I’m Not Aging Gracefully

Written by Lorena Estep

This article is courtesy of Mature Living.

"Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life" (Job 12:12, Holman Christian Standard Bible).

"They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green" (Ps. 92:14, HCSB).

Nearing retirement age, I began battling the aging process in every way possible. I did not mind getting older; I just didn't want to look older. Trying to find the positive side, I would read Scriptures and think: OK, I can deal with the wisdom and understanding part. Those are good points. In Psalm 92:14 it sounds good to still bring forth fruit in old age. But why did the King James Version use the word fat?

When I was in my 20s and 30s, I struggled to control my weight; but from middle age on, doing so became a Herculean effort. Each new fad diet worked for awhile, especially the popular low-carb, high-protein diet. Then I began to dislike meat and crave carbs — especially the sugary ones with lots of icing.

Reaching the age where I was considered a senior citizen in some places and not others, I found I would rather pay full price than admit being in the senior-discount age bracket — unless there was a significant difference in cost.

I had my first rude awakening while shopping in a department store with my husband.

"I'm going to the snack bar for a cup of coffee," he said.

"OK, Sweetie," I replied. "I'll be there in a few minutes to join you." I shopped a little longer, then went to stand in line for a cup of tea.

"That will be 25 cents," the young girl at the cash register said.

Surprised, I asked, "Why is it so cheap? Are you having a special?"

"No, that's the senior-citizen rate," she explained.

The feelings that ripped through me were hard to describe: a combination of mortification, indignation, and anger that was like a slap in the face. Of course, being a very determined person, I couldn't let it alone.

"How do you decide if someone is a senior citizen?" I had to ask.

"I just look at them; and if they look old, I give it to them."

I stared at her in icy disbelief as she stood there in all her youthful glory, smiling so guilelessly. I grabbed my tea and stomped over to my husband. "How much was your coffee?" I asked in a snappish tone.

"It was 25 cents,” he answered innocently, taking a sip.

I set my tea down with a thud and plopped in the chair beside him. "Well, that's because you look old," I informed him.

"No it isn't. It's just a special sale."

"That's not what I was told. The girl said that's the senior discount; and if someone looks old, she gives it to them!"

That was my mortifying initiation into "seniorhood." Unfortunately, I haven't gotten any younger looking, no matter how many different kinds of facial exercises or creams I try. Nor have I hardened to the offense of receiving the discount without asking for it.

Occasionally there is the upside when someone thinks I'm younger than I am. Recently, I was shopping with my 4-year-old granddaughter and 10-year-old grandson. The man who waited on us referred to me as their mother. My smile was wide, and I didn't bother to correct him.

When we left the store, I said to my grandson, "He thought I was your mother." I was still smiling.

Giving me an indignant look, my grandson said, "I know. I was rather insulted." Then he laughed, and Grandma still had enough pizzazz to chase him through the mall.

The Lord has been dealing with me on a lot of issues lately, mainly that only what is done with eternal value in mind is important. That puts my vain thoughts about aging in proper perspective.

The Lord has carried me this far, through many trials and tribulations. Isaiah 46:4 assures me He'll carry me the rest of the way straight into heaven.

Lorena Estep is a retired social worker in Tyrone, Penn. She enjoys writing and caring for her theme garden.

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