To Thrive Without

“Time is the great leveler. It is one resource that is allocated in absolute egalitarian terms. Every living person has the same number of hours to use in every day. Busy people are not given a special bonus added on to the hours of the day. The clock plays no favorites.”  –R.C. Sproul, “Time Well Spent”

I have only read a portion of that quote until today, and previously was of the mind that it was talking about the inevitably of age and how we are all the same in it regardless of station and privilege.  Hmmm.
 
So as thoughts rolled around inside this empty head of mine, I became aware that I look towards the future with dread. What will become of me? Will I be tucked into one of those dark and dreary holes that meets the physical need but kills the spirit? Life-sucking life support ... no, thanks. 

I've seen the promised land. Places that intuitively help with the transitions and challenges of age. Beautifully appointed places that are nestled in the hills amid walking and bike trails that engage and embrace life and nature.

Transportation. Health maintenance. Nutrition. Socialization. A Health Center to dispense meds when needed; housekeepers and a kitchen for meals; classes on technology, nutrition and travel; transportation to medical appointments, beauty and grocery trips; a gym, a pool, a woodshop. I'm not naive enough to think it isn't about money.  

But .  There is a gentleness in the way each of the residents approaches age and aging, a dignity and respect for the scooters and walkers and wicked coughs. There is patience and enthusiasm for every day.  One could argue that the residents can afford to be that way considering the cost. But we know enough about the Rich and Famous to know that manners and money aren't inevitable companions.

Simply put, they have solved the biggest concerns as we age and at the same time encouraging independence as long as possible. There is a safety and readiness test each year to stay, and onsite options to transition to assisted living.

That structure frees them to focus on other things. They are confident and relaxed, more self sufficient and engaged. They dress for dinner on Thursday nights and enjoy Bocce ball tournaments. And linger just outside the diningroom to share lively, upbeat stories and warm smiles before heading in to meet their dinner companions. Age is celebrated and understood.

To unburden the day-to-day worries with a little innovation and contingency planning, now that's the ticket! A population who is elsewhere cast aside becomes a sustainable resource here. And from that philosophical environmental opportunity springs trips around the world and best sellers and active participation on committees that oversee the facility expenses and upkeep.

Purpose is translatable. A fat wallet isn't a necessity to implement the philosophy of value and respect. Gimme a plot of land where a garden walks its way to the table and a courtyard for pets to sleep in the sun; close-in to town and conveniences; a place to really open up that golf cart to 22 miles an hour; and brim it with people who want to work and share and live for the future instead of the past.  And I guarantee the days of the training crate will be numbered.

Grow old along with me!

The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made:

        --Robert Browning, Rabbi Ben Ezra