Age Wave

Jane's Review:

In 1776 the average life span was 35. In 1875 the average life span was 40.Stastically, when the ‘empty nest’ happened, both parents were dead within 18 months. Today’s lifespan is 79 for women and 75 for men. This gift of years has radically changed how we think, what we consume – even who we are.

In 1989 Ken Dychtwald,Ph.D and Joe Flower first published the book “Age Wave”. The remarkable thing about this particular book about aging in the world Is how prescient it was about what has developed into one of today’s crucial issues.

“If you can anticipate the movement of the baby boom generation’s life-span migration, you can see the future.” The future from 1989 looked as if it would be more and more designed for and controlled by an aging boomer population.

Many things the authors foresaw to accommodate an aging population have come true. With the exception of most styles and a lot of current music/movies we elders have a lot of influence on trends, conveniences, discounts and services. We’re a welcome consumer, better informed, more tolerant. There are senior discounts everywhere. The question asked in this book is “is it fair?” Though I take advantage of and enjoy many elder privileges I know that the needs of younger family members may be much greater and almost impossible to obtain. “Is it fair?” Probably not, but are we willing to give up anything so hard-won? Many think we would “be more effective if we didn’t distribute so much money among men and women who could easily support themselves.” Not always a popular thought.

Much has been done to accommodate the swelling ranks of elder boomers want to grow old youthfully. Youthing is our watchword. We want to do it all, looking good and feeling great. We seek out potions and pills, injections and treatments of all kinds. We want instant results. “look 30 when you’re 50 in one week” - Oh, really? If only. We know malarkey when we read it.

Our first job is to love ourselves. That means the wrinkles, gray hair, whatever accompanies elder wisdom. You can dye it, tuck it, exercise it. That inner light you have will shine no matter how you look. Haven’t you always wanted to be loved for the inner you? Now’s your chance. We all age – “we’re not worn out but seasoned.”

Aging with Youthing in mind gives us the opportunity to let loose the kid inside. Have the adventures you didn’t have time or money for before. The best fun costs nothing but willingness to “grow older more youthfully.”

There’s so much out there now to grab your attention, inflame your passions. Classes, trips, volunteering, giving back in whatever way you can. We have so much to share. We get to fall in love with life again.

Aging doesn’t begin automatically at any age. Age is a matter of attitude plus health. We all know individuals even older than we are who still make a difference, contribute, guide, support, setting an example for all ages.

Whatever your age “how would your life be if you designed it right now?”

This book stirred up my mind, got me thinking about all the excellent ideas the authors had that didn’t pan out, weren’t implemented and how great it would be if those ideas came true now. There are more of ‘us’ now than ‘them’.

We have the sheer numbers to make things happen, backed by the wisdom of our age.

There’s a whole section on parents caring for their parents and the choices involved, the pitfalls, the help available. Many will come to be the caretakers of their aging parents as longevity extends. We will “spend more time taking care of our parents than we spent parenting our children.”

As predicted in ‘Age Wave’, whole industries have sprung up to help with this generational reality.

The “story of what is to come is the story of a productive, vigorous, and hopeful aging America. Aging is a lifestyle issue. Being 100% alive while alive is a choice. The 80% of Americans who live past 65 are increasingly vital with healthy bodies and minds.”

When this book was published 28% of Medicare was spent in the final year of life. As Daniel Callahan, PhD, a medical ethicist wrote in his book ‘Setting Limits’, the medical profession should “give up its relentless drive to extend the life of the aged.” Why trade quality of life for quantity?

Love who you are, where you are, what you’ve seen, get fit so you can fully enjoy all the time to come. Are you winding down or gearing up? Remember Matisse, Schweitzer, Gandhi were over 60 when they did their best.

The powers of the heart, mind and spirit are rising It’s not about who you ‘used to be’ but about who you are now. This is about the “growth and the evolution of the inner life. A more reflective time allows for further development of the interior life. We are a bridge between yesterday, today and tomorrow, no other group can perform this important evolutionary role.”

The final wisdom in this book is a valuable roadmap at any age: Uproot ageism; Have a flexible, cyclic life plan appropriate to a longer life. Discover ways to grow old well. Create products and services providing comfort, convenience pleasure and (health)

* Cooperate with all ages to create a social system fair to all

This book is as relevant today – maybe more so – than it was when it was published.

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