The Stunning Surprise of Age—and the Overwhelming Gratitude That Comes Along With It - Martha Beck

Aging joyfully isn’t a new concept, nor is it a marketing scheme; it’s just a trend in human nature. According to a 2011 Gallup survey, people’s sense of well-being was the highest in childhood and old age.

Many older individuals feel a greater sense of freedom with age, inviting them to chase their truest selves, and leave the unimportant angst behind. In a culture where angst seems to prevail, and young people face uncertain futures, aging with joy is a radical act of humanity. And the conversation is changing to reflect this.

The fear of aging is an ironic (and very Western) concern, seeing as aging and dying are the only things all humans have in common. In many cultures, old age is an irreverent status, as elders offer invaluable wisdom and acumen.

Getting older is a relentless process of paring down. Getting older is an exercise in letting go. Let go of anger: “I’m at the age now where you just—you’ll die.” Let go of fitting in, of going up to Rao’s with important people. Let go of other people’s opinions: “That doesn’t mean you don’t take advice and you don’t discuss and argue, but at a cer... See more