The sky gets dark …..slowly!

As the title says, sunset precedes darkness. However, the reference here is to a person’s final years of life. A post shared on social media with the aforementioned phrase triggered my thoughts.

The term “senior” refers to people over the age of 60.  An age when physical, mental, and emotional issues crop up. In today’s environment, effortlessly unlearning and enthusiasim to learn is imperative. Being fit is essential. However, one never knows when this aspect of our lives will change lanes and leave us seeking assistance, looking for a lift. The first constructive step is to psychologically prepare for the situation. Yes, it is definitely different for everyone, but it has to happen and this fact must finally be accepted.

Hoping to reach milestones after this age (60 years) in good health is reason to celebrate. However, it is during this time that one misses a spouse, if widowed, or misses agility, if unwell, as well as the freedom to do as one pleases when finances require digging, and most importantly, one misses the vitality and energy to fly with no concern in the world

Family, particularly children who grow up to become parents of their parents, ensure they are cared for as if they were children. A role reversal of sorts. Monitoring diets, lectures on navigating today’s fast-paced society, maintaining good health, and acting as a support system in the event of a fall.  The mind plays games, and losing the fundamentals is frustrating. Help is always needed, and having them around is a blessing. Needless to add, continents now separate parents and children. As a result, support is only possible virtually, and even that is considered a blessing. Life is challenging, and it’s doubly tough for the younger generation, as it is for those who are heading towards the sunset. 

The fortunate few have this opportunity, yet many others around the world are forced to spend their golden years alone. Season after season, birthday after birthday, new year after year, they simply stare out of their window. Summer, Spring, Autumn, and Winter.  They become friends with birds, squirrels, butterflies, bees, and even raccoons. A hobby to battle this loneliness is a must. A great tool to keep that sanity in place

Friendship, particularly those from childhood, is important during these years of life. It’s like a complete circle. Many of us are glad to get back to this childhood friends group because we require company, a bit of funny laughing, a nonjudgmental shoulder to rest on, and, of course, that little bit of gossip, discussion, and banter that is free of age constraints. If you have a bunch of genuine friends, count yourself lucky.

If you have good health, enough wealth, a roof over your head, warmth in the winter, music to keep your heart in rhythm, games to keep your mind ticking, and love from family, you can enjoy the best years of your life till the sun eventually sets.

Sitting by the water, in thought, and reflecting on the past becomes easier as one grows older. It’s God’s way of encouraging you to be grateful for what you have, to remember those who have held your hand, and to let a tear fall on your wrinkled palm as you feel the warmth of your mother’s touch, long gone but still very much there. Mothers have this unique virtue.

Gratitude wrapped in humility for a life that has passed. A good life if that is what fate has given you, or a difficult life if that is what destiny has planned for you – either way, it is a lottery. Leaving a good footprint on the shores of the cosmos will return to hug you in a form you would never have imagined.

The sun ultimately sets, and darkness descends. Some people wake up to see the sunlight, while others have travelled to an unknown universe. Someday, each of us will have the opportunity to travel down the tunnel that connects us to that universe, either to create another story or to become a star while watching others perform their roles as fated/destined.