Wise Old Age-

 

A former journalist gives the readers of the Catholic Times some help in living with wisdom in old age.

You have barely finished the first half of your life, and the second half remains. He recommends that you try to work with youthful energy befitting your age. 

 

"Christians seem to be happy in their old age if they keep the Ten Commandments." Pre-seniors  these days  are called 'young seniors', and also called 'active seniors' because they are as active as young people.

 

A few days ago, he posted a short "old age aphorism" in a Catholic media chat room, and various reactions poured in. The aphorism was '5 yeses and 5 noes'  (refers to 「What to do and what not to do」) by the late professor of folklore. It was an exhortation to 'be calm, generous, informed, think, and move' while staying away from 'nagging, anger, drowsiness, obsession, and dwelling on the past'.

 

Above all, the hearts of seniors who cared for juniors who were far away until the age of 65, which is the standard for seniors under the Elderly Welfare Act, were not recognized; nor did they seem to like the word old.  We are after all in the "100-year-old era", we are reluctant to readily admit aging. Even if we care not to refer to old age we can and should talk about generations.

 

It just so happens that today is the third "World Grandparents' Day". Established by Pope Francis when COVID-19 broke out in 2021, the church is always with the elderly. The pope reminded the elderly of their calling, namely, "protecting roots, transferring faith to young people, and taking care of small people." This year, the day coincides with the Lisbon World Youth Congress, which will be held from August 1 to 6. The pope stressed that the two generations of the elderly, grandparents, and young people share friendship of life and faith, mutual gifts and gratitude, and testimony of hope and sharing of love.
 

There are only three years left  before Korea becomes a the super-aged society (more than 20% of the total population aged 65 or older). However, the Korean Catholic Church has already entered the super-aged church (23% of believers aged 65 or older) two years ago. Therefore, the church's interest and support for senior affairs cannot be overemphasized.
 

How can the life of the elderly be slow when the elderly can ride free on the subway? One of Catholicism  leading spiritual teachers of this era, saw that aging requires several virtues: calmness, patience, warmth, freedom, gratitude, and love.  

 

First of all, he hopes you continue to do what you like or do well. Our writer walks barefoot these days. Walking for nearly an hour in the mountains of the neighborhood he feels improves his physical condition, he  feels at one with the dirt road. Nearly half of the people you meet in the mountain are barefoot. Also, why don't you find your specialty and make it your routine. Personally, he has three pleasures: reading, writing, and walking, are the irreplaceable pleasures.
 

A former MBC producer, recommends three attitudes. Not to argue, not to be upset about trivial things, and be with your friends when they gather. "○○○, please listen with your earphones on." This is what a young nurse said to a patient in his late 60s. He was watching YouTube while raising the volume on his cell phone in a five-bed room hospital ward. Such an ugly scene is often seen on the subway. We support the wise old age, which teaches rich experiences, protects public morality, and we don't hear: "kkondae" (an older persons who believes he is always right  and you are always wrong).