiencing of it. My personal account may not be similar to the experience of others, but some of the main points hit upon are, I am sure, typical of those who are in their later-life years, including both men and women of any stripe.

The process of later-life aging is purposeful; it represents the final result of the energy spent on learning and developing the Self over several decades. It is the fruition of the time spent as an integral part of the natural process taking place in the Universe. The sense of being the ‘end result’ or the ‘product’ of personal actions is naggingly persistent.  One is no longer involved in the process of the journey. Now begins the assessment of the value of the destination that the spent energy was working toward. Did the end justify the means? Did the joy and achievements outweigh the pain, suffering, and frustrations? Did the benefits justify the cost? 

Positive and negative emotions are no longer intense and free-wheeling. Now they are refined and smoothed over, sometimes tentative and guarded. Ideas and beliefs are no longer immediate and clear. Now, after closer examination, they are usually vague and puzzling, sometimes causing uncertainty and anxiety. Values once held are no longer unquestioned and foundational. Now they can be seen for what they are -- as changing, relative, and far from being absolute.

Confidence, ego-strengthening, and goal-focused striving are no longer as urgently important. Now, comfort, security, and health concerns take priority over everything else. Close personal interactions were once rewarding, valued, and sought after. Now, they are seen as less necessary or less fulfilling, and sometimes even intentionally avoided to reduce stress and enjoy the comfort and safety of being left alone. The all-important worldview, which was once held with strong convictions and clear perceptions, now seems less unquestionable, recognized as just one among many, each carrying equal weight and validity.

The ego often reflects on itself, questioning the importance it once held. Now, the ego gives way to a growing sense of spiritual ‘urgency’ that gently and gradually dissolves it, promoting peaceful clarity and a comforting sense of hope. Recognizing oneself as a living, conscious being with a soul overwhelms one and encourages belief in a realm beyond the limited ability of the five senses. That realm seems to beckon the soul to come home once again to enjoy peace and comfort.

The idea of ‘being old’ begins to fade away as a meaningless string of words. The reality is that a new kind of undistracted understanding has been created from the history of what has come before. A new entity has emerged from the ongoing process of enduring life’s relentless pressures and challenges, an entity that now glimpses the eternal truths that underlie existence. Everything else becomes insignificant. The final reward has been earned. The aging process is nearing its completion, has fulfilled its purpose, and warmly offers its reward.