Age is in the mind

Working in cardiology at the local hospital, as I did several years ago, I came across many patients in different age groups and with a huge variety of medical problems.

Of course each patient had to be treated differently according to their physical and mental health, however I was struck how some people in their 80’s or even 90’s had the physical energy of those twenty years younger, and also that some in their fifties or sixties had the decrepitude of someone 30 years their senior.

I came across “young” 90 year olds and “old” sixty years olds, and often the factor that differentiated them was their mental outlook on life. Frail looking 90 year ladies, born soon after the first world war, would be remarkably active and alert. By and large they enjoyed life, had a ready laugh and a discernable twinkle in their eye.

Of course many people, unfortunately, contract a disease or ailment that can dampen even the most positive of spirits over time - I imagine constant arthritic pain could wear away any desire for life, for example, however those who are lucky to remain reasonably healthy, alert and mentally positive, can enjoy an active and enjoyable lifestyle in their later years.

Why am I saying all this now?

Well, one of my wife’s relatives has always been young for her age and I’ve never really accepted that she is in fact 85, as she has the disposition of someone twenty years younger.

That was until very recently, as she has now been told that she needs a reasonably simple operation. This realisation that something is wrong seems to be playing on her mind. She has become a bit introspective and quiet and has mentioned the phrase “if I live until Christmas” several times. Her lightness of spirit is somehow diminished and I can now see her as she is - an 85 year old lady with a medical condition.

She has suddenly become an old lady and I now fear for her future.

Add comment September 4th, 2006 Written By: chris