“I always loved swimming. In the sea or in a pool – my dad taught me to swim when I was eight. It relaxes me, makes me feel active. It is a part of who I am.
When I was 11, I won my first swimming medal. Then another came and several others followed, but regardless of whether it was gold, silver or bronze, swimming is my true love. I put on my swimming cap, I dive into the pool and I am overcome with joy. In those moments, I know it is something I will be doing until the end of my life. But several days ago something happened that hurt me and made me wonder if I may be mistaken, if perhaps the time has come for me to quit swimming.
I was swimming in a pool, many people were around me and among them were two boys. They were about 11 – the same age I was when I won my first medal. Their laughter caught my attention, but then I saw them pointing me out to their friends, saying “look, the old hag is swimming!” God, as if I was an alien. I felt ashamed doing what I love, something I should never be ashamed to do.
Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you my age. I am 77. But I swim the same as when I was 11, 21, 41 or 61. Why is it that sometimes, younger people, and occasionally older people too, think that older women should not be swimming? Perhaps they think our age makes us unfit to get in a pool? That, because we are older ladies, we may have never learned how to swim or that we have forgotten after all these years? Is this their ignorance speaking, or is it a mentality that tends to be negative towards ageing and older age? Do they not understand that ageing does not have to be negative? That in many cases it is, on the contrary, positive?
I look at these kids and think: I was like them once, I was 11, I was rascally and full of life. And I stayed the same. I am not 11, I am 77 now. But today, as always, when I dive into the pool I feel wonderful. Sure, I wear this funny cap on my head, but this doesn’t take away from how much I enjoy swimming, and it helps me stay physically active. And they should appreciate watching a granny take a dip! Swimming is not a privilege granted to you only when you’re young, I’ll teach them that much”. (From a private blog: Author – Natasha Todorovic)
Most people tend to associate purpose in life with factors such as experience, wisdom, and maturity, all of which are found in old age. However, the truth of the matter is that there is still a considerable amount of people who feel less and less purposeful as they age. While maintaining high levels of purpose can be a daunting task for the senior citizens, various studies and publications have established that it is one of the defining features for overall health and longevity.
What can seniors do to help increase their sense of purpose?
- Be Part of Enjoyable Activities
Nothing gives you a purpose than doing something that you enjoy. Try to encourage yourself to engage in things that can get you out of bed without any struggles. Depending on your existing condition, you can participate in gardening, painting, ballroom dancing, or even baking.
- Staying Socially Active
One thing that is known for making seniors lose their sense of purpose is loneliness. When one gets older, you start detaching from your friends, families, and acquaintances. Although you might be living in different parts of the world with your children, you can find new meaning in life by being in touch. Spend valuable time with family and friends if you want to find life worth living.
- Create New Things
The human ability to bring forth new things can bring a pivotal sense of purpose and meaning. Therefore, it would help if you were to unleash your creativity, whether in music, sports, arts, or writing. Also, please use these skills to train others.
- Change Your Routine
One thing that can make your life lose meaning is engaging in unfulfilling activity routinely. If you find that you are not happy and motivated to do what you have been doing for weeks or months, it is time to alter your routine and create a pattern that brings satisfaction. Conversely, it is critical to ensure that you do not stay without doing anything. Being part of new activities daily can unlock a more profound sense of purpose and meaning.
- Explore and Travel
For those without physical and financial limitations, traveling and exploring can expand your mind and give your life a new meaning. If there are places in your bucket list that you have not visited, now is the best time. Make sure you explore different cultures, cuisines, music, and learn about various religions. All these meaningful experiences can broaden your horizon and enrich your inner life, thereby giving a new sense of purpose.
- Cultivate the Curiosity to Learn New Things
Have you been planning to learn a new skill or educate yourself about a given item? You are never too old to learn something new. If you wake up every day with an urge to educate yourself, you will always find life worth living.
Dear Family: Sit down with the seniors in your lives, identify their areas of interest, and help them to explore or participate in such initiatives. You can help them enrol in classes, encourage them to join a group, buy them books, or even show them how to access learning resources from the internet. Constant improvement through learning can give seniors a purpose and you will see their quality of life improves dramatically.
Remember, “Ageing is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan
