JUST PHILOSOPHISING - ON BEING OLD. THE END ...

It is true that, to some extent, like childhood in developed and developing and lesser developed countries around the world. 

'Old age' and becoming old has become less static and more elasticated. 

The perception of 'being old' has become more informed by economics and social changes. 

Even though our bodies continue to bear irrefutable 'proof' of our ageing. As does the efficiency of our mental faculties.

We could see 'becoming old' as a process, which, of course, is a gradual one. 

A process which, depending on the peculiarities of the forces of production, distribution and supply and demand, and the personal circumstances of each person.  

Will influence when the majority of working men and women exit the workforce.

Growing old is not a process in which only time and fate, as it were, do things to us. Such as adversely impacting our physiology and our spirit, as if it desires to drag us down. 

Back into the earth from which we evolve. As if the earth was a mother eager to welcome back home her long lost son or daughter. Growing old is and ought to be an interactive process. 

One in which us who are growing old interacts with the process and endeavour to influence it. 

Not just by undertaking 'plastic surgery' to try to repair the relentless assault of time. But one which we learn from and manage and learn to embrace.

Just as how a child grows up and is nurtured and prepared for the responsibilities, obligations and privileges of adulthood. 

So, also, are those who are blessed and/or cursed to reach and navigate the journey of having attained 'olditude.' 

Should also prepare themselves/ourselves, for the inevitable drop into the abyss of end of life, which being old leads to.

Reassuring ourselves, if we need to do so, that, it really is not a matter of whether we are pushed or jump into the abyss of our own or others accord. Since we must all fall in. 

But rather of how we leave, and whether those whose journey of life is not yet at an end, will have benefited some from our time upon the earth.

Live your life as fully and non-destructively as you are able to, and try to avoid having any or too many regrets as and when it comes to a close, and you must make space for others to embark on the journey of life.